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 for a short distance.
Some great artwork on this shed.
Following a path alongside the river and passing a footbridge.
In the distance you can see the roadbridge at Barnard Castle.
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 on the North bank.
The path follows the river bank for most of the way until you get to 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.
