Summerhouse - Gainford - Piercebridge - Summerhouse

Norman Hope

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The walk starts in the picturesque village of Summerhouse and goes south to the village of Gainford with its smart village greens. Legend has it that the residents on the two sides of the river disputed ownership of a ford across the Tees. In the eventual battle, residents of the Durham side of the river gained the ford and their village became known as Gainford. On the Yorkshire side of the river lies the site of the deserted village of Barforth or Barford, said to be named in memory of its residents' attempt to barricade the ford during the dispute. Then it's along the river to the village of Piercebridge with its Roman fort. The Romans built a fort here to defend the crossing against the Brigantes, but after the Romans left in around 410AD there was no important Saxon or medieval settlement, although some people stayed on in the fort for a century or so. Then we return through the rolling countryside to Summerhouse.

England - North England - Durham - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Mostly Flat, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Wildlife

8/21/2020 - sandra ingram

Lovely, pleasant walk taking in part of the Teesdale Way. Gorgeous views of the beautiful River Tees. Great to see Piercebridge 'bridge' from a different angle and to be able to have a look around the Roman remains.

3/14/2015 - ian langlands