Cotherstone Moor Walk – Butter Stone, Freewill House and The Loups

This circular walk explores the open landscape of Cotherstone Moor, following quiet tracks and old paths to several fascinating historic sites hidden across the moor.

Along the route you’ll pass the carved Butter Stone, visit the ruins of Freewill House, and explore the abandoned farmsteads of East Loups and West Loups. The walk also offers wide views across Teesdale and the surrounding countryside.

If you want to see the prehistoric rock art and the old lime kiln, you will need to make a short detour and briefly backtrack from the East Loups farmstead area. The extra few minutes are well worth it to discover these lesser known historic features.

This is a peaceful moorland walk with plenty of history to explore along the way.

Important Notice

Parts of this walk cross MOD training land.

If red flags are flying, the area is active and you must not enter under any circumstances.

You can check when the land is scheduled to be active by searching online for:

“Battle Hill Ranges MOD firing times”

Always follow MOD safety guidance and respect all warning signs in the area.

For the full walking guide and the history behind the Butter Stone, Freewill House and the Loups farmsteads, visit: https://www.outdoorexploringfamily.com