Kirkcarrion loop from Middleton in Teesdale

The Kirkcarrion loop typically starts and ends in Middleton in Teesdale. You can find parking within the village, which serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Yes, the loop is generally dog-friendly. However, as it passes through farmyards and alongside stone walls, it's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock. Always follow the Countryside Code.

The loop can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the best chances for drier paths and spotting local wildlife like lapwings and curlews. Be aware that after wet weather, some sections can become boggy, requiring sure-footedness.

No, you do not need a permit or to pay an entrance fee to hike the Kirkcarrion loop. It is freely accessible within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Kirkcarrion loop is approximately 5.3 km (3.5 miles) long and generally takes between 1 hour 24 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

This is considered a moderate hike. While some paths are accessible, it involves an elevation gain of around 200 meters and requires good fitness and sure-footedness, especially in potentially boggy sections after rain.

The trail features a varied terrain, including paths, roads, footpaths, and hiking paths. You'll follow tracks up hills, through farmyards, and alongside stone walls. Be prepared for potentially boggy sections in dips after wet weather.

You'll enjoy superb views back over Middleton in Teesdale and the surrounding countryside. A notable highlight is the Kirkcarrion Bronze Age Burial Mound, a distinctive copse of pine trees. You can also catch views of Grassholme Reservoir from certain points. The The Forresters, Middleton-in-Teesdale is also a viewpoint along the way.

Kirkcarrion is a fascinating landmark – a copse of pine trees planted on a walled hill, which is actually a Bronze Age burial mound. Local legends speak of a Brigantean prince or Bronze-Age chieftain named Prince Caryn buried there, and tales of a ghost on horseback. A popular legend also claims no wind blows within its circle of trees.

Yes, the Kirkcarrion loop is conveniently located just off the longer Pennine Journey trail. Sections of the Pennine Way and Teesdale Way also pass through the wider area around Middleton in Teesdale.

Yes, Middleton in Teesdale, your starting point, offers facilities such as cafes and pubs. It's a former lead mining town and a good place to refresh before or after your hike.