A walk to two sets of ruins, getting to use our English Heritage cards twice in the same day!
Egglestone Abbey is a ruined Premonstratensian abbey in County Durham, England. It is located 1 1⁄2 miles south-east of Barnard Castle, on the south bank of the River Tees, and was historically within the North Riding of Yorkshire.
On the fringe of the town named after it, Barnard Castle takes its own name from Bernard de Balliol, who began the stone fortress here in the 12th century. His successors raised the mighty round tower, before losing the castle after a failed attempt to become kings of Scotland.
Later owners included Richard of Gloucester, (who later became Richard III) whose white boar emblem is carved above a window in the great chamber. Search out this royal badge and then enjoy great views from the window of the winding tree-lined river below.
The route we took started with a visit to Egglestone Abbey, then followed the South bank of the River Tees North to Barnard Castle. After visiting the second castle it was a simple trek South, back down the River Tees, this time on the North bank back to the Abbey.
The Abbey is an imposing sight as you drive up to it.
Parking right next to the site here.
Here is an idea on how the Abbey used to look.
And how it looks now.
After a meander around the Abbey ruins it was time to head to Barnard Castle. Crossing this bridge near the grounds and following the road along the south bank of the river for a short distance.
Some great artwork on this shed.
As the road turns left, away from the river, take the footpath to the right. Following the river along a dirt path and through some trees.
Continue along the path where you pass through a caravan site and continue along the riverbank path. As you get to Barnard Castle you pass this footbridge, we won';'t be crossing the river here though.
In the distance you can see the roadbridge we will be using to cross the river. Follow the riverbank path to get to the roadbridge.
Getting to the roadbridge you can see how close it is to the Castle itself.
How Barnard Castle used to look.
And how it looks now.
The view from the top.
After a good exploration of the Castle ruins it was time to head back, this time we headed back down the river on a path along the North bank.
This path is part of the Teesdale Way and follows the river bank all the way back to Easby Abbey where you cross back over the river at the cunningly named Abbey Bridge.
Crossing the bridge and turning right we were back on the road we arrived to the Abbey on. Here's the road back to the Abbey and Tiggy.
