Location
The Area
​
Sometimes called “the forgotten dale”, Weardale is sandwiched between Teesdale and Tynedale in the North Pennines AONB. The valley is rich in industrial heritage, once having been at the centre of England’s lead mining industry. Now, it is a thriving agricultural and tourist destination, with rolling high fells and moors. The North Pennines is England’s last true moorland wilderness.
There’s plenty of wildlife to look for. The moors are a haven for curlew, lapwings, Red Kites, skylarks and other moorland birds. The area is also one of the few remaining sanctuaries for black grouse and red squirrels.
​
The village
​
The cottage is located in a quiet lane in St John’s Chapel in County Durham. The village has two pubs and a café, all of which are dog friendly. There is also a Co-Op supermarket which stocks all the basics and more and is open late. All are within a 5 minute walk.
​
Activities
​
The area is ideal for walking. There are plenty of long and short walks that can be undertaken right from the front door.
​
The area is also popular with cyclists. The village lies on the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycling route and, for the hardcore cyclist, also boasts the Chapel Fell climb over the highest paved road in England straight out of the village.
​
The award winning Killhope Lead Mining Museum (about 5 miles away) offers an interactive experience of being a lead miner in the 1800s, including a full underground tour. Come and see how “the old boys” did it back in the day.
​
Other local activities include the Weardale Railway, an 18 mile heritage line (www.weardale-railway.org.uk), the Weardale Museum (https://weardalemuseum.org.uk/) and High and Low Force waterfalls in Teasdale (https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/).
Further afield, we are also in striking distance of Barnard Castle and the Bowes Museum (about 20 miles), the cathedral city of Durham (about 25 miles), Hadrian’s Wall (about 30 miles).