Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Coast and Countryside Escapes
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Special Offers
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • The Auckland Project
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Support Durham's Local Businesses
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
      • Regional Delivery Service
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • Autumn Highlights
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Family Events
      • Free Events
      • February Half Term Events
      • Mother's Day Events
    • Foodie Events
    • Historic Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Valentine's Day Events
    • 2023 Unmissable Events
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Collage Restaurant and Grill
      • Eating Out at Ushaw
      • Headlam Hall Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Ozone at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Rose and Crown
      • Undercroft Restaurant
    • Support Durham's Local Businesses
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Local Produce
      • Farmers Markets
      • Farm Shops
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
    • Inspire Me
      • Food Itineraries
      • Foodie Events
      • Tasty Tours
      • Tasty Places to Stay
  • Inspire Me
    • Don't Miss
      • Auckland Castle
      • Beamish Museum
      • Dalton Park
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren – an epic tale of England
      • North Pennines AONB
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • Year of the Coast
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Memorable Moments
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Taste Durham
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
    • Durham Videos
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessibility
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • A couple standing at High Force

    Memorable Moments

  • A couple standing outside Crook Hall

    Spring Breaks

  • Family fun at Hamsterley Forest

    February Half Term Events

  • What on the Durham Coast

    Year of the Coast 2023

  • Corporate
  • Groups & Travel Trade
  • Durham Place Of Light
  • Northern Saints
Menu
  • Top Attractions

  • Places To Stay

  • Things to Do

    Things to Do in Durham

  • Planning Your Trip

    Planning Your Trip

  • Inspire Me

Site Search Icon
My Account icon

Login to your account

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

Follow Us...

  • Facebook

    Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Twitter

    Thumbnail for Twitter

  • YouTube

    YouTube Icon

  • Pintrest

    Pinterest

  • Instagram

    Instagram

  • Blog

    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Cow Green Geological Trail

Cow Green Geological Trail

Harwood
Barnard Castle
Co Durham
DL12 0HX

Add Cow Green Geological Trail to your Itinerary

North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  Guided Walk: Two Hills
  • North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  Guided Walk: Two Hills
  • Product Image
  • Hay Meadow - Copyright NPAP/Rebecca Barrett
  • Product Image

About

Cow Green Geological Trail Approximately 4 kilometres each way, this linear trail uses well-marked footpaths and minor roads.
A longer (12 km) circular route can be made by continuing past Widdy Bank Farm to the Cow Green road. Allow a full day for the complete walk. At stop 7 there is a steep, scrambly descent. If you do not want to negotiate this then turn around at the top of Cauldron Snout and return to the car park. (The route is wheel/push chair accessible to this point) - This makes a gentle alternative walk of about 5km.

Stout boots, warm clothing and good waterproofs are advised, as even in summer the weather of Upper Teesdale can be harsh.

This route incorporates Hannah's Meadow Nature Reserve. In places the route passes old mine workings, parts of which may be unstable. Please keep to the footpaths and do not attempt to enter old tunnels or any old surface excavations. The trail will introduce many of the rocks which make the Teesdale landscape so special and which make the dale a haven for rare and interesting plants. Do examine the rocks, minerals and plants you will see along the way but please do not collect them: leave them for others to enjoy.
Useful maps:
Ordnance Survey
1:25 000 Explorer OL31 North Pennines Teesdale and Weardale
Park at Wheelhead Sike car park at Cow Green (NY 811 309) and follow the route on the map, stopping at the points marked. (N.B. These do not correspond to the nature trail markers).
CAR PARK VIEWPOINT
1 Far to the west are the distinctive peaks of Great and Little Dun Fell and Cross Fell. Their bulky form and flat tops, especially Cross Fell, reflect the almost horizontal layers of sandstone, limestone and shale of which they are built. About 100 metres on from the viewpoint, to the right of the road, is a conspicuous area of flat grey rock. This is the Smiddy Limestone, one of many beds of limestone of which the North Pennines are built. These limestones were formed as layers of soft limey mud on the floor of a shallow tropical sea, about 330 million years ago during the Carboniferous period of Earth history. At this time the area that was to become the North Pennines lay almost astride the equator. Small white fragments of shell and pieces of coral can be seen within the grey limestone. Just beyond this rock exposure, turn right onto the narrow gravel footpath which joins the single track road to Cauldron Snout. Bear right through the gate.

2 Looking back from the gate you can see a line of low crags. These are outcrops of the Smiddy Limestone. The narrow area of ground beneath the crags marks the outcrop of the beds of sandstone and shale which separate the Smiddy and the Peghorn Limestone (which you are about to cross). During Carboniferous times layers of mud that accumulated on the sea floor became the shales we see today. Beds of sand, washed in by ancient rivers, are preserved today as sandstone. Rocks like these, formed from ancient sediments, are called sedimentary rocks. Much of the North Pennines consists of regular alternations of beds of limestone, shale and sandstone.
As you continue along the narrow road, notice how limestone beds form low lines of grey crags separated by gentler slopes on the outcrops of shales and sandstones. Notice too the sharp contrast between green grass on the limestones and the heather on sandstone or shale. The road dips and crosses a small stream. Just before the top of the next rise, look for a shallow trench on the left.This marks the line of a mineral vein, known as Rod’s Vein.

