Romaldkirk: Paths, Landscape and Historic Buildings

If you are looking for a hotel in Romaldkirk, the local paths and architectural history offer practical points to consider when planning your trip. The Tees Railway Path passes by the village; the Teesdale valley walk starts in Romaldkirk. These are two different details to help you find your way: the Railway Path has a stated length and endpoints, while the walk has a stated starting point. Together with the landscape in the valley of the River Tees, they give a clear focus for travellers who want to take walking and the historic village setting into account when choosing a destination.

Paths and Landscape

The Tees Railway Path is a 10 km route running from a point west of Lonton, near Middleton-in-Teesdale, to Cotherstone. Along the way, it passes Romaldkirk and lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This makes the path a specific route option to consider when planning. Local conditions on the valley walk may change; check them before setting out.

The green valley of the River Tees near Romaldkirk is criss-crossed by dry-stone walls. Romaldkirk is also known as a village with three village greens. This gives you two different points of reference: the dry-stone walls shape the valley landscape, while the three greens contribute to the character of the village. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether the landscape or the layout of the village matters more to you.

Architectural History in the Village

The Church of St Romald is a Grade I listed building. In the north transept, on a chest tomb, is a recumbent stone effigy of Hugh Fitz Henry, who died in 1305. The effigy depicts him in chain mail and carrying a shield. The Church of St Romald also has the so-called Devil’s Door.

Church Hall on The Square is a Grade II listed building and was formerly a school.

Romaldkirk Hall and the Field Barn also have distinct architectural features. Romaldkirk Hall is a large house built around 1840: it is made of tooled sandstone rubble and has a Welsh slate roof and stone chimneys. The Field Barn is 20 metres south of the Village Hall and dates from around 1840. Its walls are made of sandstone rubble and its roof is covered with blue slate. Their approximate dates allow for a comparison over time; the building types and roofing materials differ. Both buildings have sandstone rubble walls, but their roofs have different coverings: Welsh slate at Romaldkirk Hall and blue slate at the Field Barn.

Discover more destinations: Witton-Le-Wear, West Rainton, Hunwick, Croxdale, Middleton-In-Teesdale, Woodland, Stanhope, Shildon.

For the broader travel overview: Durham.