I chose to do the Weardale Way self supported from sea to source (mainly because my parents live locally to the finish).
I found the route tough throughout; it was marathon distance further than I had ever run before.
Parts of the route are less popular and less well used than others, meaning there was a lot of overgrown vegetation.
I find navigation on open moorland difficult, particularly at night, and I made a number of navigational errors on the moors above Stanhope and Rookhope, which took a lot of time - something for me to work on.
As I was running self supported, I carried a lot of water so my pack was extremely heavy. I replenished supplies in Durham at 22 miles and with supplies I’d stashed the day before in Wolsingham at around 55 miles. There aren’t many shops on route, unless you want to take a detour.
At the time of writing, there were 3 footpath closures; in Durham City (near the Boat House pub), in Witton-le-Wear and in the Cowshill area.
in hindsight, this route would be better done source to sea so the multiple stiles in Upoer Weardale and trickier navigation can be done on fresher legs.
Lovely route though and only got wet at the end!