North Pennines Pocket Guide North Pennines Pocket Guide

Transcription

F
www.northpennines.org.uk
e
re
Your comprehensive guide to the AONB and European Geopark
North Pennines
Pocket Guide
2011/12
Inside…
• Win a local foods hamper
• Events & activities
• Launch of the Friends of the
North Pennines
• Birdwatch North Pennines
• Green places to stay
• Detailed maps & area guides
• Nature watching
• Local products & produce
• Outdoor activities
• Attractions
Welcome to
The North Pennines
© Brian Rafferty
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a stunning
landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers,
wonderful woods, close knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds,
colourful hay meadows, stone-built villages, intriguing imprints of a mining and
industrial past, distinctive plants and much, much more. As well as being an
AONB the North Pennines is also a European and Global Geopark.
Where is the North Pennines?
The North Pennines is a distinctive landscape of high moorland and broad upland dales
in the North of England. It shares a boundary with the Yorkshire Dales National Park in
the south and extends as far as the Tyne Valley, just south of Hadrian’s Wall, in the
north. Parts of the North Pennines AONB are in the three counties of Cumbria, Durham
and Northumberland. See the map on the centre pages (34 & 35) for more detail.
How to use this guide
Map references
Throughout the guide many attractions, places and other features have been given a map
reference eg D2 C3 A1 . These refer to the map on the centre pages (34 & 35).
Green Tourism Business Scheme
Look out for the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) logos throughout the guide.
Wherever you see one you can be sure that the business is committed to looking after the
environment. See page 10 for more details or visit www.green-business.co.uk
Know Your North Pennines (KYNP)
Many people working in B&Bs, hotels and attractions are now better able to tell you
about the special qualities of the AONB. Through the KYNP training programme, an
initiative from Pennine Horizons, many tourism providers have studied a variety of topics
ranging from hay meadows to local food and from lead mining to transport ancient and modern.
Look out for the KYNP symbol throughout the guide - these establishments have sent people
on the course.
Where to stay
You’ll find green accommodation providers, in and around the North Pennines, listed on page 8.
There are other accommodation providers in the area – see page 9 for information on websites
and publications which include accommodation listings.
2
NORTH PENNINES AONB • POCKET GUIDE 2011/12
L Hay meadow near Blanchland
Contents
A special place
Green places to stay
Finding accommodation
Be a green visitor
Friends of the North Pennines
AONB Events
Birdwatch North Pennines
Other events & activities
Shows
Discover the past
Local products & produce
Area guides
North Pennines map
Attractions
Nature watching - Reserves
- Moorlands
- Birds
- Hay meadows
- Geology and landscape
Outdoor activities - Walking
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Horse riding
Win a local foods hamper
Publication requests
Information centres
Page
4
8
9
10
13
15
16
17
18
19
21
24
34-35
36
42
43
44
46
48
51
55
58
60
61
63
65
Image credits
Front cover: descending into Rookhope, Weardale © NPAP/Shane Harris. Back cover (l-r) © NPAP/Rebecca Barrett, NPAP/Elizabeth Pickett, NPAP/Charlie
Hedley. All other unaccredited images are: © Natural England/Charlie Hedley, North Pennines AONB Partnership/Rebecca Barrett/Elizabeth Pickett/Chris
Woodley-Stewart/K. Gibson/Shane Harris/Elfie Waren/Paul Frodsham/Charlie Hedley/Simon Wilson/Louise Taylor, Marcus Byron and Teesdale Marketing.
Information in this publication is correct at the time of going to print (February 2011). Every effort is made to
ensure that information is accurate. However, the AONB Partnership and its Staff Unit cannot be held responsible
for errors or omissions. Please double check critical information before travel. Note that inclusion in this guide is
not a recommendation by the AONB Partnership and in itself is not necessarily a guarantee of quality.
Edited and compiled by Shane Harris (North Pennines AONB Partnership Staff Unit)
Maps used between pages 24 & 35 are based on OS mapping © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.
Durham County Council. LA 100049055. 2011.
3
Introducing the North Pennines
A special place
© Natural England/Steve Westwood
The North Pennines is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful,
unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was
designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988.
Tumbling waterfalls, sweeping moorland views, dramatic dales, stone-built
villages, snaking stone walls and friendly faces – the North Pennines has all
this and more!
Beneath your feet
The impressive landscape of the North Pennines – from High
Force on the River Tees to the sweeping valley of High Cup
Gill above Dufton – are the product of millions of years of
geological processes. The worldwide significance of the
geology found here is recognised by the fact that the North
Pennines AONB is Britain’s first European Geopark and a
founding member of the Global Geoparks Network.
pages 48-50
L High Cup Gill
Past times
L
About 12,000 people live in the North Pennines today – less than half the number
who lived here 150 years ago in the heyday of the lead mining industry. The rise and
fall of mining has left an indelible imprint on the landscape, not just in terms of the
physical remains but also in the pattern of local settlement. The social history of the
miner-farmers is also an intriguing element that contributes to the many chapters in
pages 19-20
the story of the North Pennines.
4
Hay meadow in Teesdale
L Nine Standards Rigg, near Kirkby Stephen
People and places
The character of the North Pennines landscape is
inseparable from the people and places found here.
The differing nature of settlements, from the
distinctive red sandstone villages at the foot of the
North Pennine escarpment to the white farms and
barns of the Raby Estate in Teesdale, has a significant
impact on landscape character. Local traditions and
L Blanchland
other intangible elements also come together with
wildlife, geology, soils and climate to form the
essence of the North Pennines landscape. Past, present and future generations of
people are also fundamental to an appreciation of the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Plants and animals
The area is famous for the variety and profusion of plants and animals found here.
Eighty percent of the AONB benefits from the continuation of less intensive and more
traditional farming practices, which means that large tracts of the area are still a
pages 42-47
haven for wildlife.
©Val Wilson
L Spring gentian
5
© Brian Rafferty
Fact file
In the North Pennines you’ll find:
• 40% of the UK’s upland hay meadows
• 30% of England’s upland heathland and 27% of its
blanket bog
• 80% of England’s black grouse
• Short-eared owl, ring ouzel, snipe and redshank
• 36% of the AONB designated as Sites of Special
Scientific Interest
• Red squirrels, otters and rare arctic alpine plants
• 22,000 pairs of breeding wading birds
• Peace, tranquility and fabulous night skies
• England’s biggest waterfall
Who looks after the AONB?
Local communities, landowners, farmers and estate managers look after the ‘living
landscapes’ of the North Pennines. These people have helped shape the landscape for
centuries and this continues today. Everyone who has an interest in the North
Pennines has a responsibility to care for the AONB.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership, an alliance of 25 public, statutory and voluntary
sector bodies, also helps to look after the area. The work of the Partnership is carried
out by its Staff Unit, based in Stanhope C2 . The Staff Unit takes action to conserve and
enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and
to improve the quality of life for local people.
Follow the work of the AONB Partnership on
twitter.com/NorthPennAONB
facebook.com/NorthPenninesAONB
6
L High Force, Teesdale
Protected landscapes family
The aim of AONB designation is to look after our finest landscapes not just
for now but also for our children’s children to cherish and enjoy
There are 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, covering
16% of the land area. The North Pennines covers almost 2,000 square kilometres and
is the second largest member of this protected landscape family. In terms of landscape
quality, the AONBs are recognised as the equal of our 15 National Parks and are given
the same level of protection.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks were created by the
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
Since the Act was passed, 50 AONBs and 15 National Parks have been designated:
AONBs - 33 in England, four in Wales, one straddling the English/Welsh border and eight
in Northern Ireland; National Parks – ten in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland.
They are diverse in character: areas of lowland
heath; upland mountains; gently rolling hills;
coastal plain and shingle beaches; each
containing unique and fascinating landscape
features; and in size: the largest the Lake
District National Park being 2292 sq. km and
the smallest The Isles of Scilly AONB at just 16
sq. km. At almost 2,000 sq. km the North
Pennines is the second largest of the AONBs.
L Arnside & Silverdale AONB
To find out more about the protected landscapes family
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk
National Parks: www.nationalparks.gov.uk
7
Accommodation
Green places to stay
Some accommodation providers in the area have joined either the Green Tourism Business
page 10 or have
Scheme (GTBS) – green accreditation for quality tourism businesses,
other green accreditation.
B&B
• Low Cornriggs Farm
Cowshill C2 (Also self-catering)
www.cornriggsfarm.co.uk l 01388 537600
• Dowfold House
Crook D3
www.dowfoldhouse.co.uk l 01388 762473
• Four Wynds Guesthouse
Greenhead A1
Going
Green
www.four-wynds-guest-house.co.uk l 016977 47972
• Rock House Estate B2
Nenthead
www.rockhouseestate.co.uk l 01434 382684
• Milburn Grange Holiday Cottages
Knock B3
www.milburngrange.co.uk l 01768 361867
• Brokenheugh Lodge & Orchard Barn
Haydon Bridge C1
www.brokenheugh.co.uk l 01434 684206
Guesthouse
• Lowbyer Manor Country House
Alston B2
www.lowbyer.com l 01434 381230
Pub with rooms
• The Miners Arms
Nenthead B2
www.nenthead.com l 01434 381427
Hotel
• Langley Castle Hotel
South of Haydon Bridge B1
www.langleycastle.com l 01434 688888
Self-catering
• East Briscoe Farm Cottages
Baldersdale C4
www.eastbriscoe.co.uk l 01833 650087
• Bradley Burn Cottages
Nr Wolsingham D2
www.bradleyburn.co.uk l 01388 527285
• Tottergill Farm Cottages
Castle Carrock A1
www.tottergill.co.uk l 01228 670615
• Boot and Shoe Cottage
Barnard Castle D4
www.bootandshoecottage.co.uk l 01833 627200
• Beckleshele Cottage
Lanehead, Weardale C2
www.beckleshele.co.uk l 01388 537683
• Brignall Mill
Nr Barnard Castle D4
www.brignallmill.co.uk l 01833 637726
8
L Lowbyer Manor Country House
Bunkhouse
• Carrs Farm Bunkhouse
Nr Wolsingham D2
www.carrsfarm.co.uk
l 01388 527373
• Cromer House Camping Barn
Frosterley D2
www.cromerhousecampingbarn.co.uk l 01388 526632
Group accommodation
• Deneholme Country House Hotel
and Outdoor Centre
Allendale C1
Going
Green
www.deneholme.com l 01434 618579
• Blackton Grange
Baldersdale C4
www.blacktongrange.com l 07891 452228
Caravan park
• Allendale Caravan Park
Allendale C1
www.allendale-holidays.co.uk l 01434 683362
L Dufton
Finding accommodation
Parts of the North Pennines are within the
counties of Cumbria, Durham and
Northumberland.
County Durham
www.thisisdurham.com – search for
accommodation in the Durham Dales (Teesdale,
Weardale or Derwent Valley), plus money-saving
offers on accommodation in the Durham Deals
section
www.teesdalediscovery.com
www.discoverweardale.co.uk
Contact Barnard Castle (request a 2011
Teesdale Where to Stay Guide), Middleton-inTeesdale or Stanhope TICs (pages 65-67)
Northumberland
www.visitnorthumberland.com – search for
accommodation in Hadrian’s Wall & North
Pennines l complete online form to request a copy
of the 2011 Northumberland Holiday Guide l
contact Hexham, Haltwhistle or Corbridge TICs
(page 66)
L YHA Edmunbyers
L Cromer House Camping Barn, Frosterley
Cumbria
www.visiteden.co.uk – search for
accommodation l request an Eden Visitor Guide
2011 using the online form l contact Alston Local
Links Information Centre (page 65)
www.golakes.co.uk – search and book
accommodation within Cumbria. Click on
www.golakes.co.uk/brochure-request.aspx to
request a copy of the 2011 Holiday Guide l call
0844 8885188
• For accommodation in Carlisle District
www.discovercarlisle.co.uk l call 01228
625600 l [email protected] – request a
‘2011 Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall Country Holiday
and Short Breaks Guide’
Youth Hostels
There are six YHA Youth Hostels in the North Pennines:
Kirkby Stephen B4 , Edmunbyers D2 , Langdon Beck C3 , Alston
Ninebanks B2 and Dufton B3 . Visit www.yha.org.uk or call
01629 592700 ([email protected])
B2 ,
Baldersdale (Blackton Grange C4 ) is also available as an ‘Escape to’ (sole use)
hostel along with the six hostels above – visit www.yha.org.uk
9
Sustainable North Pennines
Be a green visitor!
Whatever you do and however you do it you're sure to have an impact on the
environment! By making some positive choices during your visit you can be
confident that you are helping to look after this special place.
Stay local, eat local
and buy local!
Support local producers and services
during your stay in the North Pennines.
If you visit Farmers' Markets, village
shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants you'll
meet local people and help to support
pages 21-23
the local economy.
Why not also support one of the many
local shows that’ll you’ll find in the area
page 18
during the summer months?
Support businesses
that support the
environment
Tourism businesses in and around the
North Pennines AONB, from B&Bs and
self-catering cottages to conference
venues and visitor attractions, hold
awards in the nationally
recognised Green Tourism
Business Scheme (GTBS).
Throughout this guide
you’ll find businesses with a
GTBS award by looking out for the logo.
10
L Allendale Bakery
To enter the GTBS businesses need to
demonstrate that they are: minimising
their impact on the environment;
communicating their green credentials
to their customers; and having a positive
impact on their surroundings. To do this
they implement practical measures
covering business management,
communication, energy efficiency, water
savings, waste minimisation, green
purchasing, transport, and wildlife
conservation.
Find out more
www.green-business.co.uk
L Teesdale
Follow the Countryside Code and the
Moorland Visitor's Code www.naturalengland.org
When you are out and about in the countryside follow these codes
to ensure that you get the best out of your visit and to make sure
that the countryside is protected for future generations to enjoy
• Be safe - plan ahead and follow
any signs
• Leave gates and property as you
find them
• Protect plants and animals, and
take your litter home
Following severe wild fires, our unique
moorlands can be left black, scarred, prone
to erosion and devoid of wildlife for decades.
