Middleton-in-Teesdale, Harnisha Hill, Great Eggles Hope, Durham.
[12.7 km] Wed 15 Jan 2014

OS Grid Ref: NY 9970 3066
Lat/Long: +54.671013, -02.006115
The map shows a car park on the B6278 near the summit boundary between Teesdale and Weardale. When I got there it was just a muddy area by the road and not what I’d call worth putting on the map. I set off down the road in misty conditions before taking a track down by the river. It was the old mine access track by Candlesieve Sike and looked like it was also the original road before the present line of the B6278 was constructed.

A short section had been washed away but the gap was easily crossed. It rejoined the main road higher up for a short way to the summit where the signs for Weardale and Teesdale are. At the summit a gate gave access to the moor but there was no visible path to follow. I started off walking west along the left side of the fence but soon climbed over to the other side. Approaching the first rise I was in cloud and couldn’t see anything. Although wet with patches of snow on the ground the going wasn’t too bad. Eventually the trig post came in to view. It was constructed of stone and not the usual concrete pillar.

I was now on Harnisha Hill but don’t have any idea why it is called that. I climbed the fence and headed roughly south across featureless moor. I was still in thick cloud so had no views so missed the curricks shown on the map. When down to 480m I dropped below the cloud and had a gloomy view of the valley below.

My next objective was to check out the shooting hut on Round Hill that I’d seen from a distance on previous walks in the area. The wooden hut appeared ahead and was in excellent condition. I was amazed and very pleased to find that it was unlocked. Inside was very tidy and clean with a large table and chairs. It was the ideal place to sit out of the wind and eat my lunch.

I took care not to leave any crumbs, left and closed the door behind me. I was now on the vehicle access track to the hut so the walking was easy.

I descended to Great Eggleshope Beck and crossed the concrete ramp over the river to the old mine buildings. Further down the beck the map shows the crossing via a ford. The map was correct and the river was too deep to step across so I had to take my boots off and wade across. The good thing was the river bed at the ford had stone slabs on it making the walking easier but still very cold. The track continued to the road at Middle End Farm were I turned left to follow the road back to the car.