Egglestone Abbey to Meeting of the Waters Walk
Looking for a peaceful walk near Barnard Castle? This riverside walk from Egglestone Abbey to the Meeting of the Waters is one of the calmest short walks in Teesdale, combining flowing rivers, historic landmarks and quiet countryside paths in one relaxing out and back route.
The walk begins at Egglestone Abbey before following the River Tees through woodland, open fields and peaceful riverside scenery towards the Meeting of the Waters, where the River Greta joins the River Tees. Along the way you will pass Abbey Bridge, stepping stones and some of the quieter landscapes around Barnard Castle.
At around 3.4 miles return, this easy walk near Barnard Castle is ideal for visitors looking for scenic riverside walks in Teesdale without steep climbs or difficult terrain. It is a route that feels peaceful from start to finish and shows a quieter side of the Teesdale landscape.
QUICK FACTS
Distance: 3.4 miles return
Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
Elevation Gain: Gentle
Start Point: Egglestone Abbey car park (DL12 9TH)
Route Type: Out and back
Terrain: Riverside paths, woodland tracks, open fields, short road section and stepping stones
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs under control near livestock
Parking: Free parking with donation box
OS Map: Explorer OL31
Digital Route: See the route
GPX files: Free download here
Parking and Access
Parking for this walk is available at Egglestone Abbey car park, which is a decent sized car park with easy access to the start of the route.
Most of the walk follows peaceful riverside paths beside the River Tees, although some sections can be rocky, uneven and slippery, especially after wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended and extra care should be taken near the river.
This is a lovely walk for families and children, with plenty of nature, riverside scenery and open space along the way. However, there are some drops beside the river in places, so children should be supervised carefully throughout the route.
The route is not pushchair friendly due to uneven riverside paths, steps, rough ground and stepping stones along the walk.
Route Description
Start at Egglestone Abbey car park and head back down the track you arrived on towards Abbey Bridge. At the traffic lights, cross the road beside the old toll booth and follow the sign leading down onto the riverside path beside the River Tees.
The walk follows the river closely for much of the route, passing through peaceful woodland and quiet riverside scenery. After a while you will cross a small side beck using stepping stones before climbing a short set of steps into an open field. Continue along the lower edge of the field and into a small woodland section.
As the woodland path ends, you will reach a corner beside the main road. Turn left here and follow the quiet single track lane downhill towards the Meeting of the Waters.
At the sharp right bend in the road, you can carefully climb down towards the river for a closer view of the Meeting of the Waters, where the River Greta joins the River Tees. The rocks can be slippery, especially after rain, so take care. It is a lovely place to pause for a drink, a flask of tea or coffee, or even a quiet picnic beside the river.
If you continue a little further along the lane instead, you will reach Dairy Bridge, which gives a different view across the rivers and surrounding landscape. Standing here, it is easy to understand why artists such as J. M. W. Turner were inspired by this part of Teesdale. The scenery feels peaceful, calming and beautifully untouched.
Once finished, simply retrace your steps back the same way to Egglestone Abbey.
A Moment of Calm
This is not a walk to rush.
As you follow the River Tees and reach the Meeting of the Waters, there’s a natural stillness that settles in. The sound of flowing water, the movement of the trees, and the open space around you make it easy to slow down without even realising it.
Find a quiet spot, sit for a while, and just take it in. Places like this don’t ask much of you, just a little time.
About This Walk
This walk was explored and photographed by Outdoor Exploring Family as part of Discover Teesdale, our local guide to walks, waterfalls and quieter places across Teesdale.
The route follows the River Tees from Egglestone Abbey to the Meeting of the Waters using real paths, landmarks and local knowledge gathered on foot.
The GPX route and digital map are designed to help visitors confidently explore this peaceful riverside walk near Barnard Castle, although we always recommend carrying a map and using your own judgement on the ground.
Explore More in Teesdale
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