• Never light fires on moorland - not
even gas stoves or barbecues
• During periods of high fire risk
respect all warning signs
• Keep dogs under close control
Controlled burning
• Consider other people
• Prevent uncontrolled
moorland fires
Smoldering cigarette ends, discarded
bottles and dropped matches can all cause
uncontrolled fires on moors - particularly
during the spring and summer. Serious,
deep-seated fires are fatal to important
animals and plants
and devasting to
the landscape.
Carefully planned small-scale heather
burning by trained gamekeepers, farmers
and shepherds is used to encourage fresh
shoots of heather where it has grown old.
This light, surface burning ensures food for
red grouse and sheep and creates the
diversity of habitats that moorland birds
rely on. Between 1 October and 15 April
controlled burning takes place - so be
aware of this. Please report any fires seen
on moorland outside these dates to the fire
service immediately, and if possible, the
nearest dwelling.
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
Help the environment by refusing packaging and bags that you don't need
and by using recycling banks in the area. If you can recycle glass, cans, paper
and plastics where you are staying then even better!
Switch off
Whilst you are relaxing and getting away from it all in the North
Pennines, please switch off lights and standby buttons when you
don't need them. Help reduce water consumption by just using
the water that you need.
11
Give your car a break!
Walking, cycling and horse riding are some of the best ways to discover the
splendour of the North Pennines landscape. Consider using public transport to
travel to your start point - or try exploring near to where you are staying. Why
not stay overnight rather than making day visits?
If you do drive, please SLOW down! Sheep and their lambs (and birds) can be a hazard
on the area’s moorland roads. Driving more slowly and smoothly will also help reduce
your fuel consumption.
Even if you don't arrive in the North Pennines on public transport - why not consider
giving your car a break for a day or two whilst you're here? Hire a bike, take a bus or
simply go for a walk!
By train
• It’s now possible to get to the heart of the AONB on the Weardale Railway.
Trains run from Bishop Auckland to Wolsingham, Frosterley and Stanhope.
page 41, www.weardale-raliway.org.uk
• Durham and Darlington on the East Coast main line
• Bishop Auckland on branch line from Darlington
• Brampton, Hexham, Haydon Bridge and Haltwhistle on the Newcastle
to Carlisle line
• Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Langwathby and Carlisle on the Settle to Carlisle line
• Penrith on the West Coast main line
• National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50, www.nationalrail.co.uk
By bus
• Traveline Northeast and Cumbria
www.travelinenortheast.info l 0871 2002233 (7am 9pm, 7 days a week). Calls cost 10p per min, plus any charges your network provider makes
• National Express www.nationalexpress.com l 08717 818178
• Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland County Council websites
www.cumbria.gov.uk l www.durham.gov.uk l www.northumberland.gov.uk
By bike
Bring your own or hire one once you're here.
pages 55-57
On foot
Contact the nearest Tourist Information Centre
for information on local walk routes. pages 51-54
12
pages 65-67
to where you are staying
An exciting opportunity to get involved!
Friends of the
North Pennines
Do you care about the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
‘The Friends’ is a NEW charity specially designed for people who are
passionate about looking after, and celebrating the special qualities of the
North Pennines.
50% discount for Founder Life Members
If you join before 31st March 2012 you can become a Founder Life Member for
£150 (Individual) or £250 (Joint). This is a 50% discount of the full fees.
Founder Members will enjoy all the usual membership benefits as well as: special
Founders Certificate; listing on the Friends website; and a Founders reception at the
end of the first year.
The aims of the Friends
• Looking after the North Pennines - promoting the conservation, protection and
improvement of the physical and natural environment in and around the AONB
• Increasing awareness of the North Pennines and its special qualities
Membership benefits
•
•
•
•
•
Members only events and volunteering opportunities
Three e-newsletters a year
Opportunities to meet like-minded people
50% discount on AONB Partnership publications
Annual meeting
How to join
Simply complete the membership form overleaf
and return to Friends of the North Pennines,
c/o the North Pennines AONB Partnership.
Find out more
visit www.friendsofthenorthpennines.org.uk l email
[email protected] l or call 01388 528801
L High Force, Upper Teesdale
13
Membership application form
Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
First name
Title
Second name
Address
Postcode
Tel
Email
Type of membership
Individual
£15 per year
Joint (2 adults, children
under 18** free)
£25 per year
Founder Life Membership* – Individual
Founder Life Membership* – Joint
£150 - 50% discount
£250 (2 adults, children under 18 included**)
– 50% discount
* Available until 31st March 2012. From the 1st April 2012 Life membership will increase to £300 (individual)
and £500 (joint)
**After children turn 18 they will no longer be family members and will need to join separately
Donations
I/we would also like to make a donation
£50
£25
£100
Other £
Total fee & donation: £
Use Gift Aid and you can make your donation worth more. For every pound you give
to us, we get an extra 25p from the Inland Revenue – at no cost to you. Please sign
the declaration below:
“I would like the Friends of the North Pennines to treat all donations I make from the date of this
declaration (until I notify you otherwise) as Gift Aid donations. I am a UK taxpayer.”
Signature
Date
How to pay?
By Standing Order (preferred option) – visit
www.friendsofthenorthpennines.org.uk and download a mandate form
By cheque, payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
What now?
Please return this form together with your cheque (if applicable) to:
c/o North Pennines AONB Partnership, Weardale Business Centre, The Old Co-op Building,
1 Martin Street, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 2UY
14
North Pennines AONB
Events
Explore the North Pennines in the company of expert guides and uncover the
area’s special qualities. Between April and November you’ll find a series of
events and activities to help you discover the area’s stunning wildlife,
landscape, geology and history…
page 16 … Great Green Bird
Walling taster days… Birdwatch North Pennines
page
16
Race
… Whitley Castle, Little Fell, Nine Standards and Blanchland guided
walks… Peat celebration events…
Don’t miss – For Peat’s Sake on Sat 4 June (10am-4pm) at the Durham Dales
Centre, Stanhope (Weardale) C2 - Family friendly day highlighting work being carried
out on the peatlands surrounding the town. Interactive demonstrations, food, sales
and stalls with partners Environment Agency, Rivers Trusts, Northumbrian Water,
Love Food and Barker and Bland. No need to book, just drop by!
Full event details at www.northpennines.org.uk l call the AONB Partnership
on 01388 528801 l [email protected]
Some events are advance booking only – see web
follow us on Facebook or Twitter for up to the minute information
Northern Rocks…
The North Pennines Festival of Geology and Landscape
Northern Rocks 2011, running between 21 May and 5 June,
is a great way to discover the geological secrets of the North
Pennines. Join a themed walk or activity and help celebrate
European Geoparks Week.
Full programme of events at www.northpennines.org.uk l call the AONB
Partnership on 01388 528801 l [email protected]
© Marjorie Baillie
15
Out and about in the North Pennines
© Brian Rafferty
Birdwatch North
Pennines
© Brian Rafferty
Running between 14 and 15 May this exciting weekend is packed with events
and activities to help you get to grips with the fantastic birdlife found in the
North Pennines AONB and European Geopark.
If you’re an early bird we’ll be running a dawn chorus walk.
There’ll be a chance to dance with dotterel on Cross Fell and an
invitation to go on a cuckoo hunt at RSPB Geltsdale as well as a
golden opportunity to see black grouse lekking in Teesdale.
Join us on Sunday 15 May in Blanchland C2 (Village Hall) for
the Big Birdwatch Family Day between 10am and 4pm.
There’ll be birdy activities aplenty – short birdwalks,
storytelling, make a nestbox or bird feeder and craft activities.
Full event details at www.northpennines.org.uk l call the AONB Partnership
on 01388 528801 l [email protected]
Some events are advance booking only – see web
follow us on Facebook or Twitter for up to the minute information
Great Green Bird Race
A bird race with a twist! How many types of birds can you and your
friends identify in the North Pennines in one day? The twist is that
teams will only be able to use sustainable forms of transport – bus,
train, bicycle, horse and of course two legs!
• Teams of four (entry fee £5 each – proceeds to the Friends of the
North Pennines)
• Choose any day between 1 and 14 May (sunrise-sunset) and pick
your own start/finish point (which we’ll allow you to drive to)
• Prize for the winning team members – annual membership of the Friends of the
page 13
North Pennines
• Register your team with the AONB Partnership by 28 April, 5pm
• Full race rules
16
Other events
and activities
As well as events organised by the AONB Partnership – see pages 15 and 16 – there
are other organisations also running events and activities exploring the stunning
landscape, wildlife and history of the North Pennines, including:
• Allendale Bakery. Bread making courses at Allen Mill
in the East Allen Valley.
www.allendalebakery.com l t: 01434 618879
• Durham County Council’s Countryside Service.
Request a copy of their programme of guided walks
(1-15 miles) and countryside activities.
www.durham.gov.uk/countryside l t: 0191
3834144 l e: [email protected])
• The Garden Station, Langley. Nature, art, gardening
and cookery day courses.
page 37
• John Martin Heritage Festival, Haydon Bridge.
Talks, workshops, guided walks and more. March
2011-September 2012. Programmes from Haydon
Bridge Library, Tourist Information Centres and online.
www.haydon-bridge.co.uk
• Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining
Museum. Find out what is happening at this
fascinating museum in Upper Weardale.
www.killhope.org.uk l t: 01388 537505
• Haltwhistle Partnership are running two Walking
Festivals in 2011 (30 April-8 May and 8-16 Oct) and a
long distance challenge event on 21 May.
www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org l t: 01434
322025 l e: [email protected]
• Harehope Quarry. Community events programme.
www.harehopequarry.org.uk l
t: 01388 528633/528599
• Make Recycled Craft Workshops. Fun workshops for
adults and kids throughout the year. At Allen Mill in the
East Allen Valley.
www.makerecycledcraftworkshop.com l t: 01434
683296 l e: [email protected]
• Natural History Society of Northumbria run a
series of field meetings (March-Oct), some in the
North Pennines.
www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk l t: 0191 2326386 l
e: [email protected]
• Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre.
www.npht.com l t: 01434 382037/382726
• Newbiggin Methodist Chapel.
Meadow Memories exhibition.
Page 39
• North Pennines Wool Group.
Events Easter-October
Page 21
• Slack House Farm, Ireshopeburn (Weardale) run
a range of rural workshops with an environmental
emphasis, including permaculture, green woodworking
and natural feltmaking. Regular open studio events
May-Aug.
www.fleecewithaltitude.co.uk l t: 01388 537292 l
• Sward Play. New play telling the story of the AONB’s
hay meadows. l Touring the AONB in Spring 2011
Page 47
• Upper Teesdale Botany Group runs occasional
specialist plant identification workshops and meets
regularly on Mondays.
Contact Dr Margaret Bradshaw
• YHA – Youth Hostels in the area (Alston, Dufton,
Edmundbyers, Kirkby Stephen, Langdon Beck and
Ninebanks) offer ‘Special Interest Breaks’
www.yha.org.uk
• Moor House–Upper Teesdale National Nature
Reserve. Natural England run a programme of events
and activities.
www.naturalengland.org.uk l t: 01833 622374
L Hannah’s Meadow
17
Shows & fairs
Agricultural shows and other fairs are an excellent day out for the whole
family, as well as being an opportunity to find out more about the rural way
of life in the North Pennines.
You’ll find stalls selling local produce and crafts; rural skills demonstrations; animals
from sheep, cattle and poultry to goats, guinea pigs and ducks; as well as
programmes of events from sheep dog trials to pony fancy dress!
16 April
21 May
28 May
30 May
3-5 June
11 June
18 June
25 June
9-10 July
23 July
6 Aug
13 Aug
18 Aug
20 Aug
20 Aug
20 Aug
27 Aug
27 Aug
29 Aug
29 Aug
3 Sep
3-4 Sep
10 Sep
10-11 Sep
17 Sep
24 Sep
Bishop Auckland Food Festival E3
Nenthead Gala B2
Eastgate Sheep Show, Weardale C2
Northumberland County Show D1
Appleby Horse Fair* B3
Roman Wall Show (Twice Brewed) B1
Catton Village Fair C1
Alston Gala B2
Raby Castle Game and Country Fair D3
Penrith Agricultural Show A3
Middleton-in-Teesdale Carnival C3
Slaley Show C1
Brough Agricultural Show B4
Allendale Show C1
Appleby Agricultural Show B3
Romaldkirk & Cotherstone Fair D3
Dufton Agricultural Show B3
Weardale Agricultural Show (St John’s Chapel) C2
Blanchland and Hunstanworth Show C2
Garrigill Gala B2
Alston Agricultural Show B2
Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Show D2
Bowes Agricultural Show C4
Stanhope Agricultural Show C2
Eggleston Agricultural Show D3
Langdon Beck Show C3
* The Horse Fair is a traditional gypsy gathering and NOT an organised event.
People attend at their own risk.
Find out more about these shows and
L fairs from
Tourist Information Centres
pages 65-67
18
Historic envrionment
Discover the past
The North Pennines landscape contains many clues to the development of
human society over the past 10,000 years.
Prehistoric times
The earliest evidence for people in the
North Pennines comes in the form of
flint tools picked up from ploughed
fields and erosion gullies in the peat.
During Neolithic times (about 5,000
years ago) some early farming
communities built stone circles as open
air temples; Long Meg in the Eden
Valley (just outside the AONB) is one of
the most spectacular. Neolithic people
also carved the enigmatic ‘cup and ring
marks’, of which several fine examples
survive on the moors of Upper Teesdale.
Several settlements and burial mounds
of Bronze Age date (c 3,500 years ago)
survive within the North Pennines, and a
spectacular hoard of Bronze Age
metalwork was found in Heathery Burn
Cave, Stanhope in the 19th century.
best preserved forts anywhere in Britain.
It was almost certainly built here to
oversee Roman lead mining operations,
although no evidence of Roman mines
has yet been found. Farmsteads occupied
by native people during the Roman
occupation are known from many places
throughout the North Pennines.
