The Morritt’s quiet, rural setting lends itself to local walks, such as the scenic ‘Meeting of the Waters.’ For long-distance rambles, however, the North Pennines – designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a UNESCO Global Geopark – is nearby. The North Pennines is a spectacular landscape of open heather moors and peatlands, dales and hay meadows, tumbling upland rivers and sprawling forests. Traces of communities grown up around mining can be seen on the landscape, too, as documented in museums like Killhope and Weardale. Bowlees visitor centre enjoys a stunning woodland setting, next to the Low and High Force waterfalls. It’s the best place to start your North Pennines adventure.
- Bowlees, Newbiggin in Teesdale, County Durham DL12 0XF
- Distance: 17 mile drive (30 min) from The Morritt Country House Hotel & Spa
- Open: Monday–Sunday 10:00–17:00
- North Pennines AONB website: http://www.northpennines.org.uk/
