The Balder is the kind of river that doesn't end up in many guidebooks because it doesn't need to. A small Teesdale spate stream draining the high moor west of Romaldkirk, joining the Tees at Cotherstone after a few miles of broken water and dark pools. Wild brown trout, occasional grayling, and the rare chance of a salmon when a spate brings something up from the main river. Three Fishing Passport beats — Balder Fishery, East Briscoe Farm Cottages, and West End Farm at Hunderthwaite — all day-ticket and cheap enough to count as a short-cast bargain. Six-foot rods, light tippet, and the willingness to crawl. Properly wild.
- Limestone