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The Teesdale Way

A heartfelt story filled with stunning previously unseen footage of Teesdale follows two local residents on their attempt to be the first to run the entire length of the River Tees in under 24 hours. Filmmaker and former local Ron Yeadon couples unparalleled countryside views with an inside look at the appeal of ultrarunning.

  • Ron Yeadon
    Filmmaker
  • Owain Davies
    Key Cast
  • Tom Watson
    Key Cast
  • Toby Baker
    Key Cast
  • Ron Yeadon
    Producer
  • Michelle Yeadon
    Producer
  • Richard Luke
    Music
    Silent Men, Betty, Desire Lines, Outlets, A Cat Called Dom, In the Company of Insects, Washing Day
  • Jeremy Simon
    Graphics
  • Toby Baker
    Additional footage
  • Andrew Yeadon
    Additional footage
  • Owain Davies
    Additional footage
  • Jane Philbrick
    Additional footage
  • Sam Forsyth
    Additional footage
  • Rupert Philbrick
    Additional footage
  • Gerardine O’Connor
    Additional footage
  • Tom Watson
    Additional footage
  • David Philbrick
    Additional Cast
  • Andrew Yeadon
    Additional Cast
  • Phil Davies
    Additional Cast
  • Ben Watson
    Additional Cast
  • Jane Philbrick
    Additional Cast
  • Ron Yeadon
    Director
  • Michelle Yeadon
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    47 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 23, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    27,200 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Premiere
    Barnard Castle
    United Kingdom
    May 26, 2025
    United Kingdom Premiere
Distribution Information
  • Michelle Yeadon
    Sales Agent
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Ron Yeadon

Ron Yeadon is a filmmaker and musician with roots in the Teesdale area of northern England. He is currently based in London where he works as a commercial videographer.

As a musician, Ron is known for his involvement with the band Unkle Bob, where he played drums. The band, which originally formed in Glasgow, recorded some of their later material and music videos in Boldron, a village in Teesdale where Ron grew up and his parents still reside. Unkle Bob have released several albums, including "Sugar and Spite" and "Shockwaves," and had their music featured in various television series.

Ron also has a past connection with the prominent band James, having served as a backing vocalist, percussionist, and backline technician for them in the 2010s, contributing to albums like "Girl at the End of the World" and "Living in Extraordinary Times." He toured with James and became a more visible member on stage before departing in 2017.

Ron has made videos for Columbia Records and Spotify working with artists such as One Direction, Bastille, Jeff Goldblum, Mabel, Imagine Dragons, James Bay, Elbow and Craig David. He is particularly skilled at unifying music and video to create an emotive audiovisual experience.

More recently, Ron has ventured into filmmaking, directing the documentary "The Teesdale Way."

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Director Statement

"The Teesdale Way" started with the simple idea of following two good friends, Owain Davies and Tom Watson, as they attempted to run the entire length of the River Tees in under 24 hours. But what began as a simple record of a long run, slowly evolved into something much deeper. This film is as much a video about the stunning landscape of Teesdale – the place where I grew up – as it is a story about life, the challenges that push us, and the power of friendship.

The project took three years from conception to completion. The live shoot of their attempt was a significant logistical challenge, launching drones and dashing to the next rest spot to capture as much of the day as possible as the drama unfolded. The whole day was exciting and exhausting, in equal measure, for the runners, the crew and me behind the camera.

My wife Michelle Yeadon, as story producer, shaped the narrative throughout the film. Building up a deep understanding of who Owain and Tom are, and what motivates them to put themselves through such a painful undertaking.

Music has always been a big part of my life, and I knew a strong soundtrack for "The Teesdale Way" was going to be crucial. I sent some early clips and described the day to my former Unkle Bob bandmate, Richard Luke, and he agreed to record music for the entire film. His atmospheric piano / string based music was the perfect fit for my vision, and I’m over the moon with what he has created.

Maps and titles documenting the journey were needed for both the beautiful green daylight footage of the dales and also for the dark stark landscape of post-industrial Teesside. Jeremy Simon created these to be consistent and seamless, fitting perfectly with the story.

The most satisfying part of the process was showing the finished film in my hometown, selling out the premiere at The Witham in Barnard Castle. Being able to share the story with the runners, my crew, family and friends was all I really wanted from the whole process. I’m not sure anyone has created a film like this about Teesdale, so I hope this film will be something that locals can rewatch year upon year and that new viewers will discover and enjoy the journey.