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United Kingdom
England
North East England

Barnard Castle

Easy hikes and walks around Barnard Castle

4.6

(365)

1,999

hikers

75

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Barnard Castle are characterized by diverse and picturesque landscapes. The region features riverside paths along the River Tees, rolling hills, and ancient woodlands, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. The town is situated on the banks of the River Tees, offering numerous paths through woodlands and meadows. The broader Teesdale area encompasses wooded valleys and open moorland.

Best easy hiking trails around Barnard Castle

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop, a 4.5 miles (7.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 55 minutes to complete. This route follows the River Tees and passes the historic Egglestone Abbey ruins.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Eggleston Abbey – Egglestone Abbey Ruins loop from Barnard Castle, an easy 3.8 miles (6.1 km) path. This trail offers peaceful riverside walks with views of the abbey and surrounding hills.
  • Local hikers also love the Barnard Castle ruins – Cows on Teesdale Way loop from Barnard Castle, a 2.6 miles (4.1 km) trail leading through the historic castle ruins and along the River Tees, often completed in about 1 hour 6 minutes.
  • Hiking around Barnard Castle is defined by riverside paths along the River Tees, rolling hills, and ancient woodlands. The network offers options for various ability levels, focusing on easy hiking trails.
  • The routes in Barnard Castle are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 350 reviews. Nearly 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore Barnard Castle's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 2, 2026

4.7

(45)

160

hikers

#1.

Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop

7.24km

01:55

70m

70m

Embark on an easy 4.5-mile (7.2 km) hike around the Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop, offering a mix of riverside paths, woodlands, and open farmland. With a gentle elevation gain of 233 feet (71 metres), this route is suitable for most, taking approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete. You will enjoy views of the River Tees and its gorge, passing by the impressive ruins of Barnard Castle high above the river.

This accessible route is generally considered easy and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for a relaxed outing. Be aware that some sections can become muddy, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is advisable. The paths are a mix of paved, gravel, and natural surfaces, offering varied terrain throughout your walk.

The trail is rich in history, leading you to the spectacular ruins of Egglestone Abbey, a Premonstratensian monastery from the late 12th century, which is free to enter. You will also cross historic bridges like the 1773 Abbey Bridge and the 17th-century cobbled Bow Bridge. Portions of the route follow the Teesdale Way, and the nearby market town of Barnard Castle offers Georgian architecture and the notable Bowes Museum for further exploration.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Barnard Castle

Teesdale Way — A riverside hike from wild Pennines to the North Sea

Other adventures around Barnard Castle

Teesdale Way — A riverside hike from wild Pennines to the North Sea

Hiking Collection by

Dan Hobson

Tips from the Community

Stuart Wilcock
July 13, 2025, Pedestrian Bridge Over the River Tees

The bridge crosses the River Tees

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The stone Bridge over the River Tees connects the town of Barnard Castle with Startforth. It dates from the 14th Century and is overlooked by the castle.

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The River Tees runs through Barnard Castle on its way to the North Sea

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Very good cafe, well worth a visit after a walk or bike ride. Good food and friendly service.

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Part of pleasant walk back to the town from the river

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An interesting museum with a fantastic backstory - see the video history in the museum. There's often a big-name exhibition and of course there's the cafe.

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Bins here for doggy do

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Constructed during the Victorian era, this footbridge spanning the River Tees was initially designed to convey water from the elevated moorland to the coastal industrial towns. it now serves as a cycling and pedestrian bridge, with fantastic views over the water, including that of the castle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are there around Barnard Castle?

There are over 25 easy hiking trails around Barnard Castle, forming part of a larger network of more than 75 routes in the area. These easy trails are perfect for relaxed strolls along the River Tees and through local woodlands.

Are there any easy circular walks near Barnard Castle?

Yes, many of the easy trails around Barnard Castle are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop is a popular circular route that takes you along the River Tees and past historic ruins.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Barnard Castle?

Easy hikes in Barnard Castle typically feature gentle terrain, often following riverside paths along the River Tees, through ancient woodlands like Flatts Wood, and across meadows. While there are rolling hills in the broader Teesdale area, the easy routes generally have minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for all fitness levels.

Are the easy hiking trails around Barnard Castle suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! The easy trails are well-suited for families. Many routes offer gentle gradients and interesting sights like the River Tees and historical ruins. The Barnard Castle ruins – Cows on Teesdale Way loop is a shorter, easy option that children might enjoy, offering views of the castle and local wildlife.

Can I bring my dog on the easy walks in Barnard Castle?

Yes, many of the easy walks around Barnard Castle are dog-friendly, offering plenty of open spaces and riverside paths for your canine companion. Please remember to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and to clean up after them to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

What historical landmarks or natural features can I see on an easy hike?

Easy hikes often incorporate significant landmarks. You can explore the atmospheric Egglestone Abbey Ruins, or walk past the impressive Barnard Castle itself, perched above the River Tees. The Barnard Castle Market Cross – Barnard Castle ruins loop takes you through the town center and past the castle.

Is there parking available near the easy hiking trailheads?

Yes, Barnard Castle has several public car parks within or close to the town center, which serve as convenient starting points for many easy trails. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found on komoot tour pages.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Barnard Castle?

The easy trails in Barnard Castle are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 190 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the picturesque riverside scenery, the historical points of interest like Egglestone Abbey, and the well-maintained paths that make for a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Are there any pubs or cafes along the easy hiking routes?

Barnard Castle is a market town with various pubs and cafes, many of which are located conveniently close to the starting and ending points of easy hiking routes. You can often find refreshments in the town center after a pleasant walk along the River Tees or through the local woodlands.

What is the best time of year to go on an easy hike around Barnard Castle?

Barnard Castle's easy trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn provides stunning foliage along the River Tees. Even in winter, the paths can be beautiful, though some sections might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is advised.

Are there any viewpoints on the easy hikes around Barnard Castle?

Many easy hikes offer scenic viewpoints, particularly along the River Tees. The Deepdale Footbridge and View of Barnard Castle highlight offers a particularly good vantage point of the castle and the surrounding landscape. Routes often provide glimpses of the rolling hills and the historic architecture.

How long do the easy hikes typically take to complete?

The easy hikes around Barnard Castle vary in length, but many can be completed within 1.5 to 2.5 hours. For instance, the Egglestone Abbey Ruins – River Tees at Barnard Castle loop is an easy 3.8-mile path that typically takes less than 2 hours, perfect for a leisurely outing.

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