L Stone inscribed with mysterious 5,000
year-old ‘cup-and-ring’ marks, Teesdale
The Roman occupation
The North Pennines became part of the
vast Roman Empire in the late 1st century
AD. Recent survey of the impressive
Roman fort at Whitley Castle (near
Alston) has shown it to be one of the
Discover Whitley Castle
Follow the self-guided walk - 'Whitley
Castle… Alston through the ages'
pages 63 & 64 l Alston TIC - page 65
L An AONB Partnership guided walk at
Whitley Castle Roman Fort
19
L Excavations on Bollihope Common, Weardale
Lead mining
The landscape of the North Pennines
owes much to the exploitation of lead
which has taken place here continuously
since medieval times.
Lead mining dominated the local
economy in the 18th and 19th
centuries, giving rise to a distinctive
‘miner-farmer’ landscape of small,
dispersed farmsteads extending high
into the uplands; these were occupied
by families whose menfolk worked the
mines during the week. Within villages,
many chapels, schools, and other
buildings were built using profits from
lead exploitation.
Today’s landscape is full of the remnants of
mines, spoil heaps, smelt mills, railways,
reservoirs and leats, all reminders of the
once thriving but now silent lead industry.
Altogether
Archaeology!
The AONB Partnership’s Altogether
Archaeology project is a great opportunity
to get involved in archaeological research
in the North Pennines. During 2011 we will
be running a series of short archaeological
investigations in places across the North
Pennines covering a multitude of historical
periods. We’ll also be running lots of
events celebrating local archaeology.
To find out more about the history and archaeology
of the AONB, and to register as an Altogether
Archaeology volunteer, please contact Paul
Frodsham on 01388 528801 l
[email protected]
L ‘Miner-farmer’ landscape near Lanehead,
Weardale
Find out more
Visit Allenheads pages 32 & 33, Killhope - the North of England Lead Mining
Museum page 39, Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre page 39, Weardale
Museum & High House Chapel page 40
20
North Pennines products and produce
Buy local
Buying locally produced food, crafts, art and other produce and products is a
great way to help the North Pennines prosper.
Love food
Love Food is about
helping local people
– people involved in
the production, use and appreciation of
great locally grown or reared food. The
project area covers Teesdale, Weardale,
the Allen Valleys and the Derwent Valley
and supports individuals, companies and
organisations which are involved in foodrelated enterprises and/or activities.
Love Food is a partnership project
(Teesdale Marketing, South Durham
Enterprise Agency and the North
Pennines AONB Partnership) funded by
the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food
Scheme, North Pennine Dales LEADER
and Durham County Council.
www.lovefood.me l includes a directory of
places to eat and buy local produce
Wool ewe join us?
Wool – a product of the hill farming
that has shaped the landscape for many
centuries – is well and truly back on the
North Pennines map thanks to a group
of smallholders, craftspeople and artists
living in the area. The North Pennines
Wool Group has recently formed to
raise the profile of local wool.
Woolly events 2011
Easter Launch of ‘Design a North
Pennines Gansey’ competition
Apr–June ‘Meadowsweet’ Highlights
touring exhibition
www.highlightsnorth.co.uk
8 June NSA North Sheep, West
Nubbock Farm, Hexham C1
3rd Sun in July, Sep & Oct North
Pennines Wool Trail
7-8 Oct North Pennines Wool Days at
the North Pennines Centre, Lanehead,
Weardale C2
www.npennines-wool.co.uk l call Ellie Langley at
Slackhouse Farm on 01388 537292 or Peter Samsom
at the AONB Partnership on 01388 528801
© Ellie Langley
21
An inspirational place
Art and the landscape
The landscapes of the North Pennines have a rich association with artists and
writers – past, present and future. You'll also find a wealth of craft workers pottery, textiles, candles, wood and metal work to name a few - in and
around the North Pennines.
Inspirational
Pennine Painting
WH Auden, Phillip Larkin, Dickens and
JMW Turner all drew inspiration for their
work from the stunning North Pennine
landscape. Turner immortalised many
Teesdale scenes – not least High Force.
Auden loved the area’s lead mining
landscape – especially around Rookhope
in Weardale.
Art holidays run by Lionel and Alex
Playford. Two, three and four-day
drawing and painting courses based at
their Rose House Studio & Gallery in
Garrigill. Holidays are running between
June and Nov in 2011.
www.penninepainting.co.uk
B2
• Highlights Rural Touring Scheme www.highlightsnorth.co.uk
• Alston Craftworkers
www.alstoncraftworkers.co.uk
• Alston Artists
www.alstonartists.co.uk
• Eden Arts
www.edenarts.co.uk
• Teesdale Open Studios
www.teesdaleopenstudios.co.uk
• Allen Valleys Community website –
Creative Industries section
www.allenvalleys.co.uk
• Network & The Art Tour
www.networkartists.org.uk
• Aurora Creative Arts
www.auroracreativearts.co.uk
Allendale Forge
Studios and Cafe
This new centre in Allendale C1 provides
nine affordable workspaces, one free
studio for two new businesses and retail
space for a further 40 businesses for
creative practitioners in Northumberland.
You’ll find the Bespoke Design shop, the
Exhibition Gallery, a cosy Bistro Café,
the multimedia MYLOOP recording
studio, Pebbles youth project, rentable
‘hot desk’ space and community
meeting room.
www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk l
07837 733547
22
Farmers’ markets
in the North Pennines
L Penrith Farmers’ Market
Meet local farmers, growers and
producers and discover the products
which they themselves have grown,
reared, caught, brewed, pickled,
baked, smoked or processed!
Allendale
3rd Sun Easter-Christmas (10.30am-3.30pm)
Allen Mill, Catton C1
t: 07854 320519
Barnard Castle
1st Sat every month (10am-3pm)
On the cobbles, Market Place,
Barnard Castle D4
e: via website
w: www.teesdalefarmersmarkets.co.uk
FARMA Certified (www.farmersmarkets.net)
Brampton
Last Sat every month (9.30am-1.30pm)
In front of the Moot Hall, Brampton A1
t: Made in Cumbria (Steve Dickinson),
01539 735891
w: www.madeincumbria.co.uk
Brough
3rd Sat every month (9.30am-1pm, JanMarch; 9.30am-2pm, April-Dec)
Inside Brough Memorial Hall, Brough B4
t: Marion Williams, 01768 342135
w: www.broughfarmersmarket.org.uk
Greenhead
2nd Sun every month (10am-2pm)
Greenhead Village Hall, Greenhead B1
t: 016977 47448
w: www.hadrianswallfarmersmarket.co.uk
Hexham
2nd and 4th Sat every month (9am-1.30pm)
Market Place, Hexham C1
t: 07854 320519
w: www.hexhamfarmersmarket.co.uk
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Last Sun every month (April-Sep). Indoor
market (UTASS, Chapel Row), last Sun in
month (March-Oct)
Middleton-in-Teesdale C3
t: 01833 641000
w: www.middletonplus.org.uk
Penrith
3rd Tues March-Dec (9.30am-2pm)
Market Square, Penrith A3
t: Eden District Council, 01768 817817
w: www.eden.gov.uk
Stanhope
4th Sat every month (10am-3pm)
Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope C2
Market days
Useful links
The following towns have local markets:
Monday: Kirkby Stephen, Stanhope (Apr-Oct)
Tuesday: Hexham, Penrith
Wednesday: Barnard Castle, Brampton
Thursday: Haltwhistle
Saturday: Appleby
www.made-in-northumberland.co.uk
www.northumbria-larder.co.uk
www.madeincumbria.co.uk
www.teesdalefarmersmarkets.co.uk
www.lovefood.me
23
Area Guides
Teesdale
Teesdale is the most southerly of the Durham Dales. The sweep of the moors and
crags of the upper dale have an unrivalled drama which many visitors come back
to savour time and time again. Raby Estate’s white farmhouses and barns are a
distinctive and memorable element in the landscape of Upper Teesdale and the
stunning spectacle that is England’s biggest waterfall – High Force – adds a vibrant
natural beauty to the mix.
Alston
L Middleton-in-Teesdale
R. T
ees
B6
27
7
Hamsterley Forest
Newbiggin
High Force
Chapel
Cauldron
Low Force
Middleton-in-Teesdale Woodland
Te
Snout
es
Moor House
da
Upper Teesdale
le
National Nature
Ark on the Edge
Reserve
76
B62
Grassholme
Resr.
Selset
Resr.
Romaldkirk
Raby Castle
A6
Cotherstone
Hury
Resr.
Stainmore Common
Blackton
Balderhead Resr.
Resr.
Brough
Bishop
Auckland
88
Staindrop
7
A6
7
A6
BARNARD
Te
es
High Cup Nick
8
PW
Langdon Beck
Bowlees Visitor Centre
B627
Cow Green
Reservoir
Bowes CASTLE
Museum
R.
PW
Middleton-in-Teesdale is the ‘capital’ of the upper dale and is an excellent
base from which to explore the area. The Tourist Information Centre is a
great place to plan a trip to the upper dale. Be sure to
explore the rest of the village, which was the
headquarters for the London Lead Mining Company in
the middle of the 19th century.
A66
R. Gre
ta
PW
L Gibson’s Cave, near
Bowlees
24
Bowes
A6
6
L Baldersdale
Places to visit, things to do:
• High Force
C3
page 38
& Low Force waterfalls
C3
• Bowlees Visitor Centre
C3
page 36
Car park, toilets and walks to Gibson’s Cave and Low Force
• Eggleston Hall Gardens
C3
page 37
• Newbiggin Methodist Chapel
C3
page 39
L Eggleston Hall
• Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve
B3
page 42 l www.naturalengland.org.uk l 01833 622374
• Grassholme, Cow Green and other Northumbrian Water reservoirs
B3 C3
page 58 l www.nwl.co.uk
• Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers’ Markets
• Walks on the Teesdale Way and Pennine Way National Trail
• Hannah’s Meadow nature reserve
• Ark on the Edge
D3
C4
D4
page 23
page 51
www.durhamwt.co.uk l 0191 5843112
page 36
Further afield:
• The castle at Barnard Castle
D4
www.english-heritage.org.uk l 01833 638212
Set on a high rock above the River Tees, imposing Barnard Castle was the stronghold
of the Balliol family. Taking its name from Bernard de Balliol, who rebuilt it in the
12th century, it includes a fine great hall and a dominating round-towered keep
• Raby Castle
D3
page 39
• Hamsterley Forest
D3
page 38
walks, traffic-free cycle tracks, visitor centre, orienteering
• Bowes Museum
page 36
D4
• Egglestone Abbey
D4
www.english-heritage.org.uk
The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian ‘white
canons’, picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle
L Hanging Shaw
picnic site
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk • www.teesdalediscovery.com
www.visitnortheastengland.com • www.thisisdurham.com
Call or visit Middleton-in-Teesdale or Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centres
pages 67 & 65
25
Area Guides
Weardale
Weardale, one of the Durham Dales, was once the hunting ground of County
Durham’s Prince Bishops. Eastgate and Westgate C2 marked the boundary of
the Stanhope Deer Park where the famous ‘Great Chases’ were held. Weardale
is also the source of a unique form of marble – known as Frosterley Marble. It’s
actually a type of limestone and when highly polished the fossilized remains of
corals are plain to see.
Stanhope (accessible on the Weardale Railway) is the largest settlement in
Upper Weardale and is a good spot to spend a while planning your next
move as you explore the North Pennines. Don’t miss the spectacular
fossilized tree stump (originally from a quarry near Edmundbyers D2 ) in the
churchyard. Take a walk by the River Wear and find out more about the
area, including local walk routes, at the Durham Dales Centre.
© Peter Atkinson
The poet WH Auden loved the North Pennines, especially the area around
Rookhope C2 . It was here in the lead mining landscapes of Weardale that
he first felt his creative juices flowing.
Derwent
Resr
686
B6295
Blanchland
Pow
Hill
Country
Park
Edmundbyers
C 2C
C2C
Castleside
9
89
68
A6
Rookhope
Killhope
Museum
Cowshill
St John’s
Chapel
Eastgate
Ireshopeburn
Weardale Westgate
Museum
Weardale
Waskerley
Resr.
Tunstall
Resr.
Stanhope
Frosterley
Harehope
Quarry
Tow Law
Wolsingham
Weardale
Railway
Common
Crook
r
ea
W
Bollihope
L Weardale Museum
R.
B6
27
7
Stanhope
Common
Durham
Dales
Centre
A6
8
B6 27
88
Alston
A689
Teesdale
PW
West
Auckland
BISHOP
AUCKLAND
A6
76
B62
A6
26
88
8
L Upper Weardale
• Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum
B2
page 39
Multi-award winning museum with many opportunities for hands on experiences of
what life was like in the lead mines. Gift shop, café, impressive underground tour,
waterwheels, dazzling mineral/spar box exhibition, woodland trails & red squirrel hide
• Weardale Museum and High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn
page 40
C2
Independent folk museum telling Weardale’s story. Catch a glimpse of home life for
lead miners a century ago
• The Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope
C2
page 37
Information, tearooms, shops and grounds
• The Weardale Railway
Runs between Bishop Auckland, Wolsingham D2 , Frosterley D2
and Stanhope C2
page 41
• Stanhope Farmers’ Market
C2
• Harehope Quarry Project D3
• Swimming Pools
page 23
page 38
L Roman altar, Eastgate
Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool, Stanhope C2
www.woaspa.co.uk l 01388 528466;
Wolsingham Swimming Pool D2
http://wolsinghamsportshall.com l 01388 528198
L Stanhope Fossil Tree
L Killhope Museum
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk • www.discoverweardale.co.uk
www.thisisdurham.com
Call or visit Stanhope Tourist Information Centre at the Durham Dales Centre
page 67
27
Area Guides
Derwent Valley
The Derwent Valley, one of the Durham Dales, is sometimes an overlooked
corner of the North Pennines – but if you venture into its hidden depths you
won’t be disappointed! The small village of Blanchland C2 , with its honeycoloured cottages, is perhaps the most attractive settlement in the whole of
the North Pennines. Blanchland means the ‘white lands’ - almost certainly a
reference to the white habits of the Premonstratensian monks of the old
Blanchland Abbey. Today the village, abbey and surrounding countryside are
well worth a visit.
Downstream from Blanchland the flow of the River Derwent is interrupted
by the three mile long Derwent Reservoir. It was built in 1967 and is the
second largest reservoir in Northumberland. There is a choice of three
excellent picnic sites on the banks of the reservoir – with trails (including new
easy access paths), bird hides, nature reserves and fishing opportunities to
entice you to stay a while longer.
