Weardale is a dale, or valley, of the east side of the Pennines in County Durham, in England. The upper valley is surrounded by high fells (up to 2454 feet O.D. at Burnhope Seat) and heather grouse moors. Before climate change its winters were harsh and prolonged with regular snow, taken advantage of by ski-ers using a ski-run at Swinhope Head. Wildlife includes an important population of Black Grouse along with the more usual upland birds. Sea-trout and salmon run the River Wear. Adders are enc… (More on Weardale)