Explore the North Pennines

Explore the North Pennines
Inside…
Events & activities
Detailed maps & area guides
Nature watching
Local products & produce
Outdoor activities
Attractions
Pocket Guide 2012/13
Free!

2
Welcome to
The North Pennines
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
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.
Information is correct at the time of going to print (March 2012). Every effort has been made to ensure that
information is accurate. However, the AONB Partnership and its Staff Unit cannot be held responsible for errors
or omissions. Please check critical information before travel. Inclusion in this guide is not a recommendation by
the AONB Partnership and in itself is not necessarily a guarantee of quality.
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

Contents
This publication is printed on 250/115gsm
Greencoat Silk 80: 80% post-consumer
recycled fibre content, 20% FSC-certified.
Maps used between pages 24 & 35
are based on OS mapping © Crown
Copyright. All rights reserved. Durham
County Council. LA 100049055. 2012.
Page
A special place 4
Green places to stay 8
Finding accommodation 9
Be a green visitor 10
Reading the Rocks 13
Packhorse Trails 14
AONB Events 15
Rocky weekends 16
Other events & activities 17
Shows and fairs 18
Friends of the North Pennines 19
Local products & produce 21
Area guides 24
North Pennines map 34-35
Attractions 36
Discover the past 42
Nature watching - Reserves and WildWatch 44
- Moorlands 45
- Birds 46
- Hay meadows 48
- Geology and landscape 50
Outdoor activities - Walking 53
- Cycling 57
- Fishing 60
- Horse riding 62
Publication requests 63
Information centres 65
Front cover: The South Tyne Valley taken from Knowe Head
above Eals © NPAP/Andy Lees. 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/Andy Lees, Marcus Byron, Steve Parsley,
NERC, www.northeastwildlife.co.uk and Teesdale Marketing.
North Pennines AONB Partnership, Weardale Business Centre, The Old Co-op Building, 1 Martin St,
Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 2UY
s
Weardale
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 3

4
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 50-52
Past times
Introducing the North Pennines
A special place
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 story of the North Pennines. pages 42-43
s
Hay meadow in Teesdale
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s High Force

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 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 haven for wildlife. pages 44-49
New for 2012
s Nine Standards Rigg, near Kirkby Stephen
sHunstanworth
s Spring gentian
The AONB Partnership will be re-opening Bowlees Visitor Centre C3 during 2012.
Once opened it’ll be a great place to get to grips with Upper Teesdale and the
wider North Pennines. We’re going to be adding a new cafe, improving the
displays and information and upgrading the accessibility of the centre.
Watch this space!
www.northpennines.org.uk for details Follow us on
t. 01388 528801 @NorthPennAONB
page 36
NorthPenninesAONB
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 5
©Val Wilson

6
Fact file
In the North Pennines you’ll find:
Almost 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
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 24 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
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
facebook.com/NorthPenninesAONB
© Brian Rafferty

AONB 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 2,292 sq. km and the smallest
The Isles of Scilly AONB at just 16 sq. km.
s Nidderdale 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
s High Force, Teesdale
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 7
© Steve Parsley

8
Some accommodation providers in the area have joined either the Green
Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) – green accreditation for quality tourism
businesses, page 10 or have 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
Greenwell Hill Cottages
Wolsingham D2 (also self-catering)
www.greenwellfarm.co.uk l 01388 710350
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
Accommodation
Green places to stay
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
Isaac’s Byre
Garrigill B2
www.isaacsbyre.co.uk l 01434 381013
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
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
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
Cobblestone Barn
Melmerby A2
www.cobblestonebarn.co.uk l 01768 881915
Cromer House Barn
Frosterley D2
www.cromerhousebarn.co.uk l 01388 526632
Bunkhouse
Carrs Farm Bunkhouse
Nr Wolsingham D2
www.carrsfarm.co.uk l 01388 527373 l
07592 744649
Group accommodation
Deneholme Country House Hotel
and Activity Centre
Allendale C1
www.deneholme.com l 01434 618579
Blackton Grange
Baldersdale C4
www.blacktongrange.com l 07771 688014
Caravan park
Allendale Caravan Park
Allendale C1
www.allendale-holidays.co.uk l
01434 683362