Haltwhistle
69
A6
A69
Haydon
Bridge
Corbridge
9
A6
HEXHAM
R.
The Garden
Station
Slaley
Blanchland
Edmundbyers
R
Muggleswick
Grange
Rookhope
t
Beamish
Museum
Shotley
Bridge
CONSETT
Castleside
Waskerley
Resr.
68
A68
A689
Pow Derwent
Hill Resr
Country
Park
en
w
er
D
.
C2C
B6295
C 2C
A6 8
Shildon
Engine House
Newcastle
e
The Highland
Cattle Centre
6
30
B6
A686
Tyn
Stanhope
& Weardale
L Hay meadow near
Blanchland
28
L Derwent Reservoir
L Derwent Reservoir
• Blanchland – former Abbey and village
C2
Don’t miss the new easy access path, created by the AONB
Partnership, in Blanchland. Visit the recently restored Shildon
Engine House
• Derwent Reservoir D2
pages 58 l www.nwl.co.uk
New easy access path, created by the AONB Partnership and
Northumbrian Water, from Pow Hill Country Park to the dam.
North Shore path also being developed.
• Pow Hill Country Park D2
L Bluebells near Blanchland
www.durham.gov.uk
• Muggleswick Grange
Spectacular medieval monastic grange
Further afield:
• Tanfield Railway
www.tanfieldrailway.co.uk l 0845 4634938
Working steam railway – see the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge, Causey Arch
• Highland Cattle Centre D1 www.thehighlandcattlecentre.co.uk l 01661 843228
• Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
page 41
• Beamish Wild
www.beamishwild.co.uk l 01207 233733
Birds of prey conservation centre and ropes activity centre
• Hexham Abbey C1
www.hexhamabbey.org.uk l 01434 602031
• Hexham Old Gaol C1
www.northumberland.gov.uk l 01434 652349
• Hadrian’s Wall
A1 - D1
© Mike Quinn/
Creative Commons
• Hexham Farmers’ Market C1
page 23
www.hadrians-wall.org
• Northumberland National Park
www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
L Hexham Abbey
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk • www.blanchland.org
www.visitnorthumberland.com • www.thisisdurham.com
Call or visit a Tourist Information Centre in Hexham, Haltwhistle or Corbridge
page 66
29
Area Guides
Alston Moor & East Fellside
The countryside around Alston, England’s highest market town, provides some
of the area’s finest walking country – including the lofty Cross Fell – the highest
English hill, outside the Lake District! The striking North Pennines escarpment
represents an unmistakable western frontier for the North Pennines and is a
dramatic backdrop to the attractive, red sandstone-built, fellfoot villages.
Haltwhistle
A6 9
Alston is well worth a visit – a wealth of small,
independent shops await you, unspoilt street
scenes and a choice of quality eateries to while
away an hour or three!
PW
BRAMPTON
Hallbankgate
Talkin Tarn
Country Park
Talkin
Halton-lea-Gate
Cold Fell
Castle Carrock
Geltsdale RSPB
Reserve
3
41
B6
Whitley Castle
Roman Fort
Alston
South
Tynedale
Railway
& The Hub
Croglin
8
A6
C 2C
6
95
Whitfield
& Hexham
89
A6
Cumrew
C 2C
Nenthead
Mines
Stanhope
& Weardale
9
89
68
A6
A
Nenthead
Garrigill
Hartside
PW
6
M
Kirkoswald
Lazonby
Melmerby Fell
Middleton &
Teesdale
B6412
Melmerby
Cross Fell
Langwathby
B6
27
7
Great Dun Fell
PENRITH
Blencarn
A66
PW
Rheged
M6
Knock
Dufton
High Cup Nick
76
L
B62 South Tynedale Railway
Hilton
Appleby-inWestmorland
Stainmore
Common
North
Stainmore
Brough
Barnard Castle
A66
Kirkby
Stephen
L Alston
Nine
Standards
Rigg
85
A6
Tebay & M6
30
PW
L Alston
• Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre B2
page 39
A great day out awaits you at Nenthead Mines
• South Tynedale Railway
B2
page 40
Steam train rides along the gorgeous South Tyne Valley from Alston
• High Cup Nick
B3
A classic walk from Dufton up to this stunning U-shaped valley
• High Cup Wines, Nr Dufton
B3
www.highcupwines.co.uk l 017683 53714
Vineyard and winery
• The Hub Museum, Alston
B2
page 38
Vibrant local history and transport museum
• Brough Castle
B4
www.english-heritage.org.uk
• Hartside Viewpoint & Cafe A2
01434 381036
• Rose House Studio & Gallery, Garrigill
B2
www.penninepainting.co.uk l 01434 381092
• Talkin Tarn Country Park
A1
• Geltsdale RSPB Reserve A1
L Nenthead Mines
page 42
• The Poetry Path, nr Kirkby Stephen
B4
page 51
• Farmers’ Markets at Brampton A1 , Brough B4 and Penrith A3
• The Village Bakery, Melmerby A2
Heritage Centre
page 23
www.village-bakery.com l 01768 898437
Organic cafe, bakery, bake shop and gallery
• St John’s Pool, Garrigill B2
www.stjohnspool.co.uk
Swimming pool, sauna and a jaccuzi available for hire
• Whitley Castle Roman Fort
B2
page 19
Find out more:
• www.northpennines.org.uk • www.visiteden.co.uk
• www.golakes.co.uk • www.cybermoor.org
• www.discovercarlisle.co.uk • www.hadrians-wall.org
Call or visit Tourist Information Centres in Alston, Appleby,
Kirkby Stephen, Penrith or Brampton
pages 65-67
31
Allendale
Area Guides
South Tyne
& the Allen Valleys
Allendale, lying at the heart of the Allen Valleys, is a former lead mining
settlement. It’s the largest community in this part of the North Pennines and with
its central market square and its pubs, cafes, shops, art gallery and walking/cycling
opportunities is well worth a visit!
The South Tyne Valley is a gloriously undiscovered place – the tumbling river
fringed with ancient woods, leading the eye to the wide, open moorland
beyond. In the past the East and West Allen Valleys were amongst the
busiest in the North Pennines, supporting a population almost ten times
greater than today.
Greenhead
Brampton
Haltwhistle
Bardon Mill
A69
Haydon
Bridge
Hexham
A6 9
PW
Allen
Banks
The Garden
Station
Halton-lea-Gate
Whitfield
Whitfield
Moor
South
Tyne
Valley
A686
C 2C
Allendale
Hexhamshire
Common
B6295
8
A6
len
st Al
R. Ea
C 2C
West Allen
Valley
n
Alle
Alston
t
es
W
R.
3
41
B6
ne
Ty
89
A6
h
ut
So
R.
Slaggyford
Allen Mill
East Allen
Valley
Ninebanks
Tower
Ninebanks
L Allendale Tearooms
Allenheads
6
PW
Cowshill &
Weardale
L Allenheads
32
L Allen Banks &
Staward Gorge
L South Tyne Valley
• Allendale C1
This welcoming settlement is a great base for the Allen Valleys
• Allendale Forge Studios and Cafe
www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk l 07837 733547
New centre for arts, crafts and media C1
• Allen Banks & Staward Gorge, National Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk l 01434 344218
Spectacular wooded gorge at Allen Banks. Relaxing waymarked woodland walks B1
• Allenheads
A peaceful village with a nature trail, café and pub – and see the famous Armstrong
water powered engine. Visit the Old Blacksmith’s Shop and exhibition C2
• South Tynedale Railway B2
• South Tyne Trail
page 40
• The Garden Station
page 37
• Allendale Bakery & Cafe
C1
www.allendalebakery.com l 01434 618879
One mile NW of Allendale at Allen Mill
www.allenmillregeneration.co.uk
• Greenhead Farmers’ Market
• Issac’s Tea Trail
B1
page 23
L East Allen Valley
page 51
• Ninebanks Tower B2 www.northpennines.org.uk
Further afield:
• Hadrian’s Wall A1 - D1 www.hadrians-wall.org
• Northumberland National Park
www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk • www.allenvalleys.com
www.hadrians-wall.org • www.visitnorthumberland.com
L The Hemmel
Coffee Shop,
Allenheads
Call or visit Tourist Information Centres in Haltwhistle,
Hexham or Alston pages 66 & 65
33
A
Greenhead
A6 9
PW
1
BRAMPTON
Hallbankgate
Halton-lea-Gate
TL
A
N
D
Talkin Tarn
Country Park
Talkin
Cold Fell
SC
O
Castle Carrock
Hexham
en
Ed
R.
Carlisle
Newcastle
upon Tyne
Geltsdale RSPB
Reserve
Slaggy
Cumrew
Penrith
3
41
B6
Durham
Middlesbrough
Darlington
Kendal
2
6
M
York
Whitley
Roma
Croglin
Armathwaite
C 2C
Lazonby
Kirkoswald
Har
Melm
B6412
Melmerby
0
2
4
6
8
10 km
Cro
Langwathby
0
2
4
6
8
10 miles
PENRITH
N
Blencarn
A66
AONB boundary
A road
B road
Minor road
railway & station
Tourist Information Centre
Pennine Way
3
Hadrian’s Wall
Please note that not all roads and
settlements are included on this map
©Crown Copyright. all rights reserved.
Durham County Council. LA100049055. 2011.
34
K
Appleby-i
Westmorlan
Coast to Coast Cycle Route (C2C)
YHA Youth Hostel
Rheged
4
NORTHUMBERLAND
NATIONAL PARK
B
Haltwhistle
Bardon Mill
C
D
Haydon
Bridge
A69
Corbridge
9
A6
HEXHAM
R.
W
Allen
Banks
len
st Al
C 2C
Blanchland
Rookhope
Stanhope
Common
Durham
Dales
Centre
PW
nock
Dufton
Bollihope
Langdon Beck
High Cup Nick
al
A689
Hamsterley Forest
sd
Crook
Common
Newbiggin
Chapel
High Force
Cauldron
Low Force
Te
Snout
e
Weardale
Railway
Harehope
Quarry
8
Moor House Upper Teesdale
NNR
PW
Tow Law
Wolsingham
Frosterley
B627
Cow Green
Reservoir
Stanhope
r
ea
W
Great Dun Fell
B6
27
7
Waskerley
Resr.
Tunstall
Resr.
R.
R. T
ees
Woodland
e
West
Auckland
Ark on the Edge
innd
Grassholme
Resr.
Selset
Resr.
Brough
Stainmore
Common
North
Stainmore
Romaldkirk
Cotherstone
Hury
Resr.
Blackton
Balderhead Resr.
Resr.
A6
8
Raby Castle
A6
88
Staindrop
7
A6
7
A6
BARNARD
Bowes CASTLE
Museum
Te
es
76
B62
Hilton
BISHOP
AUCKLAND
R.
oss Fell
Lanchester
88
Killhope
Museum
Cowshill
St John’s
Chapel
Eastgate
Ireshopeburn
Weardale Westgate
Museum
Weardale
merby Fell
Castleside
C2C
Allenheads
Garrigill Nenthead
Mines
rtside
Beamish Museum
Shotley
(12 miles)
Bridge
CONSETT
Muggleswick
Grange
Edmundbyers
Derwent
Valley
R
t
A6
A689
Nenthead
Pow Derwent
Hill Resr
Country
Park
Shildon
Engine House
en
w
er
.D
A68
6
Hexhamshire
Common
B6295
Alston
Allendale
R. Ea
n
Alle
West Allen
Valley
ne
Ty
89
A6
t
es
W
R.
h
ut
So
R.
A686
A68
Allen Mill
East Allen
Valley
Ninebanks
Tower
Ninebanks
Whitfield
Moor
South
Tyne
Valley
8
A6
e
Highland
Cattle Centre
Slaley
6
30
B6
Whitfield
Castle
an Fort
South
Tynedale
Railway
& The Hub
Tyn
The Garden
Station
Lambley
Viaduct
yford
E
A66
Kirkby
Stephen
85
A6
R. Gre
Nine
Standards
Rigg
ta
Bowes
A6
6
PW
YORKSHIRE DALES
NATIONAL PARK
35
Out and about
Attractions in the
North Pennines
Discover the area’s lead mining heritage at Killhope Museum, the Nenthead
Mines Heritage Centre and in the Weardale Museum. Wonder at High Force
and take a ride on the Weardale Railway or the South Tynedale Railway.
Explore Hamsterley Forest, visit the Durham Dales Centre and the Hub Museum
or relax awhile in the Garden Station or Eggleston Hall Gardens.
• The grid references eg
D3
refer to the map on the centre spread
pages 34 & 35
© Mike Kipling, The Bowes Museum
Ark on the Edge
Woolley Hill Farm, Woodland
Co. Durham DL13 5RX
t. 01833 630505
e. [email protected]
w. www.arkontheedge.org.uk
Opening times
• Normally open all week
• Ring to check if travelling far
• Group visits can be arranged at any time
Entrance fees
• Free entry - donations welcome
D3
Ark on the Edge is an animal
rescue centre and sanctuary.
Thanks to funding from the Big
Lottery they have opened a Wildlife
Education Centre and Nature Trail
(almost a mile). The centre offers
courses in animal care and group
visits are welcome. It is open for
the public to visit, see the animals,
walk the nature trail, or you can do
a spot of pond dipping. Ark on the
Edge welcomes disabled visitors,
call for details.
The Bowes Museum
D4
This magnificent museum has
undergone a major transformation,
creating a stunning 21st century
visitor attraction in beautiful
grounds. It contains a wonderful
collection of fine and decorative
arts housed in an array of stunning
new galleries. Exhibitions, guided
tours, family activities, fine dining
and shopping add up to a
wonderful day out.
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle,
Co. Durham, DL12 8NP
t. 01833 690606
w. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Opening times
• Open daily 10am-5pm
Closed 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan
Entrance fees
• Adults £8, concessions £7, children free
(under 16), carers free. 6 months pass £10
• Free access to Café Bowes, shop and
grounds
• Admissions are donation inclusive and
can be Gift Aided
36
C3
Bowlees, run by the Durham
Wildlife Trust, is a fantastic base for
exploring Upper Teesdale, with
footpath links to Low Force, High
Force, Newbiggin and the Pennine
Way. There are lively displays on the
landscape, wildlife, geology and
people of Upper Teesdale, and the
work of the Trust and the AONB
Partnership. There is car parking, a
picnic area and toilets nearby.
