Geltsdale
Distance: 4.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 297 metres
Start/finish: Jockey Shield Cottages, CA8 9NF
Follow the A686 south through Alston and across the River South Tyne. Turn R onto the Pennine Way and follow it north along the river past Harbut Lodge to the A689. Turn R and then L, still on the Pennine Way, uphill behind Harbut Law. This section of path is also Isaac’s Tea Trail. Stay on the path as it curves around to the R and heads north-west across fields and over Gilderdale Burn to a bench and information board by Whitley Castle (3 miles/4.8km). Detour off the Pennine Way to explore the castle, then rejoin the Pennine Way descending to the A689 at Castle Nook Farm. Follow the path across the road then turn R (off the Pennine Way but still on Isaac’s Tea Trail), passing Kirkhaugh Station before crossing the river on Kirkhaugh Bridge and continuing R to the road. Turn R and follow the road south-east past Kirkside Wood and across Randalholm Bridge to reach a signed footpath heading R along the river bank. Follow this south, joining the railway path to return to the start.