Finding accommodation
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: Middleton-in-Teesdale information
centre to request a 2012 Teesdale Where to
Stay Guide. Contact Stanhope information
centre for Weardale information (page 67)
Northumberland
www.visitnorthumberland.com – search for
accommodation in Hadrian’s Wall & North
Pennines l the Northumberland Holiday Guide
is available online or contact Hexham,
Haltwhistle or Corbridge information centres
(page 66)
s YHA Edmundbyers
Youth Hostels
There are six YHA Youth Hostels in the North Pennines:
s Cromer House Barn, Frosterley
Cumbria
www.visiteden.co.uk – search for
accommodation l request an Eden Visitor
Guide 2012 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 2012 Holiday Guide or
find online l call 01539 822222
For accommodation in Carlisle District
www.discovercarlisle.co.uk l call 01228
625600 l tourism@carlisle.gov.uk – request a
‘2012 Historic Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall
Country Holiday and Short Breaks Guide’
Kirkby Stephen B4 , Edmundbyers D2 , Langdon Beck C3 , Alston B2 ,
Ninebanks B2 and Dufton B3 . Visit www.yha.org.uk or call
01629 592700 (customerservices@yha.org.uk)
Baldersdale (Blackton Grange C4
) is also available as an ‘Escape to’ (sole use)
hostel along with the six hostels above – visit www.escape-to.co.uk
s Dufton
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 9

10
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 the local economy.
pages 21-23
Why not also support one of the
many local shows that’ll you’ll find in
the area during the summer months?
page 18
Support businesses that
support the environment
Sustainable North Pennines
Be a green visitor!
Tourism businesses in and around the
North Pennines AONB, from B&Bs and
self-catering cottages to hotels 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.
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s 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 reduction, green
purchasing, transport, and wildlife
conservation.
Find out more
www.green-business.co.uk
www.northpennines.org.uk

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
Keep dogs under close control
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.
Following severe
wild fires, our
unique moorlands
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
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
s Teesdale
Controlled burning
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.
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.
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 11

12
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?
By train
Durham and Darlington on the East Coast main line
Bishop Auckland on the 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 484950 l www.nationalrail.co.uk
The Weardale Railway runs heritage and special event services
page 41 l www.weardale-raliway.org.uk
By bus
Traveline Northeast and Cumbria
www.travelinenortheast.info l 0871 2002233 (7am - 8pm, 7 days a week). Calls cost
10p per min, plus any charges your network provider makes
National Express www.nationalexpress.com l 08717 818178 l 24hrs a day, 7 days a
week, calls cost 10p a minute plus network extras
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.
On foot
Contact the nearest information centre pages 65-67 to where you are staying
for details of local walk routes.
pages 53-56
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
pages 57-59

An exciting new book!
Reading the Rocks
Exploring the geology and landscape of the North Pennines
This new 48-page book from the AONB Partnership tells the remarkable
story of the North Pennine landscape and how it has evolved over many
millions of years of Earth history. Discover how volcanoes, tropical seas,
rainforests, molton rock, deserts, glaciers, miners and quarrymen have
all helped create today’s landscape.
Shaped by 500 million years of Earth history…
The geological story of the North Pennines spans nearly 500 million years of
Earth history and is incredibly varied. The rocks and landscapes reveal a story of
volcanoes, tropical deltas, deserts and, in the more recent geological past, vast ice
sheets. Molten rock became the Whin Sill whose hard dolerite now forms
dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. And cutting through the fells and dales are veins of
lead ore and other minerals, which crystallized deep underground from fluids
heated by a hidden granite.
The book includes colourful reconstructions of ancient environments, nuggets of
geological information and suggestions of locations to visit. It shows how, by
spotting clues in the landscape and ‘reading the rocks’, readers can explore the
North Pennines’ incredible journey through time. Woven through the story are
the ways in which the area’s rocks and minerals have been used by local people
through the ages.
Get your copy
£8 (£4 for Friends of the North Pennines – pages
19 & 20) + £1.80 P+P, direct from the AONB
Partnership pages 63 & 64
Also available in local information centres – pages
65-67 and other outlets
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 13

