Okay, first things first. Leekworth accepts motorhomes and touring caravans. But as you pitch next to the historic River Tees, amidst buttercup meadows and the remote, unspoilt surroundings of the Pennines, you soon realise that despite first impressions Leekworth Caravan Park cannot help being a cool place to camp.
First job, where to pitch? Luckily finding somewhere to camp on this spacious site is easy. The main field is split by a grassy road, with the top-half closest to the brand new, and spotlessly clean showers, sinks and toilets. Through the gate (at the other end of the field) is a smaller, triangular field specifically designated for campers of the canvas kind. This field is a real lifesaver when mother nature gets herself in a bad mood, sheltering visitors from what can be some serious northern winds.
The surrounding area is simply beautiful and deservedly popular with the walking community. Leekworth is located directly on the Teesdale Way; a stunning 100 mile walk which follows the banks of the meandering River Tees (from its source in Dufton), passing the remote moorlands of Cumbria and into the industrial landscapes of Teeside, providing a fascinating insight into the once proud ship building heritage of the North East.
Leekworth is the sort of site that ticks so many different boxes. It works for those wanting to get away from it all, those wanting the challenge of the Teesdale Way, or for those wanting to discover some of England’s finest castles, villages and museums. You don’t need to be eagle eyed to spot the charm of County Durham, and Leekworth is the perfect base to go and explore it all.
Discover one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Britain at High Force (01833 622209), and watch in awe as the whole of the River Tees plunges over its precipice. For another spectacular sight, there’s Cauldron Snout, more of a long cataract than a waterfall, and at 200 yards it’s thought to be England’s longest waterfall. Killhope (01388 537505), the North of England’s Lead Mining Museum (near Cowshill, 18 miles) is a multi-award-winning 19th century lead mine and museum. The C2C – a 140-mile cycle route starts at Whitehaven, finishes at Newcastle or Sunderland, and passes through Rookhope-in-Weardale at around mile 95.
Grab yourself some local Cotherstone cheese, named after a village in Teesdale. It’s available from the farmer’s market (the first Saturday of the month) or from Armitages (01833 690909) in Middleton-in-Teesdale. There are nearer pubs, but it's worth your while going the extra mile or 2 to the Three Tuns (01833 650289) at Eggleston. This traditional inn serves delicious homemade food with the lamb & mint pudding proving popular with the punters. The village is a 10 minute walk away, which has a small supermarket, cash machine, chip shops and pubs.
