Cotherstone Moor Circular Walk
This Cotherstone Moor circular walk near Barnard Castle explores one of the most fascinating and quietly historic landscapes in Teesdale. Stretching across open moorland, the route links together ancient carvings, abandoned farmsteads, forgotten buildings and wide sweeping views across the North Pennines.
This walk links several historic landmarks on Cotherstone Moor including Butter Stone, Freewill House, West Loups Farmstead, East Loups Farmstead, prehistoric rock art and the Sunnybrow Lime Kiln.
Starting from Moor Road near Cotherstone, the walk leads out across the moor to discover the carved Butter Stone, the mysterious ruins of Freewill House and the atmospheric remains of West Loups and East Loups farmsteads. Along the way you will also find prehistoric rock art carved into exposed stones and the remains of the Sunnybrow Lime Kiln, a small but important reminder of Teesdale’s farming past.
What makes this walk special is not just the landmarks themselves but the landscape that connects them. Cotherstone Moor may look quiet and empty at first glance, yet scattered across the ground are traces of thousands of years of human activity. Prehistoric carvings sit close to nineteenth century lime kilns, while abandoned farmsteads mark the lives of families who once worked this remote upland landscape above Teesdale.
If you are visiting Barnard Castle and looking for a peaceful walk with real history beneath your feet, this route offers a wonderful way to explore the quieter side of Teesdale.
Quick facts
Distance: approximately 6.5 miles
Time: around 2 hours 20 minutes
Route type: circular walk
Elevation gain: approximately 390 ft
Terrain: moorland tracks, grassy paths, open access land and short roadside sections
Difficulty: moderate with uneven ground and exposed moorland
Dog friendly: yes, dogs should be kept under close control around livestock
OS map: Explorer OL31 North Pennines
Digital route: view the full route on Hiiker
Parking and access
Parking for this walk is available in a large layby along Moor Road on the edge of Cotherstone Moor, just a short drive from Barnard Castle. From Cotherstone village, follow Moor Road as it climbs out onto the moor and you will soon reach the layby on the left-hand side of the road. The open landscape around you makes it easy to spot and it provides a convenient starting point for heading straight out onto the moor.
The nearest postcode is DL12 9UN, though this should be used only as a rough guide rather than an exact destination. Parking here is informal and shared with visitors exploring the surrounding moorland, so please park considerately and leave space for local access and farm vehicles.
As with much of the upland landscape around Barnard Castle and Teesdale, ground conditions can vary depending on the weather. Moorland paths can be uneven and muddy after rain, and the open ground can feel exposed in windy conditions. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and it is always worth checking the forecast before setting out.
Important notice
Part of this walk passes through Battle Hill military training area, also known locally as the Battle Hill ranges.
If red flags are flying the range is active and the area beyond the gate must not be entered under any circumstances.
Before setting out it is worth checking the current range activity by searching for Battle Hill ranges firing times online. Always follow any warning signs or instructions you see on the moor.
Route description
From the layby on Moor Road begin by turning right along the road in the direction of Cotherstone. After a short walk along the roadside you will soon spot the Butter Stone sitting quietly in the grass on your left.
From here leave the road and head out across open access moorland towards the ruins of Freewill House which sit beside a small beck further across the hillside. Even from a distance the scattered stone walls of the building stand out against the grass, offering the first hint of the history waiting to be discovered on the walk.
After exploring the ruins continue uphill along the track which climbs gently away from the building. The route soon reaches a wide gravel turning area that looks almost like a small car park before continuing across the moor.
A little further on the path crosses How Beck via a small wooded bridge before climbing gradually across the open moorland. At this point the landscape begins to open up, with the distinctive hill of Goldsborough rising to the right and long views stretching across Teesdale.
The path follows a line of grouse butts before eventually reaching a gate in a wall which marks the edge of the Battle Hill training area.
If red flags are flying do not continue beyond this point. Instead follow the wall past Loups Plantation and take the track leading down past Battle Hill Farm which eventually reconnects with Moor Road.
If the range is inactive and the route is open, pass through the gate and follow the public right of way down towards West Loups Farmstead. This land is not open access so the marked path should be followed carefully.
The scattered ruins of West Loups soon appear ahead. The site is now protected as a scheduled monument and the remains reveal the outline of an upland farmstead that once stood high on the moor above Teesdale.
Continuing downhill the path leads towards East Loups Farmstead where more ruined walls and building remains can be seen scattered across the hillside.
