Peg Powler

Running through the heart of the Durham Dales, part of the River Tees was dammed in the 1960s to form Cow Green Reservoir but beyond this, the Tees is allowed to continue on its journey towards the sea moving from its dramatic, wild upland setting to the quiet, pastoral surrounds of lower Teesdale.

A lovely river indeed, but with a catch to it. As not all is as it seems. If you visit, be sure not to stray too near to the water’s edge.

Deep in the waters of the River Tees lies something to send a shiver down the spine. Call her a water sprite if you must or think of her as a mermaid if you wish. But in these parts, she is known as Peg Powler, and she is definitely one to be cautious of.

With her long, green, water-drenched hair you might get an inkling of her presence in the river if the surface suddenly takes on a frothy appearance - ‘Peg Powler’s suds’ are a sure indication she is lurking close by, ready to lure unsuspecting folk into the deep, cold waters, with her long arms and sharp claws.

According to local legend she lived in the valley where Cow Green Reservoir can now be found, and haunted the river around Mickleton and Middleton-in-Teesdale where she was also known by another name - the High Green Ghost.