Red Well Spring

## Overview Red Well Spring is a public drinking spring located in the historic market town of Barnard Castle in County Durham, England. Situated along the footpath associated with the GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) pharmaceutical factory, this spring has long been a point of interest for walkers exploring the area around the town. Barnard Castle itself is a picturesque town on the banks of the River Tees, known for its medieval castle ruins and charming cobbled streets, and Red Well Spring adds to the area's natural appeal. The name "Red Well" likely refers to the iron-rich mineral content of the water, which is a common characteristic of springs in the northeast of England where the geology includes iron-bearing sandstones and limestones. Iron-rich springs often leave distinctive reddish-orange deposits around their outflow, which historically gave rise to the "Red Well" naming convention found at several sites across Britain. Visitors have historically used springs like this one as sources of drinking water, though water quality can vary with conditions. ## Directions 1. Head to Barnard Castle town centre in County Durham, England. 2. Make your way toward the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) pharmaceutical factory, which is a well-known local landmark. 3. Locate the public footpath that runs alongside or near the GSK factory grounds. 4. Follow the footpath — Red Well Spring can be found along this route. 5. Look for a small shelter or hut near the spring, which serves as a resting spot with pleasant views of the surrounding countryside. **GPS Coordinates:** 54.5575, -1.915278 ## What to Expect Red Well Spring is accessible via a public footpath, making it a pleasant stop during a walk through the Barnard Castle area. At the spring, you'll find a small hut or shelter that provides a nice place to sit, rest, and take in the views of the surrounding Teesdale landscape. The spring itself is a modest but charming feature along the path. The footpath near the GSK factory is generally well-maintained and suitable for a casual walk. As with many springs in the region, flow may vary seasonally — expect stronger flow during wetter months and potentially reduced output during dry spells in summer. The area around Barnard Castle offers excellent walking opportunities along the River Tees, so Red Well Spring can easily be incorporated into a longer route exploring the town and its surroundings. Wear sturdy footwear, especially in wet weather, as footpaths in this part of County Durham can become muddy. The spring is freely accessible to the public as part of the footpath network.