Swaledale and Teesdale

Following the River Swale westwards from Richmond through ever-changing scenery, Reeth is reached after 11mi/18km. Reeth was a lead-mining center from Roman times until the end of the 19th century; the Old Gang Smelting Mill (4mi/6km northwest of the town) is typical of that era.Each year in May and June, Reeth hosts the Swaledale Festival, a two-week event highlighting music and guided walks.

At Reeth a hilly moorland road goes off on the right to Arkengarthdale, passing through a number of tiny hamlets.

Passing straight through Arkengarthdale follow a road to the right and finally arrive at Barnard Castle, a small old town beautifully situated on the River Tees, with a ruined castle (1112-1132) overlooking the river.The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle features paintings and decorative arts.

Bowes Museum stands to the east of the town of Barnard Castle. It was founded by John Bowes and his wife Josephine Coffin-Chevalier, and was modeled on part of the Tuilleries Palace in Paris. It contains an outstanding collection of 18th century French works of art, including tapestries, ceramics, porcelain, manuscripts, furniture and paintings, as well as a number of old masters, including El Greco and Goya.

Raby Castle, 4mi/6km northeast of Barnard Castle, is an extremely well-preserved castle, dating from the 14th century. Most of the rooms are now furnished in the style of the 18th and 19th century; however, the church has remained almost completely unaltered for the past 600 years. Old coaches and fire engines are displayed in a nearby building.

The scenery of Teesdale above Barnard Castle is of great beauty. High Force is a 72ft/22m-high waterfall.

Mickle Fell in Upper Teesdale, at 2,591ft/7902m the highest point in Yorkshire, is famous for the variety of its flora, which includes Alpine and continental plants as well as species which normally grow farther south. In order to protect these plants nature reserves have been established at Cow Green and adjoining Moor House, and permits are required to enter them.

Egglestone Abbey in Swaledale is the ruins of a 12th C abbey. The abbey was founded in about 1195 and is a good example of a small monastic establishment, exhibiting several styles of architecture and all the principal components of a medieval monastery. At the dissolution in 1536, the east range of the cloister was converted into a mansion.

This annual festival takes place in late May.