Latest news with #Weardale
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
Glorious summer walk in County Durham among UK's best - stop for a Sunday roast too
A glorious summer walk in the North East has been named among the best in Britain – fancy giving it a go? A stroll in Weardale in County Durham was highlighted by The Times for features including 'flower-filled hay meadows' and the scenic sites of waterfalls, with a pub stop for the 'best' Sunday roast along the way. Revealing its latest outdoor guide for the warmer weather, the publisher said: 'Water, wildlife and escaping the crowds are definite themes in ourpick of 20 glorious walks to try this summer. 'Starting in South Devon, Beesands boasts the best of both pebble beach and freshwater ley. 'Wildflowers abound on the chalk and limestone grasslands of the Isle of Wight, Cotswold and Belfast Hills, drawing butterflies in their numbers throughout the warmer months. "As do the woods of Blean in Kent and Savernake in Wiltshire, a stronghold of the elusive purple emperor.' It adds: 'For those who enjoy a mid-walk dip, the serene llyns and lochs of Eryri and Angus await. 'Or cool off in the spray of some truly magnificent waterfalls at Weardale, Wensleydale and the peaceful Howgill Fells, a stone's throw and a world away from the Lake District's tourist hotspots. 'Coastal wildlife flourishes over the summer too, from nesting seabirds at Stackpole and Sandwood Bay to dolphins and porpoises in the Moray Firth.' The Largest National Parks in the UK Read more about Britain's most glorious summer walks via The Times' website. What did The Times say about this glorious summer walk in Weardale? The publisher shared: 'Catch the brilliant blue of a kingfisher speeding along the River Wear, then climb through flower-filled hay meadows to the open moors of the North Pennines. 'Listen for the bubbling call of curlews and the peewit of acrobatic lapwings. Head back along wooded Middlehope Burn, passing old mineworks and waterfalls.' Wondering what the route that starts at Westgate village (DL13 1RX) entails? The experts at The Times have explained the directions to follow: Cross River Wear south of Westgate village and join Weardale Way (WW) with river on right, passing ford and footbridge. Cross Daddry Shield Bridge and next footbridge, following Burn Foot to road junction (889382). Turn left on road then take footpath (FP) on right uphill to Side Head. Turn left for short distance to Bridleway (BW) on right, following the walled track across Carr Brow Moor to road (882401). Turn right, following road around sharp right bend and down Middlehope Bank passing old mineworks. Turn right onto byway continuing to track junction (900398). Turn left, leaving byway and walking downhill to Middlehope Burn. Cross burn and turn right, following FP along riverbank towards Westgate, passing old mine and crossing burn a couple of times on the way. Upon reaching road, turn right to finish. The Weardale walk is around 6.5 miles long and labeled as a 'moderate' difficulty. But the best part about this County Durham walk? You can enjoy lunch by the river at the Hare and Hounds, Westgate, home to the Weard'Ale Brewery. The pub currently has a 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor from 140 reviews and has been heavily praised for its Sunday roasts. Recommended reading: County Durham's highest-rated glorious waterfall is England's 'most impressive' North East's 'best' beach is the 'most remote' tranquil coastal spot (so pretty) Small North East market town dubbed 'culinary hotspot' among best for foodies As this person complimented: 'My wife and I visited the Hare and Hounds today after pre booking, which seems essential. We were not disappointed. It was the Best Sunday Roast we have had for years. Freshly cooked vegetables and a choice of beef lamb or pork very good portions of meat served to you then put your own veg and trimmings. All with the best gravy. Friendly staff and bee from onsite brewery. Strongly Recommend.' Another added: 'Best Sunday lunch around. Great value for money and great beer to go with it. If you can get a table it's worth travelling up the dale.' Additionally, The Times advises the best way to get there is either by train to Bishop Auckland, bus to Westgate via Stanhope, or by car, following the A689 between Alston and Stanhope.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
5 reasons to visit the 'historic' County Durham town with links to ITV's Vera