Accessible parking in front of the
centre.
Newbiggin, Bowlees, Middleton-inTeesdale, Co. Durham DL12 0XF
t. 0191 5843112 (Durham Wildlife Trust)
w. www.durhamwt.co.uk
Opening times
• Contact the Wildlife Trust for
information
Entrance fees
• Free - donations welcome
L Durham Dales Centre
Durham Dales Centre
The Garden Station
C2
Castle Gardens, Stanhope,
Bishop Auckland,
Co. Durham DL13 2FJ
t: 01388 527650
w: www.durhamdalescentre.co.uk
Opening times
• Apr-Oct: Daily 10am-5pm
• Nov-Mar: Daily 10am-4pm
• Closed Christmas and New Year
Entrance fees
• Free entrance
B1
Woodland garden and beautifully
restored wooden Victorian railway
station on the former Hexham Allendale railway. Enjoy: a garden of
beauty and peace; a lovely muddy
woodland walk; artworks inside and
outside the station; a fabulous
earth-friendly Fairtrade café; and a
wide range of day courses.
Visitor centre in Weardale with a
tearoom, specialising in home
baking and a well stocked Tourist
Information Centre. Gift and craft
shops are set within a courtyard
offering a wide range of cards, gifts
and crafts. On site facilities include
the Durham Dales Garden and
interpretation throughout the
grounds. Coaches welcome.
Eggleston Hall Gardens
C3
Four acres of gardens and nursery.
16th century churchyard with ruined
chapel and rare plants, moorland
stream, winding paths, and many
interesting plants for sale. Malcolm
Hockham & Roy Long, who run the
gardens, are two of the best known
horticulturalists in the North of
England. In addition to these gardens
Malcolm also has a small private
nursery (open 14 days per year) at
which many rare and unusual plants
are kept for propagation and
collections throughout the country.
Langley on Tyne, Hexham
Northumberland NE47 5LA
t. 01434 684391
w. www.thegardenstation.co.uk
Opening times
• May-Aug: Daily 10am-5pm
• Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct: Fri-Mon 10am-5pm
Entrance fees
• Free entry, donations invited
Eggleston, Barnard Castle
Co. Durham DL12 0AG
t. 01833 650230
w. www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk
www.plantsmanscorner.co.uk
Opening times
• All year 10am-5pm, closed for 2 weeks
from 24/12/11. Tearoom open 1 Marend Sep, shop open daily, both closed
Mondays (except Bank Holidays) and
Christmas/New Year holidays.
© The Garden Station
Entrance fees
• £2 adults, children free, dogs must be
on leads
© The Durham Dales Centre
37
Out and about
Attractions in the North
Pennines
© Harehope Quarry Project
Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre
Redford, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland,
Co. Durham DL13 3NL
t. 01388 488312
w. www.forestry.gov.uk/northeastengland
Opening times
• Forest: Winter 8am-5pm; Summer,
8am-8pm
• Visitor Centre: 01/04/10-01/11/10:
10am-4pm weekdays, 11am-5pm
weekends
© Forestry Commission
Entrance fees
• £3 per car (£5 on Easter & Bank
Holiday weekends)
High Force Waterfall
D3
County Durham’s largest forest,
Hamsterley has a mixture of
deciduous woodland, meadows and
coniferous woods. It combines
commercial forestry with a variety of
natural habitats. You’ll find walking,
cycling and horse riding trails.
Additional facilities include toilets, a
tea room, cycle hire and a downhill
mountain bike course.
Harehope Quarry Project
D2
The Harehope Quarry Project aims to
promote a more sustainable way of
living. The project has developed a
fish farm and smallholding, a nature
reserve with public access and an
eco-classroom built entirely by
volunteers. The project has a
community events programme and
delivers environmental education,
field studies and education for
sustainable development. The ecoclassroom can also be booked for
meetings, green birthday parties and
other events.
Harehope Quarry, Frosterley, Bishop
Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 2SG
t: 01388 528599 or 01388 528633
w: www.harehopequarry.org.uk
Opening times
• Permissive paths to the east and
west ends of the quarry are open
at any time
• Community events programme
• Visits are strictly by prior
arrangement
• Eco-classroom can be booked for
events and activities. Note that the
classroom is closed at other times
38
C3
High Force, England’s biggest
waterfall, spectacularly drops 70 feet
(21m) into a plunge pool below. The
woodland walk leads you to this
breathtaking sight. The muffled
rumble suddenly turns to a roar and
the sight astounds you. The waterfall
walk must be treated with care and
children should be supervised at all
times. Picnic area and parking.
Upper Teesdale - on B6277, 41⁄2 miles
NW of Middleton-in-Teesdale
t. 01833 640209
w. www.rabycastle.com
Opening times
• Open throughout the year. During
adverse weather conditions parts of the
falls may not be accessible
Entrance fees
• Adult (16+) £1.50, Children (under 16)
free with paying adult, over
60/concessions £1
• Car Park £2
• Coach parking fees for School Parties
apply – please book in advance.
The Hub Museum
Alston Goods Shed Trust, Alston,Cumbria
CA9 3HN t: 01434 381609
Opening times
• 01/03/11-30/09/11: Daily 11am–4pm,
when staff are available
Entrance fees
Entrance fees
• Costs of events and activities vary
• £1.50
B2
Vibrant local history and transport
museum, packed full of bygone
forms of transport and delightful
snippets of local history.
L Killhope Museum
B2
Killhope, the North of
England Lead Mining Museum
Newbiggin
Methodist Chapel
“A great find, with friendly,
knowledgeable staff. Perfect!”
Believed to be the world’s oldest
Methodist Chapel in continuous
use, from 1759. Methodism and
local history displays. Meadow
Memories exhibition running May
28-30, 11am-4pm.
B. Merchant, Yorkshire
Killhope is a multi-award winning
Victorian mining museum, offering
a grand day out for all. One of our
guides will take you on an
unforgettable tour of the mine. Find
your own minerals as you work as a
washerboy. Working water wheels.
2011 exhibitions include: Sue
Lawty’s Letters in Lead, National
Spar Box Exhibition and Pennine
Jewels. Walk the woodland trails to
see our red squirrels. Visit the shop
and café to complete your great day
out.
Nr Cowshill, Upper Weardale
Co. Durham DL13 1AR (A689)
t: 01388 537505
w: www.killhope.org.uk
Opening times
• 01/04/11-31/10/11: 10.30am-5pm
Entrance fees (valid 3 consecutive days)
• Surface price: adults £5, child £2,
concessions £4.50
• Surface price + guided mine trip: adults
£7, child £4, concessions £6.50
C3
Newbiggin, Middleton-in-Teesdale
Co. Durham DL12 0TY
t: 01833 641001 (Middleton TIC)
Opening times
• Weds (2-4.30pm)
May Bank-Aug Bank hol
• At other times keys can be borrowed from
Middleton TIC, Bowlees Visitor Centre and
Alston Road Garage (Middleton)
Raby Castle
D3
This 14th century castle has been
home to Lord Barnard’s family since
1626. Highlights include an impressive
gateway, a vast hall, a medieval
kitchen and a Victorian octagonal
drawing room. The rooms display fine
furniture, artworks and elaborate
architecture. Enjoy the deer park,
walled gardens and carriage
collection. Stable tearooms. Events
take place throughout the summer.
Staindrop
Co. Durham DL2 3AH
t. 01833 660202
w. www.rabycastle.com
Opening times
Nenthead Mines Heritage
Centre
B2
An adventure in silver and lead at
one of the largest Victorian mining
and smelting sites in England.
Underground mine tours into original
workings that are over 250 years old.
Interactive waterwheels that you can
control. Restored buildings with
interpretive displays. Fun activities
such as panning for fool’s gold. A
variety of trails and walks around
over 200 acres of woodland and
moorland. Café and gift shop.
• Easter Weekend: Sat to Mon
• May, June and September: Sun to Wed
(guided tours Mon to Wed)
• July and August: Daily except Sat, also
open Bank Holiday Sat
Entrance fees
• Castle, park and gardens: Adults £9.50,
concessions £8.50, children (5-15yrs)
£4
• Park and Gardens: Adults £6,
concessions £5, children (ages 5-15)
£2.50
Nenthead, Alston
Cumbria CA9 3PD
t: 01434 382726/382037
w: www.npht.com/nentheadmines
Opening times
• Please
The Nenthead
call or check
Mines
website
site for
is open
details
every day (10.30am-5pm) for self-
Entrance
guidedfees
access. Call or check website
• Please
call or check website for details
for details
Entrance fees
• Please call or check website for details
© Killhope Museum
© Raby Estates
39
Out and about
© Peter Atkinson, Weardale Museum
Attractions in the North
Pennines
South Tynedale Railway
B2
Take a ride through the South Tyne
Valley. The trains are hauled by
steam and diesel engines from
Britain and abroad. The return trip
to Kirkhaugh takes about 50
minutes. Why not ride in our buffet
car and enjoy refreshments during
the journey? Stay and explore the
footpaths around the station at
Kirkhaugh, enjoy a picnic, and then
catch a train back. Alston Station gift shop, free car and coach parking
and toilets. There is also a café.
The Railway Station, Alston
Cumbria CA9 3JB
t: 01434 381696
01434 382828 (Talking Timetable)
w: www.strps.org.uk
Members of the scheme have
agreed to reduce their impact on
the environment in a range of ways,
including: using low-energy light
bulbs; installing motion sensors; and
recycling paper.
Members are independently
assessed and are given one of the
following awards:
Good environmental
practice
Very good environmental
practice
Excellence in
environmental practice
Opening times
• Easter - October 2011 (not every day –
check for details), Santa Specials in
December. Trains depart Alston at
11am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.30pm
• Different times may apply on special
event days
Fares
• Return fares: Adults £6, Child (3-15yrs)
£3, Family (2 adults & up to 3 children)
£16
• Other ticket types are available
40
Weardale Museum & High
House Chapel
C2
This impressive volunteer-run
museum is packed with fascinating
new displays and stories of
Weardale’s heritage including The
Weardale Tapestry, a beautiful 16ft
free-style embroidery. Adjoining the
museum is the historic High House
Chapel. Built in 1760, it is the oldest
Methodist Chapel to have held
continuous weekly services. The
museum tells the story of Wesley's
many visits to Ireshopeburn and
provides access to the Chapel
during Museum hours. The Museum
also holds a vast Weardale
genealogy resource - ring first to
avoid disappointment.
MLA Accredited Museum
Ireshopeburn,
Co. Durham DL13 1HD
t: 01388 517433
w: www.weardalemuseum.co.uk
Opening times
• Open 2pm-5pm
• Easter and Bank Holidays: 2pm-5pm
• 01/05/11-31/10/11: Wed-Sun, 2pm-5pm
• August 2011: Daily, 2pm-5pm
Entrance fees
• Adult £3, child 50p
L South Tynedale Railway
Attractions further afield
© J. Lewins
© Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum
Weardale Railway
The only heritage railway based on
part of the Stockton & Darlington
Railway. Services operate daily
between Bishop Auckland West E3 ,
Wolsingham D2 , Frosterley D2 and
Stanhope C2 . For timetables, special
offers, heritage service details and
special events visit web or call us.
Tickets are available on the train.
Bishop Auckland, Wolsingham and
Frosterley Stations are unmanned.
Ticket office, café and shop at
Stanhope Station. Directions to
Weardale Railway’s Bishop Auckland
West Platform are displayed at the
nearby Northern Rail Station.
D2
This open air museum vividly
recreates life in North East England
in the early 1800s and early 1900s.
Step back in time and explore this
300 acre museum. Enjoy unlimited
free rides on the restored trams and
replica buses. Visit exciting
attractions including an authentic
town street, colliery village, working
farm, manor house and steam
locomotives. You’ll find Beamish just
12 miles east of Castleside.
Beamish Museum, Beamish
Co. Durham DH9 0RG
t: 0191 3704000
w: www.beamish.org.uk
Opening times:
• 02/04/11-30/10/11: Every day 10am5pm (all areas)
• 01/11/11-18/11/11 and 04/01/1230/03/12: Tues-Thurs & Sat-Sun 10am4pm (Edwardian Town and Pit Village).
Closed Mon & Fri
• Christmas - 10/11/11-03/01/12: TuesThurs (Town & Pit Village), Sat-Sun
(Town, Home Farm, Pockerley Old Hall,
Waggonway Grotto & Pit Village), 10am4pm. Closed Mon & Frid & 25th Dec
Rheged Centre A3
The Rheged Centre just off the M6
(J40), is a great family day out, with
so much to do, including the
biggest 3-D screen in the North
West and Cumbria’s Information
Centre. Rheged's rather special
shops reflect the region, its
activities, crafts people and
producers; fresh food with a distinct
Cumbrian emphasis; and let off
steam with our indoor soft play,
creative workshops and our
fantastic outdoor play area for
under 12s! There’s even a dedicated
area for under 5s.
Entrance fees:
Stanhope Station,Stanhope, Weardale
Bishop Auckland,Co. Durham DL13 2YS
t: 01388 526203 (Reservations/Enquiries)
w: www.weardale-railway.org.uk
• All year unlimited ticket: £16 (adult); £13
(60+); £10 (child); £13 (student); £46
(family 2+2); £32 (family 1+2)
• Mid-week winter discount (Nov-March):
£8 (adult); £6.50 (60+); £5 (child); £6.50
(student)
Opening times:
Redhills, Penrith
Cumbria CA11 0DQ
t: 01768 868000
w: www.rheged.com
Opening times:
• Daily 10am-5.30pm, closed Christmas,
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
• Community service operates daily all year
Fares:
Entrance fees:
• Community service, adult full line day
rtn - £5.50. Visit web for other fares.
• Free parking and entry to centre
© Beamish Museum
41
Wildlife of the North Pennines
Nature watching
© www.northeastwildlife.co.uk
The North Pennines is a fantastic place to experience the natural world. If you
hanker after the countryside of yesteryear and the opportunity to see a
profusion of wildlife that is all but a memory for much of the rest of England
then a visit to the AONB should be very high up your list of things to do!
