Food trails

Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding, these food trails will help you find the best in fresh, wholesome local food along the way.

The 'On the Taste Trails' follow the course of old railway lines and rivers and venture onto the heather moorlands of the North Pennines. Two of these trails are on public bridleways so are suitable for horse riders and cyclists and the other two trails are on public footpaths. So you don’t grow weak on the way, some great places to eat a hearty local lunch, have a comforting cup of coffee or just a snack are highlighted in the On the Taste Trail  leaflets.


Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale: Taste Trail

Tees Railway path © NPAP/Shane Harris
This route (walk, cycle, horse ride) takes you along the old railway line that serviced the stone quarrying industry in Teesdale. The route start is close to Barnard Castle, although you can pick it up at a number of points along to way - splitting it into shorter sections. This guide has been written as a linear route but if you choose to walk it is possible to make shorter circular walks connecting up with other footpaths including the Teesdale Way. The majority of the path is along the old railway line. The section of the railway line from Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale was built by the Tees Valley Railway company during 1868 with stops at Cotherstone, Mickleton and Romaldkirk. There are two major engineering features on the line the Lunedale and Baldersdale Viaducts, you will pass over both these on this route. The decline of this section of railway started in the late 1950s and the line was earmarked for closure as part of the Beeching cuts with the last train running in April 1965.
Location:
Starting from Deepdale aqueduct layby on the B6277 outside Barnard Castle.
Distance:
16 km
Terrain:
Off road sections, On road sections
Area:
Recreation opportunities:

Taste Trails: Allendale to Whitfield Circular

Allendale Bakery © NPAP/Shane Harris
This route takes you from Allendale Town past Allen Mill and through the nearby village of Catton before crossing the valley of the River East Allen to Whitfield. The walk then returns to Allendale along Isaac’s Tea Trail. The route includes riverside walking and takes you through pleasant farmland and scenic wooded valleys. The Allendale landscape has been shaped by a long history of farming, estate management and minerals extraction.
Location:
Starting from Allendale Town in the East Allen Valley
Distance:
18 km
Terrain:
Boggy ground, Off road sections, On road sections
Facilities nearby
Recreation opportunities:

Taste Trails: Bradley Burn to Stanhope

Walkers in Weardale © NPAP/Shane Harris
This walking route is a linear trail that takes you along the course of the River Wear. You can return to the starting point using the bus. The route is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the dale that nestles below the open moors of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark, while indulging in some great local food. Along the way you will pass through the pastoral lamb and cattle producing farmland of the dale. Remnants of the quarrying and mining heritage of the area are all around you as you follow the river upstream. This route starts at Bradley Burn Farm Shop and Café, near Wolsingham and follows rights of way alongside the Weardale Railway and the River Wear. There are a number of great places along the way to stop for a bite to eat and a brew. Stanhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham are also good places to join the route and it can be done in shorter sections.
Location:
Starting from Bradley Burn Farm Shop.
Distance:
15 km
Terrain:
Boggy ground, Off road sections, On road sections
Area:
Recreation opportunities:

Waskerley and Lanchester Way: Taste Trail

Running on the Waskerley Way © Shane Harris
This route (walk, cycle, horse ride) follows the Lanchester Valley and Waskerley Way Railway Paths, climbing from the pleasant pastoral landscape near Durham to the rugged heather covered Stanhope Moor. The route is excellent for walkers, cyclists and riders, with its easy to follow, car-free sections. Wonderful wildlife, fascinating history and spectacular views are all on offer on this gem of a trail. You can approach this linear route starting in either direction and can tailor the length to suit your own requirements. In this leaflet we have made suggestions for three sections of varying lengths along the route. From Durham to Stanhope, this route starts at Broompark, near Neville’s Cross in Durham and follows mainly dedicated paths along old railway tracks for 22 miles to Parkhead above Stanhope, in Weardale. There are a number of great places along the way to stop for a bite to eat and a brew. Lanchester and Consett are also good places to join the route and it can be done in shorter sections. This route is accessible to all users.
Location:
Starting from the Durham County Council car park at Broompark (NZ250415), Durham.
Distance:
34 km
Terrain:
Off road sections, On road sections
Access:
Recreation opportunities:
Interests: