SWMBO and I are shortly making a long-overdue visit to see my daughter, who lives in the Tyne valley. We shall be staying in Corbridge for a couple of days.
We then plan to visit SWMBO's aunt and uncle, who live in Grassington, leaving Corbridge on a Sunday morning and arriving in the evening - so, a day to use in sight-seeing.
We're not familiar with the area and it would be fun to use minor roads, stopping to look around as the mood takes us.
What route would the BR suggest?
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Edit! - I'd mis-read you post and have given the route the below the wrong way around.
As you're making a day of it I'd head up the dale on the B6160 turn left at bucken and head over the hills to Hawes by way of Oughtershaw. Stop a while and enjoy Hawes then north again over the Buttertubs into Thwaite in Swaledale. Turn left down the valley on the on B6270 for about 5 miles before turning north again on the unclassified roads to Barnard Castle and then follow the B roads more or less north to Corbridge via Stanhope. I'm less familiar with the roads north of Barnard Castle so perhaps some one local would suggest an alternative. Also if it's likely to be Icy I would recommend sticking to B roads at least which are more likely to be gritted.
Edited by *Gongfarmer* on 27/03/2008 at 15:07
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Satnav directed us from Greta Bridge (great pub for lunch there), which is just off the A66 to Hexham via Barnard Castle and Stanhope (B6277, B6278).
It's a wild route, especially in the snow storms of last weekend - 1600 ft at one point - but it was far more interesting than the A1, A68 I would have used without satnav.
PS -Old Hall at Threshfield or the Fountaine at Linton if you want somewhere to eat near Grassington!
Edited by daveyjp on 27/03/2008 at 15:33
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It gives you two options if you're doing both bits. I'd go Hawes, Alston (stop for a beer in the George in Garrigil, just south of Alston) Haydon Bridge. Then for the the return trip go through Blanchland (a beer in the Lord Crewe), Stanhope, Barnard Castle, Leyburn.
I can't really speak for the south end of the journey, but the above will give you decent enough roads and no worthwhile traffic.
Or you could start in Corbridge, if you prefer...
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Thanks, guys - just what I need. I think I can cope with reverse routes and would certainly be using satnav.
The suggestions for refreshment stops are especially welcome.
Further ideas about any places of interest (even off the basic route) like viewpoints, natural features (waterfalls etc.), museums (in case it's tipping it down) etcetera would still be welcome, but I thank those who have so far contributed.
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>> features (waterfalls etc.) >>
As Stanhope and Barnard Castle (known as Barney, locally) have been mentioned, you're not far from Teesdale High Force if you want some waterfall action.
It's on the B6277, north west of Middleton in Teesdale and marked on most maps.
There's a pleasnt walk of a few hundred metres to get to the falls from the car park - lots of wild flowers.
Falls themselves are among the tallest locally, but don't expect Niagra.
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If you're going through Hawes and it's a wet day then there are the Yorkshire Dales Countryside Museum and the Hawes Ropemakers that will give you a few hours of 'dry' options, though personally I love the Dales in just about any weather, each type of weather just lends a different beauty to the countryside.
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Bowes museum near "Barney" for culture.
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