A historic County Durham town with links to ITV's Vera has been described as 'well worth a visit' by web users. Set amid the rolling landscapes of the North Pennines, Stanhope is a historic market town that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a welcoming village feel, according to visitors. Known as the gateway to Weardale, Stanhope is placed for both exploration and relaxation. Stanhope is no ordinary small town—it is layered with centuries of English history. The Parish Church of St Thomas is a must-see, showcasing Norman and Early English architecture with later restorations. The churchyard is home to a 320-million-year-old petrified tree stump, one of three discovered locally—another of which is now in Newcastle's Great North Museum. Another top site is Stanhope Castle, a striking 18th-century structure built in 1798 for Cuthbert Rippon, former MP for Gateshead. Standing on a possible medieval castle site, the present-day building has had many lives—including as a school—and today contains private residences. While not open to the public, its presence dominates the town centre and adds a dramatic architectural note. Stanhope lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)—the second largest in England and Wales. It's a landscape of moorland, river valleys, waterfalls, and dramatic uplands. From Stanhope, you can explore the River Wear via walking trails, picnic along its banks, or venture into surrounding areas like Ashes Quarry for sweeping panoramic views of the dale. And in the summer months, visitors can cool off in one of only two heated open-air swimming pools in the North East—right in Stanhope! The Durham Dales Centre, located near the town centre, is the ideal starting point for any visit. Housed in a lovingly converted historic building, the centre features a tourist information hub, an excellent tea room, and a collection of local craft and gift shops. It's a great place to meet artisans and pick up handmade goods inspired by the surrounding landscape. The centre also hosts seasonal events, exhibitions, and workshops, making it a cultural anchor for the town and a warm welcome for visitors. Stanhope is the current terminus of the Weardale Railway, a heritage line offering scenic weekend rides between Bishop Auckland and the Durham Dales, with stops at Frosterley, Wolsingham, and Witton-le-Wear. This preserved railway line brings the region's industrial past to life, giving passengers a relaxed and nostalgic way to experience the countryside. Read more: Rare clouds seen over Darlington and County Durham as Met Office explains phenomenon One injured after major A1(M) smash near Darlington Darlington woman's four-year wait for new dentures amid dentist crisis Stanhope station itself is charming, complete with a tearoom, and has even starred as 'Partlington Station' in the popular ITV drama Vera. Train lovers, families, and anyone craving a leisurely ride through some of England's most unspoiled upland scenery will find this heritage journey a highlight. Every September, the town hosts the Stanhope Agricultural Show, one of the oldest country shows in England, first held in 1834. This traditional event—paused only for world wars and the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak—celebrates local farming, rural life, and community spirit. Expect livestock competitions, craft displays, equestrian events, traditional music, and local food stalls. It's a vibrant and family-friendly celebration of Weardale's deep agricultural roots and an ideal opportunity to connect with the area's rural identity.
BBC News
02-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
County Durham lithium find prompts factory plan
A company extracting lithium from remote countryside in County Durham has said it believes there are huge reserves of the mineral stored in granite below the Lithium said tests on a farm in Weardale indicated there were likely to be "commercially viable" amounts in the is needed for making batteries for electric vehicles and demand is expected to company and its partner firm, Evove, now plan to build a commercial scale direct lithium extraction factory by 2027. A small scale plant has been operating to demonstrate the possibility of producing battery-grade lithium Lithium said the goal was to produce 10,000 tonnes per year for electric vehicle manufacturing and other director Nick Pople said: "Consistent concentrations of lithium were found and the long term potential yields to scale this up to commercial operations were greater than we expected." Tests conducted on the site at Ludwell Farm in Eastgate involved taking raw brines from the ground which are then put through a filtration system to separate the lithium from Lithium has the rights to explore 60,000 acres of land owned by the Church Commissioners and said the North East can play a big role in providing a domestic supply instead of relying on imports. The search for lithium has been likened to a 21st century gold rush, with rival firm Weardale Lithium granted planning permission by Durham County Council in January for its own explorations Auckland MP Sam Rushworth said: "It's a really exciting opportunity. "In the North East we've got two big buyers of batteries in Hitachi and Nissan and the best place in the UK for extracting lithium from under our feet." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
