To celebrate Railway 200, the North Eastern Railway Association (NERA) are organising a 2025 Railway Heritage walk.
The South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway was established as a separate company but driven by the Stockton & Darlington Railway. The Middleton-in-Teesdale branch was also established on the same basis. Although both are now closed, they illustrate how the S&DR’s success spread to a much wider area.
Getting there:
Meet at 09:30 on Saturday 3 May 2025, at the Barnard Castle Galgate bus stop for 09:50 Service 95/96 to Middleton-in-Teesdale. Catch bus to outside former station at Middleton-in-Teesdale at own expense. Leave bus at Middleton, walk to Barnard Castle (about 10 miles). Expected back at Barnard Castle by 16:30.
Walk overview:
Walk from bus stop, past the former Middleton station which is viewable through trees, to join the branch line (Tees Valley Path). Once on the line walk towards Barnard Castle, passing former station sites at Mickleton, Romaldkirk and Cotherstone. Stop at Romaldkirk for lunch (there are 2 pubs, and at least one café, plus places to eat sandwiches outside). Join former South Durham and Lancashire Union line to visit River Tees bridge abutments. Continue on paths into Barnard Castle. Most of the walk is on good quality paths, although it can be waterlogged at times and there are steps – it’s not suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs. Attendees are advised to wear stout footwear and have suitable waterproof clothing. Along the way there will be images shown of the former railway. A set of notes will be emailed to attendees – printed version available by arrangement.