3 Mineral veins are vertical bands of mineral which fill fissures, usually faults, within the surrounding rocks.
The old spoil heaps contain fragments of the minerals found in the vein. White barytes is most abundant, with traces of grey metallic galena, the main ore of lead. The veins at Cow Green contained insufficient lead to be workable, but the barytes (Barium sulphate) was mined for use in the paint and chemical industries until 1952.
These mineral veins formed about 290 million years ago, as warm waters rich in dissolved minerals flowed through cracks in the rocks, driven by heat deep beneath the surface. As these solutions cooled, the dissolved minerals crystallised on the walls of the cracks, gradually building up the vein.

4 The small outcrops of rock, most noticable to the left of the road, are of Melmerby Scar Limestone. Unlike the limestones seen at the beginning of the walk, these are white and crystalline and show a distinctive crumbly weathering, earning them the local name of ‘sugar limestone’. The ‘sugar limestone’ is actually a marble (a limestone which has been altered and recrystallised by the effects of great heat millions of years ago). Such rocks are called metamorphic rocks. The source of this heat will be explained at the next stop.

5 The rusty brown rocks over which flows Red Sike and which gives the stream its name, is known by geologists as dolerite. Unlike the limestones, sandstones and shales, dolerite was not formed from ancient sediments, but formed by the cooling and crystallisation of molten rock. Such rocks are called igneous rocks.
The rock at Red Sike is at the top of a huge sheet of dolerite known as the Whin Sill. 295 million years ago, this was injected into the layers of limestones and other rocks as a hot liquid at over 1100°C. Here in Teesdale this layer is almost 75 metres thick. As it cooled it baked the surrounding rocks, turning the limestones near to it into marble, or ‘sugar limestone’.

6 You may notice that the dam wall is actually in two parts. The part nearest to you is a solid concrete wall built on hard Whin Sill. The other part is an earth bank built where the dam crosses the old river channel that is filled with boulder clay. To this point the walk is wheel/push chair accessible. Just before the bridge, turn off the road and follow the Pennine Way to the top of Cauldron Snout.

7 Here the River Tees flows across the very hard outcrop of the Whin Sill dolerite. Notice the well-marked vertical cracks or joints in the rock. These are known as columnar joints and they formed during the very final stages of cooling of the dolerite. Giant's Causeway and Fingal's Cave are well known examples of more regular columnar jointing. Follow the very steep footpath down the side of Cauldron Snout, taking particular care on the rocks, which may be slippery. If you are unsure about using the steep path you can view parts of the next stop from the top before returning to the car park.

8 The Whin Sill dolerite forms both the waterfall and many small craggy outcrops on both banks of the river. You can see how a huge area of the western bank is smooth and grassy and completely free of rocky outcrops. This is the old channel of the River Tees dating back to before the last glacial period. Debris, mainly boulder clay dumped by the ice, plugged the old valley to such an extent that when the ice melted and the river began to flow again it was diverted to where it cut a channel through the hard Whin Sill dolerite, forming the waterfall of Cauldron Snout.

9 Between Cauldron Snout and Widdy Bank Farm the river flows in a steep sided gorge cut through the Whin Sill. Downstream from the waterfall, white marble, also part of the Melmerby Scar Limestone, may be seen beneath the dark grey crags of the Whin Sill. This is the bottom contact of the Whin Sill. From Red Sike (point 5) to here, you have travelled the depth of the Whin Sill at this location. Notice the striking vertical columns of dolerite in the cliffs on Falcon Clints and, further downstream, on Cronkley Scar.

10 The footpath here crosses small outcrops of a rather rubbly looking rock known as conglomerate. This is made up of pebbles of a variety of older rocks set in a mud. These conglomerates date back to early Carboniferous times about 330 million years ago when the old rocks, now buried beneath the North Pennines, were pushed up to form a mountain chain. Pebbles and other debris produced by the erosion of these mountains is preserved here as conglomerate. As the area was gradually submerged below the Carboniferous sea,muds, sands and silts gradually buried the conglomerate. These can be seen in the steep river bank, immediately above the conglomerate. Eventually these were in turn buried beneath the Melmerby Scar and other later limestones. The older rocks, representatives of those that make up the Lake District mountains, are exposed on the south bank of the river, at Pencil Mill, about 1km east of Widdy Bank Farm.
This is the end of the trail, you now have the option of turning around and retracing your steps to the car park or continuing along the Pennine Way until you reach Widdy Bank Farm, following the track to the Cow Green road and on to the car park (approximately another 7km).
Route information provided by AONB.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Downloads

Cow Green Geological Trail Map
146 Kb

Cow Green Geological Trail Map

Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Activities accessible for visitors with disabilities - Route to top of Cauldron Snout accessible for wheel/ pushchairs
  • Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
  • Distance: 1-5 Miles
  • Grade: Easy
  • Theme: Breathtaking Views
  • Theme: County Parks & Nature Reserves
  • Theme: Rivers / Reservoirs