14
Five new routes!
Packhorse Trails
Mountain bikers and horse riders looking for great ways to explore the
spectacular North Pennines are in for a treat with these five trails,
based on 18th century packhorse routes.
The guides – one for horse riders and another for mountain bikers – include five
waterproof route cards. A companion booklet identifies: route basics; places to
eat and drink; points of interest on the routes; cycle hire and repair/livery,
stabling and horse riding centres (depending on guide); and GPS waypoints.
Alston – a stunning 29km (18 miles, 30% off-road) gently undulating circular
ride through the Nent and South Tyne Valleys.
Baldersdale – travel 18km (11 miles, 60% off-road) along Baldersdale, with
woodland, moorland and a superb stretch along Hury and Blackton
Reservoirs.
Blanchland – a 21km (13 miles, 70% off-road) ride
high up and over the moors above the beautiful
Derwent Valley.
Hamsterley – enjoy a 26km (16 miles, 75% off-road)
tour of spectacular open moorland, before dropping
down to Eggleston and returning to the forest.
Hartside – a challenging 11km (7 miles, 75% off-road)
of steep climbs and descents starting at the Hartside Cafe.
Get your guide!
Mountain bike or horse riding guide - £6 (£3 for
Friends of the North Pennines pages 19 & 20) +
£1.50 P+P, direct from the AONB Partnership
pages 63 & 64
Why not get a copy of the Wheels to the Wild
Cycle Route too? page 50. For 2012 this guide,
which includes three challenging day rides, is
available at the specially discounted price of £2
(reduced from £5)
Also available in local information centres –
pages 65-67 and other outlets
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

North Pennines AONB
Events
Explore the North Pennines in the company of expert guides and
uncover the area’s special qualities. During 2012 you’ll find a series of
events and activities to help you discover the area’s stunning wildlife,
landscape, geology and history…
Discovery and adventure!
There is a lot going on in the North Pennines during 2012! Throughout the year
there’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to get to grips with the special
qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Global Geopark.
Our new Rocky weekends will unlock the area’s geological mysteries page 16
Visit www.northpennines.org.uk for full details of a wide range of events and
activities, including: peatland adventures, mini-beast activities, bat events,
walling taster days, hay meadow discovery, dark matter events, birdwatching
days and much, much more!
Full event details at www.northpennines.org.uk
Most events are advance booking only – see web
follow us on Facebook or Twitter for up to the minute
information
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 15

s High Force
16
Geology and landscape
Rocky weekends
New for 2012 the AONB Partnership will be running a series of three
weekends of ‘rocky’ activities to help you unlock the geological and
landscape secrets of the North Pennines.
Each weekend consists of a 10-mile guided geowalk on the Saturday led by our
very own geologist – Dr Elizabeth Pickett. On the Saturday evening you will be
treated to a guest speaker with food laid on. A local guide will round the
weekend off with a shorter (5-6 miles) stroll on the Sunday.
Make a weekend of it and book local accommodation pages 8 & 9
Lead mining - 26 & 27 May - Allendale C1
Saturday walk – Allenheads to Allendale
Saturday talk – ‘Lead mining in the Allen Valleys’ – Ian Forbes (former Director
of Killhope Museum and current Chair of the Friends of the North Pennines)
Sunday walk – Allendale Circular
Teesdale discovery - 8 & 9 September - Bowlees C3
Saturday walk – Cow Green Reservoir to Bowlees via Cauldron Snout, High and
Low Force
Saturday talk – ‘Holwick archaeological discovery’ – Paul Frodsham (Historic
Environment Officer with the AONB Partnership)
Sunday walk – Richard Watson Poetry Trail with Neil Diment (local expert)
Volcanoes and deserts - 6 & 7 October – Dufton, Eastern Fellside
Saturday walk – Great Rundale-High Cup Nick
Saturday talk - tbc
Sunday walk – Dufton Circular
Full event details at www.northpennines.org.uk l
call the AONB Partnership on 01388 528801 l
info@northpenninesaonb.org.uk
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s Allenheads
s
High Cup Gill
B3