Special plants
The concentration of rare plants in
Upper Teesdale is unique to the UK. The
Teesdale violet, spring gentian and
Teesdale sandwort can all be found in
grasslands on the Moor House-Upper
Teesdale National Nature Reserve.
L Cauldron Snout, Upper Teesdale
Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR
L Globeflowers
Wonderful woods
The upland oak and ash woodlands in
the North Pennines support a range of
plants, including bluebells, wild garlic
and wood sorrel.
Red squirrels
Conifer plantations in the North Pennines
are one of the last refuges for the red
squirrel in England. One of the best
places to see and find out about red
squirrels is at Killhope, the North of
England Lead Mining Museum B2 .
This is one of England’s largest National
Nature Reserves. It is particularly well
known for the plants that originally colonised
the North Pennines after the last Ice Age. The
Reserve encompasses an almost complete
range of upland habitats typical of the North
Pennines, from hay meadows, rough grazing
and juniper woods to limestone grassland,
blanket bog and the high fells. Programme of
events in spring and summer.
www.naturalengland.org.uk l 01833 622374
Geltsdale RSPB Nature Reserve
B3
From remote and windswept blanket bog to
flower-filled hay meadows, Geltsdale RSPB
reserve is a fantastic place for upland birds
and wildlife. At Stagsike Cottages you’ll find
a visitor centre with an art gallery and CCTV
trained on nesting barn owls. There are also
three trails (3-8km) to follow.
www.rspb.org l 0191 2334300 l
[email protected]
page 39
42
B3
Nature watching
Moorlands
The moorlands of the North Pennines are home to some of our rarest wildlife.
They also have a sense of tranquillity and remoteness found in few other
places in the country.
The North Pennine moorlands cover
over 90,000 hectares of wind swept and
remote landscape, making them the
biggest continuous peatland in England.
The deepest Pennine peat (over four
metres in some places) formed over
7,500 years ago making moorlands
some of England’s oldest ecosystems.
Peaty facts:
• When peat forms it locks in carbon
contained in the plant matter –
healthy, wet, peatlands are an
important store of carbon and hence
are important in mitigating against
climate change
© Brian Rafferty
• There is as much carbon stored in
peatlands in the UK as there is
contained in all the forests of the UK,
France and Germany combined!
Peatscapes
L Red grouse
Blanket bog
The North Pennines AONB contains 27%
of England’s blanket bog. Blanket bog is
an internationally protected type of peat
habitat, found only in cool, wet regions.
Since it began to form at the end of the
last ice age, blanket bog has helped
shape the landscape of the North
Pennines and is now one of its principal
ecosystems. Typical blanket bog species
include common cotton grass, hair’s-tail
cotton grass, cloudberry, bog asphodel,
round-leaved sundew and a variety of
peat building Sphagnum mosses.
North Pennine moorlands are an
important habitat for many types of
birds and animals, including: dunlin,
golden plover, red and black grouse,
curlew, common lizard and adder.
The AONB Partnership’s Peatscapes
initiative aims to restore and conserve
the internationally important peatlands
within the North Pennines AONB.
Request leaflets on our peatlands:
pages 63 & 64 l www.northpennines.org.uk
(pdf files available to download)
L Cottongrass
43
Nature watching
L Lapwing chick
Birds
© Brian Rafferty
The North Pennines is a wonderful place to watch birds. The rich mix of
habitats, wildlife and stunning landscapes in the AONB is unique in England.
The thrilling swoop and cry of the lapwing during its breeding display and the
ethereal bubbling song of the curlew are just two of the wonders to be found.
Birdwatching in the
North Pennines
Look out for...
High moors: golden plover, red grouse,
meadow pipit, dunlin, merlin, shorteared owl, hen harrier…
Grasslands and hay meadows: curlew,
lapwing, redshank, snipe, skylark,
wheatear, grey partridge, yellow
wagtail, twite, fieldfare…
Birdwatchers Code
of Conduct
• The welfare of the birds must come
first. Disturbance to birds and their
habitats should be kept to a minimum
• Keep to paths and tracks, especially
during the bird breeding season
(March-August)
Woodlands: pied flycatcher, redstart,
wood warbler, woodcock
• Avoid disturbing birds or keeping
them away from their nests for even
short periods especially in wet or cold
weather
Rivers and streams: dipper, goosander,
grey wagtail, grey heron, common
sandpiper, oystercatcher
• Do not try to find nests. All birds,
nests, eggs and young are protected
by law and it is illegal to harm them
Scrub, scree and crag: ring ouzel,
peregrine, whinchat
• Keep dogs on a short lead
Open water: mallard, teal, coot,
moorhen, tufted duck, pochard,
goosander
• Leave gates and property as you find
them
• Take your litter home with you
© Brian Rafferty
Birdwatch North Pennines and the Great
Green Bird Race
page 16
L Short-eared owl
44
L Red grouse
© Brian Rafferty
Black grouse
Watching lekking black grouse in the early morning
and listening to their distinctive bubbling song is a
wildlife watching experience that will stay with you
forever. However, black grouse are vulnerable to
disturbance and so it is crucial that you take steps
to avoid harming these fantastic birds:
• Avoid looking for black grouse after heavy
snowfalls, when birds are under stress.
• View leks from a vehicle. Black grouse pay
little attention to stationary vehicles that
are at least 100 metres away. Ensure that
you do not block access and that your
presence will not disturb nearby residents.
Avoid approaching a lek on foot, which
usually disturbs the birds.
• Arrive before daybreak. A vehicle
stopping once it is light can disturb the
birds. Stay in your vehicle and watch
quietly through binoculars and telescopes.
Don't start the engine until after lekking
has wound down, usually about two
hours after dawn. Alternatively, consider
watching a lek in the evening.
• Keep to footpaths, especially in June
and July, when there may be nesting
females and young birds present. Do not
go looking for black grouse in heather
or thick field vegetation, especially in
woodland (birds may fly into fences,
with lethal consequences, if flushed).
• Do not bring dogs when you're
watching grouse.
www.blackgrouse.info l www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds
Guided birdwatching in the North Pennines
• Moor House–Upper Teesdale National
Nature Reserve – Natural England
Events and activities, including black
grouse watching, based on this huge
upland nature reserve.
www.naturalengland.org.uk l 01833 622374
© Brian Rafferty
• Northern Experience Wildlife Tours
This Northumberland based eco-tourism
business aims to enhance the experience of
visitors while maintaining ethical principles.
Join experienced guide Martin Kitching on
a tour in the North Pennines – take in the
soundscape of Allen Banks as well as the
spectacular moorland of Allendale,
Teesdale and Weardale. With a remarkable
density of breeding waders and displaying
black grouse and a stunning carpet of
wildflowers, your day in the North
Pennines will live long in the memory.
www.northernexperiencewildlifetours.co.uk
01670 827465 l [email protected]
L Curlew
45
Nature watching
Hay meadows
Species-rich upland hay meadows are one of the rarest grassland habitats in
the country. Rich in wildlife and steeped in cultural tradition, the North
Pennines holds some of the best meadows in the UK. Only 1,000ha of upland
hay meadow are thought to remain in the UK and 400ha (or 40%) of this is
within the AONB.
These in turn attract insect-eating birds
like swallows and house martins. Even
at night the meadows supply important
insect food for bats. The meadows also
provide important feeding sites for
yellow wagtail, twite, grey partridge,
black grouse and curlew.
A living link to the past
Bursting with life
Hay meadows are an important habitat
for wildlife. Even though they often may
look like just another green field, a
closer investigation will reveal a large
number of different plant species.
Hay meadows are thought to have
evolved from woodland clearings that
Neolithic people began to enlarge by
cutting down trees. Over time these
clearings grew and farmers began to
harvest the long grass to feed livestock.
This tradition has continued until the
present day and in some cases the same
plot of land may have been harvested
for its hay for almost 6,000 years!
The very best meadows contain over 30
species of flowering plants and grasses
per square metre, with up to 120 species
per field. The special flowers of North
Pennines meadows include wood crane'sbill, globeflower and great burnet.
The richness of flowering plants means
an abundant supply of nectar which
attracts bees and other invertebrates.
L Horse drawn hay sweep, Brockersgill
Farm, Newbiggin, late 1930s
Image courtesy of R. Hooper
46
L Upper Weardale, near St. John’s Chapel
Hay Time project
Hay Time walks
Through this project the AONB Partnership
works with farmers, landowners and
others to conserve and enhance the hay
meadows of the area and to increase
public awareness, enjoyment and
understanding of this important habitat.
The AONB Partnership has produced a
series of three glorious walks from:
Allendale C1 ; Ireshopeburn C2 ;
and Hury Reservoir,
Baldersdale C4 .
L ‘Cutting the hay’
The 5km (two hour) strolls
will introduce you to some
of the best hay meadows in
the North Pennines.
Available direct from the
AONB Partnership (pages 63
& 64) or from Tourist
Information Centres (pages
65-67) or as pdf downloads from
© Neville Turner
Sward play
A new 'hay play' telling the story of the AONB’s hay meadows and the people who
farmed them will tour the North Pennines in spring 2011.
‘Sward! - The Story of a Meadow’ by award-winning writer Simon Corble is at its
heart a time-travelling love story, with roots in ancient myth, oral records and
modern science. The play, commissioned by Blaize Theatre Co in collaboration with
Highlights, the North Pennine Rural Touring Scheme, will be accompanied by a
dazzling photographic exhibition by former Teesdale vet Neville Turner.
Touring dates
Date
Sat 30 Apr 7.30pm
Tues 24 May 7.30pm
Wed 25 May 7pm
Sat 28 May 7pm
Fri 3 June 7pm
Sat 11 June 7.30pm
Venue
Bowes Village Hall
Appleby Public Hall
Mickleton Village Hall
Stanhope - St Thomas Church Hall
Beamish Museum - Masonic Hall
Melmerby Village Hall
Booking number
01833 628343
017683 52210
07794 850282
01388 528673
0191 3704000
01768 881291
Meadowsweet craft touring exhibition
For other Sward! touring dates outside the North Pennines, and for details of
'Meadowsweet', a contemporary craft touring exhibition inspired by the theme of
hay meadows
www.highlightsnorth.co.uk
47
Landscape foundations
Geology and landscape
Rocks are the building blocks of the stunning North Pennines landscape.
Across the area, the rocks and landscapes have stories to tell, of moving
continents and tropical seas, of molten rock and ice sheets and of minerals and
the folk who mined them.
Global significance
Northern Rocks…
As well as being an AONB the North
Pennines is Britain’s first European
Geopark. It’s a founding member of the
UNESCO-endorsed Global Geoparks
Network too! Geoparks are places with
outstanding geology where special effort is
made to make the most of geological
heritage through interpretation, education,
conservation and nature tourism.
… the North Pennines Festival
of Geology and Landscape
In 2011 this annual festival will be
running between 21 May and 5 June.
page 16 l www.northpennines.org.uk
www.europeangeoparks.org
Geology of the North
Pennines…
Foundations of the landscape
This leaflet from the AONB Partnership
tells the story of the geology of
the North Pennines, taking you
on a whistle-stop tour through
500 million years of Earth
history. Tropical seas,
rainforests, molten rock,
deserts and ice sheets have
all helped create the bones
of today’s landscape.
63-64 to request a copy or download a pdf
from www.northpennines.org.uk
48
Geology and
landscape study
programme
Local geologist Brian Young will be
leading a series of evening classes on
behalf of the North Pennines AONB
Partnership in 2011. Running over eight
weeks in April and May, the course will
explore the geology and landscape of
the North Pennines.
North Pennines AONB Partnership
01388 528801 l
[email protected]
L High Cup Gill
The mining legacy
Geological gems
Everywhere you look in the North
Pennines you’ll see evidence of past
mining. The area’s lead mining industry
was once of world importance and
dominated people’s lives and the
landscape. You can still see many remains
– from shafts and spoil heaps to smelt
mills and chimneys. Many other minerals
were also mined, adding to the
fascinating legacy of a past industrial age.
Visit Teesdale and Weardale to discover
some of the geological gems of the
North Pennines, with our leaflets on the
Stanhope fossil tree, Frosterley Marble
and the Whin Sill.
Find out more:
• Killhope, the North of England
Lead Mining Museum B2
page 39 l www.killhope.org.uk l
01388 537505
• Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre B2
page 39 l www.npht.com/nentheadmines
l 01434 382726/382037
• Weardale Museum and High House
Chapel C2
• Pages 63-64 to request copies pdfs
from www.northpennines.org.uk
• Pick up the leaflets from local Tourist
Information Centres pages 65-68
• Head to High Force page 38 to see
the Whin Sill at one of England’s most
impressive waterfalls
• Discover the fossil tree in front of St.
Thomas’s Church, Stanhope Market
Place C2
• See a sculpture made out of Frosterley
Marble at the Durham Dales Centre
page 37, or visit Harehope Quarry
page 38 to see natural outcrops
page 40 l www.weardalemuseum.co.uk l
01388 517433
L Old mine entrance
49
Geotrail discovery
Walk back in time on ‘geotrails’ across
the North Pennines. From lead mining
heritage at Slitt Wood in Weardale,
Blanchland and Allenheads, to the Whin
Sill at Holwick and ancient volcanic
rocks near Dufton – these new
publications will help you ‘read’ the
landscape and discover more about its
fascinating past.
• Pages 63-64 to request copies of
these Geotrails
www.northpennines.org.uk (pdfs)
• Four Geotrails (Cow Green, Holwick
Scar & Low Force, Knock, Tynehead).
Only available as pdfs.
• The Slitt Wood & West Rigg Geotrail
booklet costs £2 pages 63-64
Wheels to the Wild
Cycle Route
Turn your wheel to the wild and
discover some of the best cycling in the
AONB and explore the area’s geology
and landscape. 122km, three-day, route
split into 48, 42 and 33km legs.
The guide also includes three day routes
suitable for mountain and hybrid cycles:
• Waskerley Round (33.5km)
• Swinhope High Challenge (38km)
• Killhope Round (32km)
Get your copy
£5 direct from AONB
Partnership (pages 63 & 64)
and from local TICs (pages
65-67) and other outlets.