Access Information

Opening Times

2023 (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

What's Nearby

  1. High Force Waterfall

    High Force Waterfall

    High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been…

    4.24 miles away
  2. Autumn hills at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

    North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

    The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most beautiful and…

    4.38 miles away
  3. Weardale Museum and High House Chapel

    Weardale Museum

    Small but fascinating volunteer run folk museum with an amazing collection including the…

    4.88 miles away
  1. Waterfall at Gibson's Cave, situated nearby to Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Bowlees Visitor Centre to Gibsons Cave

    Centuries ago Viking invaders and settlers left their mark in the local dialect words of…

    5.66 miles away
  2. Bowlees

    Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded…

    5.66 miles away
  3. Tees Riverside and Hay Meadows Walk

    Low Force Waterfall

    Low Force waterfall is part of the River Tees in beautiful Upper Teesdale. It is easily…

    5.74 miles away
  4. Children wearing hard hats in Killhope Lead Mine in dark truck full of rocks

    Killhope Lead Mining Museum

    Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out…

    6.46 miles away
  5. Green diesel train at Weardale Railway station.

    Weardale Railway

    Take a ride on the Weardale Railway heritage passenger service to enjoy stunning views of…

    11.49 miles away
  6. Bowes Castle

    Bowes Castle

    The massive ruins of Henry II's 12thC tower keep, set within the earthworks of a Roman…

    15.7 miles away
  7. Hamsterley Forest green man sculpture

    Hamsterley Forest

    Information point and tearoom, forest drive with children's play area. Four mile forest…

    16.56 miles away
  8. Barnard Castle

    Barnard Castle

    A spectacular fortress set on a high rock above the market town, Barnard Castle takes you…

    16.68 miles away
  9. The Witham lit up at night

    The Witham

    The Witham is a community venue for theatre, music, art and social events, facilities…

    17.07 miles away
  10. St Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton

    St Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton

    St. Mary's Barnard Castle with Whorlton is a place of Peace, Worship and Spirituality…

    17.16 miles away
  11. Kids on big chair at Derwent

    Derwent Waterside Park

    Derwent Waterside Park is the perfect place for fun, laughter and the great fresh air…

    17.39 miles away
  12. Exterior view of The Bowes Museum and surrounding gardens

    The Bowes Museum

    See outstanding collections of art, fashion and design housed in an impressive…

    17.39 miles away
  13. Egglestone Abbey

    Egglestone Abbey

    Charming ruins of Premonstratensian Abbey and picnic area in a picturesque location on…

    18.24 miles away
Previous Next
More

Search What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Win

  • Save

  • Contact Us

this is our blog

  • 23 things to look forward to in 2023

    2023

    From incredible stays to amazing days out, let our guide to the top 23 things to do in Durham in 2023 inspire you! 
     

  • Five Fabulous Festive Trails

    little girl sat with deer light display at The Plotter's Forest, Raby Castle

    We’ve chosen five fabulous dazzling outdoor trails which guarantee fun for all the family during the day or as darkness falls this festive season. 

  • Five mysteries behind the majestic Silver Swan

    close up view of the silver swan automaton at The Bowes Museum

    As The Bowes Museum's Silver Swan celebrates its 250th year, we discover five fascinating mysteries that surround the incredible autommaton.

  • Memorable Moments at Locomotion

    dad and son looking at train at Locomotion museum

    From getting up close to historic rail vehicles to blowing off steam in the new outdoor play area.

  • Memorable Moments at The Bowes Museum

    family of four sat talking in front of paintings inside The Bowes Museum

    From strolling through magnificent picture galleries to appreciating the breathtaking sight of a French-style château in the heart of the Durham Dales.

  • Loading..Loading..
    • Print Page
    • Email Page
    Home Accommodation
    • Hotels,
    • B&B and Guest Houses,
    • Inns & Pubs,
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
    • Dog Friendly,
    • Hostels,
    • Special Offers,
    Things to Do
    • Attractions,
    • Activities,
    • Shopping,
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
    What's On
    • Family Events,
    • Foodie Events,
    • Historic Events,
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
    • Sports,
    • 2023 Unmissable Events,
    Food & Drink
    • Restaurants,
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
    • Pubs & Bars,
    • Local Produce,
    • Tasty Places to Stay,
    • Foodie Events,
    • Food Itineraries,
    • Special Offers,
    Inspire Me
    • Short Break Ideas,
    • Taste Durham,
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
    • Delve Into Our Heritage,
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
    • Itineraries,
    Explore Durham
    • Durham City,
    • Durham Dales,
    • Vale of Durham,
    • Durham Coast,
    • Durham Towns,
    • North East England,
    Visitor Information
    • Information Points,
    • Maps of Durham,
    • Getting to Durham,
    • Getting Around Durham,
    • Accessibility,
    • Publications,
    Submit Event
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Site Map
    • Submit Event
    • Terms & Conditions

    © Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

    Registered Office: Visit County Durham, 2nd Floor, County Hall, Dryburn Road, Durham, DH1 5UL

    • North East England logo

    Ratings & Reviews

    Powered By

    tripadvisor

    • Durham County Council