Out and about
Other events and activities
As well as events organised by the AONB Partnership pages 15 and 16
there are other organisations also running events and activities in the
North Pennines.
Allendale Bakery. Bread making courses
at Allen Mill in the East Allen Valley.
www.allendalebakery.com l 01434 618879
Dickens in Teesdale. Year-long festival
celebrating Dickens’ visit to Teesdale.
www.dickensinteesdale.org.uk l 07522
012417
Durham County Council’s Countryside Service
Programme of guided walks (1-15 miles)
and countryside activities including
volunteering opportunites.
www.durham.gov.uk/countryside l 0191
372 9100 l countryside@durham.gov.uk)
The Garden Station, Langley. Nature, art,
gardening and cookery day courses.
page 37
Geltsdale RSPB Reserve. Bird and
moorland walks.
www.rspb.org.uk l 01697 746717 l
northernengland@rspb.org.uk
John Martin Heritage Festival, Haydon
Bridge. Talks, workshops, guided walks
and more. Running until Sep 2012.
www.haydon-bridge.co.uk
Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining
Museum. Lots of events through the year.
www.killhope.org.uk l 01388 537505
Haltwhistle Partnership are running two
Walking Festivals in 2012 (28 April-7
May and 6-14 Oct) and a long distance
challenge event on 19 May.
www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org l 01434
322025 l haltywalkfest@btinternet.com
Harehope Quarry. Community events
programme.
www.harehopequarry.org.uk l
01388 528633/528599
Highlights Rural Touring Scheme. Theatre,
music and dance in venues across the area.
www.highlightsnorth.co.uk l 01768
353954 l info@highlightsnorth.co.uk
Gordon Lamb. Watercolour art courses.
www.gallery-upstairs.co.uk l 01434
675415 l jean@gallery-upstairs.co.uk
Make Recycled Craft Workshop. Fun
workshops for adults and kids
throughout the year. Above the cafe at
Whitfield Village Pantry.
http://makerecycledcraftworkshops.bigcar
tel.com
Moor House–Upper Teesdale National
Nature Reserve. Programme of events and
activities.
www.naturalengland.org.uk l 01833 622374
Natural History Society of Northumbria run
a series of field meetings (March-Oct),
some in the North Pennines.
www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk l 0191 2326386 l
nhsn@ncl.ac.uk
North Pennines Wool Group. Page 21
Pennines Painting Courses. Run by Lionel
Playford from Rose House Studio in
Garrigill.
www.penninepainting.co.uk l
01434 381092
Slack House Farm, Ireshopeburn (Weardale)
run a range of rural workshops with an
environmental emphasis.
www.fleecewithaltitude.co.uk l
01388 537292 l
slackhousefarm@fleecewithaltitude.co.uk
Upper Teesdale Botany Group
Contact Dr Margaret Bradshaw
mebhilltop@btinternet.com
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 17

18
Out and about
Shows and 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!
21 April Bishop Auckland Food Festival E3
12 May Nenthead Gala B2
26 May Eastgate Sheep Show, Weardale C2
4 June Northumberland County Show D1
7-13 June Appleby Horse Fair* B3
9 June Roman Wall Show (Twice Brewed) B1
16 June Catton Village Fair C1
30 June Alston Gala B2
9-10 July Raby Castle Game and Country Fair D3
28 July Penrith Agricultural Show A3
4 Aug Middleton-in-Teesdale Carnival C3
11 Aug Slaley Show C1
16 Aug Brough Agricultural Show B4
18 Aug Allendale Show C1
18 Aug Appleby Agricultural Show B3
18 Aug Romaldkirk & Cotherstone Fair D3
25 Aug Dufton Agricultural Show B3
25 Aug Weardale Agricultural Show (St John’s Chapel) C2
27 Aug Blanchland and Hunstanworth Show C2
27 Aug Garrigill Gala B2
1 Sep Alston Agricultural Show B2
1-2 Sep Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Show D2
8 Sep Bowes Agricultural Show C4
8-9 Sep Stanhope Agricultural Show C2
Find out more about these shows
15 Sep Eggleston Agricultural Show D4
and fairs from information centres
22 Sep Langdon Beck Show C3
* The Horse Fair is a traditional gypsy gathering
and NOT an organised event.
People attend at their own risk.
pages 65-67
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

