The Teesdale way starts at Dufton in Cumbria as part of the Pennine way, but does not become its own path (with waymarkers) until it reaches Middleton-in-Teesdale.

[2] The path ends at South Gare in Warrenby near Redcar, having passed through the heavily industrialised Teesside area, consisting of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Thornaby-on-Tees.

As the river flows through Upper Teesdale, it passes through the historic settlements of Piercebridge and Barnard Castle.

Also in Upper Teesdale the walk makes a U-turn at Eggleston Hall, heading down the other side of the dale, back to Barnard Castle.

[8] At 17 acres (6.9 ha), Thornaby Woods is a large area of ancient woodland and features trees such as oak, elm and wych-elm.