Things to Do
Located between Wolsingham and Tow Law in Weardale, Greenwell Hill Cottages lie in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as England's Last Wilderness. Once the hunting grounds of the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham, the breathtaking scenery offers visitors plenty to do.
Moorland streams flow into the River Wear where it makes its way through pretty Dales villages including Stanhope, Frosterley, St Johns Chapel, Fir Tree and Escomb. Wild meadow flowers and traditional dry stone walls complete this picturesque landscape and encourage birds and wildlife.
What to see on the Farm
Wild Meadow Flowers like Globe Flowers, Orchids and Foxgloves. Hunting Birds like Owls, Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow hawks and Red Kites Pippastrelle Bats, Roe Dear, Stoats, Weasels, Foxes and Hares.
Walking
Walking is a great way to explore Weardale and experience the tranquility, stunning countryside, magnificent views and varied wildlife and flora.
Hundreds of miles of public footpaths, former industrial railway lines and quiet country lanes provide a hige range of walking opportunities from peaceful family strolls to strenuous hill walking and long distance trails.
The North Pennines offers a hige variety of waling experiences in a nationally designated landscape full of character and features to enrich your visit! From the challenges of the open moorland landscape of the fells to the more intimate feel of the dales if you're into walking you'll love the many opportunities that the North Pennines offers!
The best way to find out about good walks is to pick up a leaflet at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope (DL13 2FJ).
Bird Watching
In spring and summer the high heather moorlands and blanket bogs are alive with the evocative calls of wading birds including golden plover, lapwing, curlew and dunlin; - black grouse dance on their leks and merlin and peregrine falcon race through the air.
Pheasant, grouse, partridge, snipe, ring ouzel, heron and redshank all compete for your viewing pleasure.
Cycling
Quite country roads and miles of easily accessible off road cycle ways make Weardale a mecca for cyclists. The unspoilt, uncrowded network of routes offer a wide range of experiences covering leisurely family bike rides / steep hill climbs and invigorating downhill rides / circular routes from 10 (16km) to 24 (39km) / and woodland rides in Hamsterley Forest / and the very challenging cross country C2C cycle route.
For the best information about Cycle Routes and Cycling in Weardale and the North Pennines call at the Tourist Information Centre in the Durham Dales Centre or visit www.northpennines.org,uk. The 'Wheels to the Wild Cycle Route', including three day routes is available at the Durham Dales Centre for £5.
Wood 'n' Wheels Cycle Hire in the Heart of Hamsterley Forest
- Martin Stout: Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Co Durham, DL13 3NL
- Tel: 0333 8008222 (free from a landline, reduced rate from mobiles)
Horse Riding
The North Pennines offers a range of opportunities for horse riding, from leisurely, guided pony rides for beginners to techincal upland hacks across historic pack-horse trails for the more experienced.
Hamsterley Riding School
- Judy Dennis: Hamsterely, Bishop Auckland, DL13 3NH, (01388) 488328 or 07774971423, Open all year
- Trekking available along a quest single track country lane. Beginners welcome. 30 minutes (£12) and one hour rides (£30)
- Trekking suitable for all ages (4+) along a quiet single track country lane. Families and beginners welcome - happy steeds and friendly staff
West Hoppyland Trekking Centre
- Carole and Bill Atkinson: West Hoppyland Farm, Hamsterely, Bishop Auckland, DL13 3NP, (01388) 488196 or 07738269134, Open all year
- West Hoppyland offers trekking over the high moors and along tree-lined tracks in Hamsterely Forest
- Group of up to three experienced riders can be taken for treks of 1, 1.5 or 2 hours
- Three / Four hour rides with picnic lunches and livery services are also available
Skiing and Snowboarding
The North Pennines has some of the best winter sport opportunities in England, with well estabilished ski clubs in Weardale, Allenheads and Yad Moss. Both day skiing/snowboarding and annual memberships are available from the clubs. There are also great opportunities for cross-country skiing and winter walking.
The Weardale Ski Club, Swinhope Fell, Westgate
- The club has a spacious two storey ski lodge, a snow mobile, a piste basher as well as two over lapping Doppelmayr button tows. At the ski club there is skiing, snowboarding and snow kiting on offer. The club arranges an answer phone with information about opening times, snow, access and weather conditions, 01388 527527, or visit the website.