Includes accommodation
and services booklet
50
Outdoor activities
Walking
Walking in the North Pennines will suit you if you are looking for solitude and
a place where you can walk all day without seeing more than a handful of
other people, or even crossing a road! If you crave big skies and the wide open,
rolling views typical of moorland landscapes then the North Pennines is for you.
The AONB has a large network of footpaths and bridleways for the keen walker to
explore, as well as extensive areas of open country.
Promoted routes abound, including:
• Hay Time Walks
3 miles
Three glorious walks from Allendale C1 ,
Ireshopeburn C2 and Hury Reservoir,
Baldersdale C4 . Each two hour stroll
introduces you to some of the best hay
meadows in the AONB.
AONB Partnership (pages 63 & 64) l TICs
(pages 65-67) l pdf downloads at
• Pennine Way
268 miles
Some of the best bits of this National Trail
are in the North Pennines. Starts in Edale
and finishes in Kirk Yetholm, Scotland.
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/PennineWay
• Wainwright’s Pennine Journey 247 miles
The modern version of Alfred Wainwright’s 1938
walk – explores the heart of the AONB.
www.penninejourney.org.uk
• Teesdale Way
90 miles
Starts in the North Pennines and follows
the River Tees as it winds its way to the sea.
A guidebook by Martin Collins and Paddy
Dillon is available - www.cicerone.co.uk
73 miles
• Weardale Way
Traces the route of the River Wear from
Cowshill to the sea at Wearmouth. There are
circular day walks, linked to the route, eg
Rookhope Fields & Fells - 3 & 5 mile walks. C2
www.weardaleway.com l www.durham.gov.uk
l guidebook is available from the Durham
Dales Centre, Stanhope.
• Slitt Wood & West Rigg Geotrail 3 miles
Circular walk from Westgate, Weardale. C2
Explore some of the area’s mineral deposits
and see how working them has shaped
our landscape.
pages 63 & 64
• South Tyne Trail
23 miles
Enjoy this spectacular walk from the stone
sculpture at the source, down the South
Tyne Valley to Haltwhistle B1 .
• Isaac’s Tea Trail
36 miles
A circular trail (from Ninebanks YHA B2 )
following in the footsteps of Isaac Holden.
www.northumberlandlife.org/teatrail
• The Poetry Path, Kirkby Stephen 21⁄2miles
Celebrate the hill farmer's relationship with
the landscape. 12 poems carved into blocks
along a circular route. B4
Kirkby Stephen TIC (page 67)
• John Martin Heritage Trail 2 -11 miles
Discover the landscape which influenced
the painter! South of Haydon Bridge C1 .
www.haydon-bridge.co.uk
• Whitley Castle
up to 71⁄2 miles
Historic walk from Alston B2 to Whitley
Castle Roman Fort and back.
AONB Partnership (pages 63 & 64) or
Alston TIC (page 65 l pdf download at
51
Self-guided walks
Lots of self-guided trails and books are available for walks across the North Pennines –
the best way to find out about them in the area you plan to visit is to contact the
pages 65-67
nearest Tourist Information Centre.
Lace up your boots – festivals and
guided walks
Northern Rocks Festival
This festival, running between 21 May and 5 June, includes lots of themed, guided
page 16 l www.northpennines.org.uk
walks.
Haltwhistle Walking Festivals
The Haltwhistle Partnership is running two walking festivals in 2011 (30 April-8 May &
8-16 October). The walks are led by experienced local leaders exploring the landscape
and heritage around Haltwhistle B1 – walks are in the North Pennines AONB,
Northumberland National Park and around Hadrian’s Wall. The Partnership are also
organising a long distance challenge event on 21 May.
For details and to request Festival Programmes:
www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org l 01434 322025 l [email protected]
Durham County Council walks
Durham County Council’s Countryside Service runs a programme of guided walks and
countryside activities, many within the North Pennines.
For more details:
www.durham.gov.uk l
0191 3834144 l [email protected]
For further details of other organisations
running events and activities, including
guided walks, in the North Pennines.
page 17
52
Walking and dogs
Please keep dogs under close control at all times. The North Pennines is thought to
host up to 22,000 pairs of breeding wading birds. These birds nest on the ground and
are extremely vulnerable to disturbance by dogs. Also in the spring time moorland
sheep are lambing - another reason to be careful with your dog.
Dogs on Public Rights of Way
All public footpaths, bridleways and other Public Rights of Way provide opportunities
in the North Pennines for you to walk with your dog. Please always follow the
Countryside Code and the Moorland Visitors' Code.
page 11
Dogs in open country
The rights on access land extend to walking with dogs. However, they must be on a
fixed lead no more than 2m long between 1 March and 31 July to limit disturbance to
ground nesting birds. They must also be on a short fixed lead at any time near
livestock and nesting birds. Please follow local information signs and check for
www.naturalengland.org.uk l 0845 1003298 as much of the North
exclusions of dogs at
Pennines is used for the rearing of red grouse.
Dogs and cattle
Cattle may be inquisitive and approach you, especially if you have a dog.
• Avoid walking through a herd of cattle and NEVER come between a cow and her calf
• If you have a dog with you and feel threatened by cattle, let the dog go and retreat
• In any other circumstances, dogs should be kept on a short lead near livestock
53
Walking
Open Access
Walking on access land is a very different experience to following public rights
of way, principally because you are able to make up your own route and
explore freely.
On access land you can walk, sightsee, picnic, birdwatch, climb, run and cross-country
ski. But there is no right to ride a cycle or horse, camp, drive vehicles, hanglide,
paraglide, use a metal detector, use boats, collect stones, plants or wood, light or
cause fires or swim.
Open Access guides
Two leaflets are available to help you find out about open access in the North Pennines:
• Discover Open Country in the North Pennines, includes circular routes from
available as a pdf file at www.northpennines.org.uk
Youth Hostels in the AONB
• Open Access in the North Pennines includes five suggested
routes across open country, a map showing access land in the
AONB and lots of guidance and advice
www.northpennines.org.uk & download pdf file or turn to pages 63-64
Find out more:
• OS Explorer maps published after May 2005 show access land
• Visit www.naturalengland.org.uk for information on restrictions to walk on access
land and for general information
• Call the Access Helpline on 0845 1003298
• Visit a Primary Information Point – locations on OS Explorer maps
• Contact the County Councils: Cumbria – 01228 606060; Durham – 0300 123
7070; Northumberland – 01670 533000
• www.cumbriacc.gov.uk/openaccesswalks
54
Outdoor activities
Cycling
L Hartside Packhorse Trail
The North Pennines offers loads of fantastic opportunities to discover the area
by bike. Routes vary from car-free level trails suitable for families to more
challenging moorland single track and steep minor roads for experienced
mountain bikers, cycle tourists and road cyclists.
Packhorse Trails
Discover these five new routes for mountain bikers and horse riders. The routes take
in some of the highlights of the area’s inspiring scenery and are all based on 18th
century packhorse trails, once used to transport lead and other goods.
The routes
• Alston B2 - a stunning 27km gently undulating circular ride through the Nent and
South Tyne Valleys
• Hartside A2 - a challenging 11km of steep climbs and descents starting at the
Hartside Cafe
• Hamsterley D3 - enjoy a 26km tour of spectacular open moorland, before
dropping down to the River Tees itself
• Baldersdale C4 - travel 18km along Baldersdale, with woodland, moorland and a
superb stretch along Hury and Blackton Reservoirs
• Blanchland C2 - 20km ride over the moors above the beautiful Derwent Valley
Get a guide
© NPAP/Louise Taylor
The guides – one for horse riders and another for mountain bikers (same five routes) – come in the form of
a folder with removable, weather-proof route cards.
direct from the AONB Partnership, pages 63-64 or from local Tourist Information Centres, pages 65-67,
and other outlets.
L Alston Packhorse Trail
L Hamsterley Packhorse Trail
55
Wheels to the Wild!
Discover the spectacular geology and landscape of the North
Pennines on this three-day (122km) cycle touring route.
page 50
National Cycle Routes
• C2C Cycle Route. The UK’s most popular ‘challenge’ cycle route (from Whitehaven
or Workington to Newcastle or Sunderland). The 140 mile (79 traffic-free) route
www.c2c-guide.co.uk l www.sustrans.org
passes right through the heart of the North Pennines.
• Walney to Wear and Whitby Cycle Route. Inspired by the pioneering C2C, the
W2W route passes through a variety of stunning countryside. The route passes
www.cyclingw2w.info l www.sustrans.org
through the southern part of the AONB.
• Pennine Cycle Way runs for 335 miles between Derby and Berwick upon Tweed,
www.sustrans.org
passing through the North Pennines on its way.
Traffic-free routes
www.durham.gov.uk
The Waskerley Way (Weardale) and the Tees Railway Walk (Teesdale)
are great traffic-free, easy gradient, cycle routes ideal for families. Hamsterley Forest is
page 38
also a great place to find traffic-free routes
Mountain biking in the forest
Hamsterley Forest D3 has excellent terrain for
mountain biking, offering routes for a range of
abilities - including: The Loop – skills area; downhill for
experienced riders; and three, colour coded,
waymarked trails (Blue – 9 miles, Red – 10 miles and
Black – 7 miles). Don’t miss the mountain bike friendly
L Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Tearooms, open between April and Nov.
www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest l www.hamsterley-trailblazers.co.uk
l www.descend–hamsterley.co.uk l Hamsterley Tearooms 01388 488822
56
Cycle hire and shops
Arragon’s Cycle Centre A3
North Pennine Cycles B2
& Pat Raeside
Old Post Office, Nenthead, Cumbria CA9 3PF
T. 01434 381324
E. [email protected]
W. www.northpenninecycles.co.uk
Hire Mountain, kids, tandem
Other Repair, rescue, baggage transfer (C2C –
Keswick to Park Head), retail, servicing (Cytech 2),
parts, accessories
Contact David
Address
Sarah or Phil
2 Brunswick Road, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7LU
T. 01768 890344
W. www.arragonscycles.com
Hire Mountain, hybrids
Open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Frid, 9am-5.30pm; Wed, 9am2pm; Sat, 9am-5pm; Easter-Sep, Sun, 10am-2pm
Other Sales, service, repairs, parts, accessories
Contact
Address
Pedalpushers A1
Nick & Maggie Davis
Lonnings End, Sandy Lonning, Capontree
Road, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 1RA
T. 01697 742387 / 07770 976187
Open All year round (9am-7pm)
Hire Range of bikes available for road and moderate
off-road use. Childrens’ bikes and a tandem also
available. Helmets, locks and puncture repair kits
included in hire.
Other Collection/delivery & transfer service offered.
Local route maps. Service and repairs
Contact
The Bike Shop C1
Address
John Swan
16 St Mary’s Chare, Hexham,
Northumberland NE46 1NQ
T. 01434 601032
W. www.thebikeshophexham.com
Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm
Hire Hybrids
Other Sales, repairs, parts and accessories
Contact
Address
Dale Bike Hire D2
Peter Cook
Denecroft, 35 Uppertown, Wolsingham,
Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 3ES
T. 01388 527737; 07811 321947
W. www.dalebikehirenortheast.co.uk
Hire Mountain (adults & children), tagalongs, trailer
bikes, childrens’ seats
Other Delivery of bikes can be arranged. Bikes can be
transported to the start of the C2C. Individual &
group hire, leader available. Helmets included in hire
Contact
Address
Richard Varcoe
26 The Bank, Barnard Castle, County
Durham DL12 8PQ
T. 01833 690640
W. www.spitfirecycles.co.uk
Open Tues-Sat, 9am-5pm
Other Sales, repairs, parts and accessories
Contact
Address
Wood ‘N’ Wheels D3
Kirkby Stephen Cycle Centre B4
Martin Stout
Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Bishop
Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 3NL
T. 0333 8008222
W. www.woodnwheels.co.uk
Hire Mountain – adults and children (down to 16”
wheel), child seats and tagalongs
Open Summer, 10am-6pm; Winter, 10am-dusk
(approx. 4pm)
Other Sales (new & ex-hire), repairs, accessories &
parts, groups catered for with trained guide, bikes
can be delivered to your accommodation, light hire
on winter Wed nights, cycle repair courses
Contact
Stephen McWhirter
Address Unit 1, Station Yard, Kirkby Stephen,
Cumbria CA17 4LA
T. 017683 71658
Open Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm
Hire Mountain, comfort, hybrids by prior arrangement
Other Sales, repairs, spare parts
Contact
Spitfire Cycles D4
Address
57
Outdoor activities
Fishing
The North Pennines boasts some of the finest upland reservoirs and rivers,
renowned for the quality of their fishing. Whether you want an almost
guaranteed catch on stocked water, or want to pit yourself against wild
salmon, brown and sea trout – the North Pennines could be the fishing
destination for you.
Reservoirs
Northumbrian Water looks after lots of well stocked (rainbow and brown trout) and
attractive upland reservoirs, with average catches of between four and five fish. There
are opportunities for coarse, fly and multi-bait fishing at Derwent D2 , Cow Green B3 ,
Selset C3 , Grassholme C3 , Balderhead C4 , Blackton C4 and Hury C3 reservoirs across
the North Pennines AONB.
Find out more…
Call Northumbrian Water on 0845 1550236 to request your free ‘Go Fishing Guide’ or visit
www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing
Have a go…
If you fancy an introduction to the world of fly or multi-bait trout fishing for trout why
not sign up for a ‘beginner day’ at Derwent Reservoir D2 ?