While exploring this area it is worth briefly backtracking uphill to visit two lesser known historic features hidden among the rocks. Here you will find the remains of the Sunnybrow Lime Kiln along with a small group of prehistoric carvings known as cup and ring marks.
These shallow circular carvings were created thousands of years ago during the Neolithic or Bronze Age and are some of the oldest human markings anywhere on Cotherstone Moor.
After returning to the main path continue past East Loups Farm and nearby sheep pens before heading back across open access moorland along the edge of the training area.
Following the wall eventually leads back to Moor Road. Turn left along the road and after a short walk the layby where the walk began soon comes back into view.
This is a walk best taken slowly. The quiet landscape may appear empty but once you begin to notice the details it becomes clear that every part of the moor carries traces of the past.
From the higher parts of the moor there are wide views across Teesdale towards the countryside surrounding Barnard Castle.
Butter Stone
The Butter Stone sits quietly beside Moor Road and is one of the most unusual historic landmarks on Cotherstone Moor. According to local stories the stone was once used during times of plague when farmers would leave butter, eggs and other produce here for buyers to collect without direct contact.
Small carved grooves in the stone may have been used to hold coins or goods during these exchanges. Whether the story is entirely true or partly legend, the Butter Stone has become an enduring symbol of Teesdale’s rural traditions.
Freewill House
The ruins of Freewill House stand beside a small beck above Briscoe and are surrounded by open moorland. Historical records suggest the building may once have been used as a meeting place for early nonconformist religious gatherings serving isolated farming communities.
Although little remains today beyond the stone foundations and low walls, the quiet setting gives a powerful sense of how remote life on the moor once was.
West Loups Farmstead
West Loups Farmstead is one of the most archaeologically important locations on the walk. Beneath the visible ruins lie traces of an earlier medieval settlement, while nearby stones contain prehistoric carvings that date back thousands of years.
The site is protected as a scheduled monument and forms part of a wider prehistoric landscape across Cotherstone Moor.
East Loups Farmstead
Further down the hillside the remains of East Loups Farmstead reveal the outlines of another upland farm that once operated in this remote environment. Historic maps show the farm as part of the agricultural landscape of nineteenth-century Teesdale before it was eventually abandoned.
Today the low stone walls and building foundations give a quiet glimpse into the lives of the families who once worked the land here.
Cotherstone Moor rock art
Hidden among the stones near East Loups are several prehistoric carvings known as cup and ring marks. These shallow circular hollows carved into stone date back to the Late Neolithic or Bronze Age and form part of a much wider prehistoric landscape across the North Pennines.
Although easy to overlook, they represent some of the oldest human activity recorded anywhere on Cotherstone Moor.
Sunnybrow Lime Kiln
The remains of the Sunnybrow Lime Kiln sit quietly built into the slope above the old moorland track. During the nineteenth century lime kilns like this were used by farmers to burn limestone and produce lime which could then be spread across fields to improve the acidic upland soil.
Although only earthworks remain today the kiln forms another small but important piece of Teesdale’s rural history.
Safety and access information
This walk passes through open moorland and historic landscapes where old ruins and archaeological remains are visible. Many of these features are fragile and should not be climbed on or disturbed.
Parts of the route cross open access land while others follow public rights of way across farmland. Please remain on marked paths where required and respect the surrounding landscape.
Livestock may be present along sections of the route and dogs should be kept under close control at all times.
Weather conditions can change quickly across the North Pennines and the moor is exposed in places, so suitable clothing and sturdy footwear are strongly recommended.
About this walk
This circular walk was explored and recorded on foot by Outdoor Exploring Family as part of our ongoing work documenting Teesdale’s walks, landscapes and history.
The route includes a mixture of moorland tracks, grassy paths and open access land above Teesdale. The digital route map shows the exact path followed, although carrying a paper map and using your own judgement on the ground is always recommended.
This walk forms part of Discover Teesdale, our growing guide to the walks, history, waterfalls and hidden places that make this part of the North Pennines such a special place to explore.
Discover Teesdale
More walks around Barnard Castle
Bowes Castle and Mill Force Walk
Barnard Castle to Abbey Bridge Circular Walk
Whorlton Village and Whorlton Waterfall Walk
Teesdale History and Heritage hub
Coldberry Lead Mine
Life in the Teesdale Lead Mines
Teesdale Waterfalls
Teesdale Walks
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