A trip through Teesdale through the central market town of Middleton in Teesdale past the waterfalls at Low and High Force up into the Pennine Hills to the Mining area of Alston where it joins with Weardale.

This is a drive worth investigating because at Alston one has a few alternative continuations after viewing the town and mining remains in the area.  

A scenic drive to Penrith (M6 & lake District) over the Pennine's at Hartside stopping for a cuppa with a view on the top or two routes North to  Hadrian's Wall Country at Brampton or Haydon Bridge in Tynedale. Alternatively turn back and return down Weardale to Teesside.

Visitors will not be aware at first of the number of farm houses painted white in Teesdale, there are a few variations to this story but all follow the same theme.  Lord Barnard the local land owner was returning home by horse one night when he was caught in a storm, on finding a farm he stopped and took refuge with the farmer overnight.  

The following morning on his departure he remarked on the poor state of repair of the farm, insisting that all necessary repairs be done and the bill be sent to him. This was duly done and on paying the bill Lord Barnard discovered that the farmer was not one of his tenants, from then on it was put in the tenancies agreements of all of his farms that they be painted white and be maintained that way so he knew which were his farms.