God's Bridge to Bowes - Durham Round Trail

Start: Pasture End House on A66 (54.51138, -2.06964) Grid ref. NY 955 129

(S) If continuing from the previous stage, walk right (West) alongside the A66. If starting from this point, cross the stile onto the Pennine Way and turn left walking (West) alongside the A66. Turn left under the A66 and then turn left walking back alongside the A66 (East) beside the wall. After 70m turn right down the track following the Pennine Way, passing God's Bridge Cottage until you reach the River Greta.

(1) Cross God's Bridge and turn left following the banks of the River Greta (East) passing through 2 gates then turning South then East again through the fields. At the track junction, turn right South for approximately 100m then turn left back onto the Pennine Way to East Mellwaters. Turn left at the farm back towards the river and bridge.

Alternative Route: At the track junction, keep to the banks of the River Greta until you reach the bridge. This section may be very muddy in wet weather.

(2) Do not cross the bridge but continue to follow the Pennine Way along the southern banks of the River Greta Eastwards.

(3) Cross the bridge and then head towards the left side of the farm buildings. Walk around the West Charity Farm, heading South then East again.

(4) At the next farm (Lady Myers), the track becomes Long Close Lane. Continue to follow this lane Eastwards still ignoring the sign for the Pennine Way to the left until you reach Gilmonby after 1.1 Km.

(5) At the end of the road, turn left and continue north crossing Gilmonby Bridge over the River Greta. Continue uphill until you reach Bowes, continue past the play park to the village hall (E).

Start: Pasture End House on A66 (54.51138, -2.06964) Grid ref. NY 955 129

Transport: Although there are laybys near the start, it is not recommended that you park there. Park in Bowes at the end of the walk and arrange a lift or taxi to the start of the walk, try Hodgsons.

Facilities: There are no facilities on the route. The Ancient Unicorn in Bowes serves food and provides accommodation.

Accessibility: This walk includes stiles, gates, cattle grids and sections across fields and is therefore not classed as accessible.

• God's Bridge (1) is a natural stone bridge formed by the water eroding the limestone beneath.
• Bowes Castle (E) is the impressive ruins of Henry II's 12th century keep, on the site of a Roman fort guarding the approach to strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines.
• River Greta and Mill Force (waterfall) - across the field from Bowes Castle.