• Three-hour sessions between April and September
• Call Derwent Reservoir Lodge on 01207 255250 for details and to book
L Derwent Reservoir
L New Mills Trout Farm
Family fishing
• Bessy Beck Trout Fishery, near Kirkby Stephen B4 l 015396 23303 l
www.bessybecktrout.co.uk
• New Mills Trout Farm, near Brampton A1 l 016977 41115 l
www.newmillstroutfarm.net
58
L River Tees
Rivers and Lakes
Rivers and lakes in the North Pennines offer some of the best brown trout, sea trout and
salmon fisheries in the country:
River South Tyne
(Alston to Langley Viaduct)
River Tyne: Tyne Angling Passport
B2
Alston and District Angling Association
Fly and spinning only
Day and week permits from:
Hughes News and Alston Post Office
River Tees
(Barnard Castle) D4
www.tyneriverstrust.org
River Wear
(Stanhope Gauging Station to
Rookhope Burn, Eastgate) C2
Weardale Fly Fishers Club
Fly until 1 Sept then also worm and spinning
Barnard Castle Angling Club
Day and week permits
Day permits from:
Details from:
Barnard Castle TIC - 01833 690909
page 65
River Tees
(Upper Tees North Bank)
Voucher system for day fishing beats on the
Tyne and its tributaries
Stanhope Newsagents, Front Street,
Stanhope
Langley Dam
(14 acre lake, off the A686 near
Haydon Bridge) C1
C3
Raby Estate
Fly only
Day permits from:
Raines Ironmongers and Raby Estate Office in
Middleton-in-Teesdale or the shop at High Force
Fly only
Stocked weekly with rainbow trout
Various day permits and boat hire available
01434 688846 for details and to book
River Eden
Day fishing beats on the Eden and its tributaries
(voucher system)
http://gowild.edenriverstrust.org.uk l 01768 866788
For further information on river fisheries, including
regional guides
Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Rod licences
Any angler (12 years and over) fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels must
have an Environment Agency rod licence. Your licence fee helps fund work to look
after fisheries. If you don’t get one you risk a fine of up to £2,500.
Get your licence at local post offices, by calling 0844 800 5386 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
59
Outdoor activities
Horse riding
The North Pennines offers a range of opportunities for horse riding, from
leisurely, guided pony rides for beginners to technical upland hacks across
page 55 for the more experienced. You can discover
historic packhorse trails
networks of bridleways and quiet lanes, allowing you to see the splendour of
the North Pennines AONB and European Geopark from the saddle.
One of the best ways to enjoy horse
riding in the North Pennines is with
one of the area’s riding centres.
General horse riding information
British Horse Society
www.bhs.org.uk
Riding Centres
Hamsterley Riding School D3
Judy Dennis
Dixon Carr Farm, Hamsterley, Bishop
Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 3NH
T. 01388 488328 or 07774 971423
Contact
Address
Trekking suitable for all ages (4+) along a quiet
single track country lane. ABRS Aproved. Families
and beginners welcome – happy steeds and friendly
staff! 30 minutes - £13, one hour - £19 (includes
riding hats). Open all year
Raygill Riding Centre D4
Address Raygill Farm, Lartington, Barnard Castle,
Co. Durham DL12 9DG
T. 01833 638739 or 07919 996045
W. www.raygillridingcentre.co.uk
We offer a variety of riding holidays, including:
Learn to ride in a Week, Trekking Holidays, Improve
your Riding Holidays, and Fun and Learn Weeks.
The centre has 30 ponies and horses or you can
bring your own. Visit website or call for prices and
further details. Open all year
Sinderhope Trekking Centre C2
Lisa or Robert Philipson
Sinderhope, Sinderhope, Allendale,
Northumberland NE47 9SH
T. 01434 685266
W. www.sinderhopeponytrekking.co.uk
Contact
Address High
Trekking suitable for all types of riders over
moorland and along country roads: 1hr (£15); 11⁄2hrs
(£22); 2hrs (£30); and 3hrs – experienced riders only
(£40); all day (approx. 5 hours) (£65). Lessons in
indoor arena also available. Min age 4 for lessons
and 6 for trekking. Arena (including show jumps)
also available for hire from £15 per hr (£5 per
additional horse). Open all year
West Hoppyland Trekking Centre D3
Carole or Bill Atkinson
West Hoppyland Farm, Hamsterley, Bishop
Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 3NP
T. 01388 488196 or 07738 269134
W. www.westhoppyland.com
Contact
Address
L Hartside Packhorse Trail route
60
West Hoppyland offers trekking over the high
moors and along tree-lined tracks in Hamsterley
Forest. Group of up to three experienced riders can
be taken for treks of 1, 11⁄2 or 2 hours. Three/four
hour rides with picnic lunches and livery services are
also available. Open all year
Win a food hamper!
Win a Love Food Hamper of scrumptious local produce! We hope you have found
the North Pennines Pocket Guide useful. Your views are important to us, so if you
have a spare five minutes to complete this brief questionnaire that would be brilliant!
In return we’ll enter you into a prize draw to win a hamper of local foods, kindly
page 21
donated by the Love Food project.
How did you get hold of your copy of the Pocket Guide?
It landed on my doormat
Picked it up in tourist accommodation in the North Pennines
Picked it up somewhere else in the North Pennines (please specify)
Via the AONB Partnership’s website www.northpennines.org.uk
Found it in a Tourist Information Centre
Other (please specify)
Please rate the Pocket Guide
Excellent
Very good
Good
OK
Poor
Please rate the usefulness of the following sections
(Rating: 1 = very useful, 2 = useful, 3 = quite useful, 4 = not useful, 5 = Didn’t use)
1 2 3 4 5
A special place (pages 4-7)
Accommodation (8-9)
Be a green visitor (10-12)
Friends of the North Pennines (13-14)
Events and shows (15-18)
Discover the past (19-20)
Local products and produce (21-23)
Area guides and AONB map (24-35)
Attractions (36-41)
Nature watching (42-50)
Outdoor activities (51-60)
Information centres (65-67)
61
When making holiday choices, how important are green/environmental issues
to you? (e.g. green awards, recycling, using local produce/renewable energy
sources etc.)
Very important
Quite important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all
Did you know that the North Pennines was an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB) before you read the Pocket Guide?
Yes
No
Did you know that the North Pennines was also a European Geopark before
you read the Pocket Guide?
Yes
No
What do you think is special about the North Pennines?
How would you improve the Pocket Guide?
Your details
Title
First name
Second name
Address
Day time tel
Postcode
Email
Please tick if you would like to receive information about things to see and do in the North Pennines and
the work of the AONB Partnership by post and email (note that we will not share your details with any
other organisations).
When you have completed this questionnaire, please post to ‘Pocket Guide
Prize Draw’ at the North Pennines AONB Partnership (address on back cover).
Draw rules: no cash alternative will be offered; draw will be carried out on 1/11/2011; details of the winner
can be obtained by writing to the AONB Partnership enclosing an SAE.
62
Publication requests
To help you get the most out of your visit to the North Pennines you can
order the selected publications listed below. Simply tick the relevant boxes
and return the order form, together with three first-class stamps, to the
address below:
Weardale Business Centre
The Old Co-op Building
1 Martin Street
Stanhope, Bishop Auckland
County Durham DL13 2UY
Your details
Title
First name
Second name
Address
Postcode
Day time tel
Email address
Please tick if you would like to receive information about things to see and do in
the North Pennines and the work of the AONB Partnership by post and email
(note that we will not share your details with any other organisations)
Publications are FREE unless otherwise stated
Walking
Along the river bank (Blanchland)
Over the hill to Cowbyre Farm (Blanchland)
Newbiggin and the Carriers’ Way (Blanchland)
Whitley Castle...Alston through the ages
Derwent Reservoir & Pow Hill Country Park
Open Access in the North Pennines
Cycling & horse riding
Wheels to the Wild Cycle Route:
£5 Cheques payable to ‘Durham County Council’
Packhorse Trails – for horse riders:
£6 Cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
Packhorse Trails – for mountain bikers:
£6 Cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
63
Geology and landscape
Geology of the North Pennines
Stanhope Fossil Tree
Frosterley Marble
The Whin Sill
Blanchland Geotrail
Slitt Wood & West Rigg Geotrail
Allenheads Geotrail
Dufton Geotrail
Holwick Geotrail
Birdwatching
Bird Identification Guide
Peatlands
Peatlands of the North Pennines
Moorland Flowers, Grasses, Shrubs, Mosses and Lichens Identification Guide
Hay meadows & plants
Allendale Hay Time Walk
Weardale (Ireshopeburn) Hay Time Walk
Baldersdale Hay Time Walk
Hay Meadow Grasses and Flowers Identification Guide
Spring Gentian
General
What’s Special About the North Pennines?
• Visit www.northpennines.org.uk and visit our Publications pages to
access pdf downloads of the above leaflets
• Please don’t forget to enclose three 1st class stamps with your order
64
About the North Pennines
Finding out more
Information Centres in and around the North Pennines
Tourist Information Centres (TICs) are great places to find out more about the
North Pennines. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand providing a
wide range of services. You’ll find lots of information on places to visit and
local events, including a range of publications, as well as where to stay and
public transport options.
Book-a-bed-ahead service
Internet access
Wheelchair accessible
Photocopying
Wheelchair accessible toilets
Local theatre tickets
Cafe
Loop system
CentreParcs booking
Alston
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Alston Local Links,
Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, Cumbria
CA9 3RF
t: 01434 382244
w: www.visiteden.co.uk
Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-inWestmorland, Cumbria CA16 6XE
t: 017683 51177
w: www.applebytown.org.uk
Opening times:
• Summer: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm; Sun
10.30am-2.30pm
• Winter: Mon-Thur 10am-1pm; Fri 10am3pm; Sat 10am-2pm
Opening times:
• Up to 19/03/11 & 18/10/11-early 2012:
Mon & Fri 10am-5pm, Tues-Thur & Sat
10am-3pm, closed Sun
• 20/03/11-17/10/11: Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat
9.30am-5pm; Wed, Thur 10am-5pm;
Sun 10am-4pm
Conference
booking facility
© Eden Tourism
Barnard Castle
Woodleigh, Flatts Road
Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 8AA
t: 01833 696356
w: www.visitteesdale.com
Opening times:
• 01/01/11-31/03/11: Mon-Sat 10am-3pm
• 01/04/11-31/10/11: Mon-Sat 9.30am5pm, Sun 12am-4pm
• 01/11/11-31/03/12: Mon-Sat 10am-3pm
L Alston
65
Bishop Auckland
Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland
Co. Durham DL14 7NP
t: 01388 604922/602610
w: www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk
Opening times:
• Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 9am-4pm
• Closed Bank Holidays
1
2
3
L Barnard Castle
Haltwhistle
1
2
3
When Café is open (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm)
Inc. local and family history resources in
library (10am-7pm Mon, Tues, Thurs; 10am5pm Wed, Fri; 9am – 4pm Sat)
Town Hall & Darlington Civic Theatre
Mechanics Institute, Haltwhistle
Northumberland NE49 0AX
t: 01434 322002
w: www.visitnorthumberland.com
Opening times:
Brampton
• 17/03/11-mid May: Mon-Sat 9.30am1pm, 2pm-5pm
The Moot Hall, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 1RW
t: 016977 3433
w: www.historic-carlisle.org.uk
• Mid May-30/09/11: Mon-Sat 9.30am-
Opening times:
• 01/11/11-03/12: Mon-Sat 9.30am-
• Summer: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
1pm, 2pm-5.30pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
• 01/10/11-31/10/11: Mon-Sat 9.30am1pm, 2pm-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
12noon,1pm-3.30pm
Hexham
Corbridge
Hill Street, Corbridge
Northumberland NE45 5AA
t: 01434 632815
Opening times:
• 04/01/11-31/03/11: Wed, Fri, Sat 11am4pm
• 01/04/11-31/10/11: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
(closed 1pm-1.30pm); closed Sun
• 01/11/11-31/03/12: Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-
Wentworth Car Park, Hexham
Northumberland NE46 1QE
t: 01434 652220
Opening times:
• 01/03/11-mid May: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
(Sun 10am-5pm from 23/03/09)
• 13/05/11-30/09/11: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm,
Sun 10am-5pm
• 01/10/11-03/12: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.
Closed Sun
4pm
Also:
• Fishing Permits for River
Tyne at Hexham
• Hadrian’s Wall Bus tickets
Surf the web…
Visit our website at www.northpennines.org.uk for a wide range of information on the North
Pennines AONB and European Geopark
66
© Eden Tourism
Kirkby Stephen
Market Street, Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria CA17 4QN
t: 017683 71199
w: www.visiteden.co.uk
Opening times:
• Winter: Daily (except Thur & Sun) 10am12 noon
• Summer: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm,
Sun 11am-3pm
L Kirkby Stephen
Stanhope
10 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale
Co. Durham DL12 0QG
t: 01833 641001
w:www.middletonplus.org.uk
Opening times:
Durham Dales Centre, Castle Gardens
Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham
DL13 2FJ
t: 01388 527650
w: www.durhamdalescentre.co.uk
Opening times:
• Until 01/04/11: Daily 10am-4pm
• 02/04/11-30/10/11: Daily 10am-5pm
• 31/10/11-31/03/12: Daily 10am-4pm
• Daily 10am-1pm
*
*Darlington Civic Theatre
Also:
Penrith
Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7PT
t: 01768 867466
w www.visiteden.co.uk
• UK Holiday Information Service
• Welcome to Excellence
Opening times:
• Winter: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
• Summer: Open daily
*
*Theatre by the Lake (Keswick), Penrith Players
Also:
• Next to Penrith & Eden Museum
L Middleton-in-Teesdale
Parts of the North Pennines are in the three counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland:
www.thisisdurham.com • www.visitnorthumberland.com • www.golakes.co.uk
www.visiteden.co.uk • www.discovercarlisle.co.uk
www.discoverweardale.co.uk • www.teesdalediscovery.com
67
We can provide a summary of the information
contained in this publication in large print,
different formats and other languages on request.
Please call 01388 528801 for details
After you have finished with this
Pocket Guide please give it to
someone else to read, or recycle it
Weardale Business Centre
The Old Co-op Building
1 Martin Street
Stanhope, Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL13 2UY
+44 (0)1388 528801
[email protected]
The North Pennines AONB
Partnership holds a Gold
GTBS Award for its
corporate office and
tourism activities
twitter.com/NorthPennAONB
facebook.com/NorthPenninesAONB
This guide has been produced by the
It has been supported by
and the area’s five local authorities
02/11/24K
This publication is printed on 250 and 115gsm Cocoon 100 Silk: 100% post-consumer FSC recycled
certified fibre, chlorine free.

North Pennines Pocket Guide North Pennines Pocket Guide

Transcription

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