From Barnard Castle, upriver via Middleton-inTeesdale, via tree-clad Kirkcarrion, into upper Teesdale (have your picnic on the hexagonal basalt rocks at Low Force waterfall), on to High Force and Langdon Beck...God's own country. I haven't been for 45 years. Last time we were there, we stayed at Langdon Beck youth hostel, and, next day, walked from there via Falcon Clints and Caldron Snout, up the Maize Beck to that amazing Pennine highlight, High Cup. Then down to Dufton youth hostel. What a day that was. If you run there tomorrow you might just catch the last of the spring gentians, the most beautiful blue in the world. But watch out for the infamous Widdybank bull!