Middleton-in-Teesdale, along a footpath on the north bank of the Tees, Eggleston (pub), Eggleston Hall, Romaldkirk (two pubs), a former railway and more of the good old Tees.

From the car park in the middle of Middleton, follow the B6277 and before it crosses the River Tees take the riverside footpath to your left, following the Teesdale Way past the sewage works and downstream for a couple of miles. It eventually leaves the river bank, after a few ups and downs to get across tributaries, and climbs towards Egglesburn Farm. Follow the farm road to the B6282, cross the road with care (stupid bikers tend to race here) and climb gently on the minor road signposted to Stanhope. Don't be tempted to bear left, keep the woods to the your right and when you come to a couple of footpath signs on your right, take the second one. You are still on the Teesdale Way, and follow the waymarks to stay on it. After passing a few farms and posh houses, you'll eventually reach Eggleston, where you head south through the village (stop at the Three Tuns if you must) to the B6282. Follow it for a short distance before turning right on the B6281 down past the entrance to Eggleston Hall on your right, cross the river on the narrow road bridge and turn left on the signposted path, still the Teesdale Way, following it into Romaldkirk.

Here the Rose and Crown will probably frown on muddy boots and if you occupy the seat of a regular. The more modest Kirk Inn, however, is probably better suited to those who have walked further than from the car park. Last time we were there, they had Timothy Taylor Landlord and Deuchars, but the boss wasn't as busy as he would like to be. Go on, give him a try.

After refreshments, leave Romaldkirk by following the road’s gentle climb west, straight over the crossroads and, after passing a railway signal and the former railway station building, turn right on the Tees Railway Walk for the easiest return journey you'll ever do ... it's so easy to follow you could do it with your eyes closed (or when fully refreshed). It’s four miles back to Middleton, but very interesting all the way as you pass a lot of farm buildings converted into impressive homes and cross an even more impressive viaduct (right).
It crosses the River Lune and a minor road, which takes traffic further up the Lune to Grassholme and Selset reservoirs, popular with anglers and sailors.
A step stile on the right when the track is opposite Middleton takes a footpath down to the banks of the river and on to the B6277 across the Tees and back to the car park.