Get involved!
Friends of the North Pennines
Do you care about the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty? ‘The Friends’ is a charity specially designed for people who are
passionate about looking after, and celebrating the special qualities of
the North Pennines.
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, Weardale Business Centre, The Old Co-op Building,
1 Martin Street, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 2UY
Find out more
visit www.friendsofthenorthpennines.org.uk l email
fotnp@hotmail.co.uk l or call 01388 528801
s High Force, Upper Teesdale
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 19

20
Friends of the North Pennines
Membership application form
Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
Title
Address
First name Surname
Postcode
Tel
Type of membership
Email
Individual £15 per year
Joint/family (2 adults, children
under 18* included)
£25 per year
Life Membership – Individual £300
Life Membership – Joint/family £500 (2 adults, children under 18 included*)
*After children turn 18 they can no longer count as family members and will need to join separately
Donations
I/we would also like to make a donation
£25 £50 £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:
Friends of the North Pennines, Weardale Business Centre, The Old Co-op Building,
1 Martin Street, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 2UY
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

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
food-related 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
New food festival in the Eden
Valley
Eden Foodival. Brough,
26 August 2012
www.edenfoodival.co.uk
North Pennines products and produce
Buy local
Local wool
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 formed to
raise the profile of local wool.
© Ellie Langley
28 Sep – North Pennines Wool
Day at St John’s Chapel C2
This event offers an exciting opportunity to
find out about the wool produced in the
North Pennines. There will be
demonstrations of a range of craft
techniques using local wool and also the
chance to get hands on and have a go
yourself! Yarns, fleeces and other woolrelated
products will be available to buy.
www.npennines-wool.co.uk l call Ellie
Langley at Slackhouse Farm on 01388 537292
follow their blog at
http://northpennineswool.blogspot.com
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 21

22
An inspirational place
Art and the landscape
The landscapes of the North Pennines have a rich association with
artists and writers – both past and present. 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
WH Auden, Phillip Larkin, Dickens
www.dickensinteesdale.org.uk 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.
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
NeST – gallery, studios, digital hub
and cafe
www.barnardcastlenest.org.uk
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
Pennine Painting
Art holidays run by Lionel and Alex
Playford. Two to four-day drawing and
painting courses based at their Rose
House Studio & Gallery in Garrigill.
Holidays are running between June
and Nov in 2012. New for this year,
Lionel will be running an outdoor
environmental art course.
www.penninepainting.co.uk
Allendale Forge Studios and
Cafe C1
The Forge provides seven affordable
workspaces, two free studios for young
entrepreneurs, a design studio with
etching press and a recording studio
plus retail space for some 40 creative
businesses in Northumberland. The
exhibition gallery and workshop
studio are available for hire for
business, family and community
events. Come and visit the gift shop,
art gallery and cafe.
B2
www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk l
01434 683975

Meet local farmers, growers and
producers and discover the
products which they themselves
have grown, reared, caught,
brewed, pickled, baked, smoked
or processed!
Allendale
4th Sun every month 10am-3pm
Allendale Village Hall, Allendale C1
01325 718841
Barnard Castle
1st Sat every month 9.30am-3pm
On the cobbles, Market Place,
Barnard Castle D4 (except Feb, St Mary’s
Parish Hall)
www.barnardcastlefarmersmarket.co.uk
FARMA Certified (www.farma.org.uk)
Brampton
Last Sat every month 9.30am-1.30pm
(except Dec – 3rd Sat)
In front of the Moot Hall, Brampton A1
Lauren Harrison, 016977 47962
lauren@willowford.co.uk
www.sustainablebrampton.org
Brough
3rd Sat every month (9.30am-1pm, Jan-
March; 9.30am-2pm, April-Dec)
Inside Brough Memorial Hall, Brough B4
Marion Williams, 01768 342135
contact@broughfarmersmarket.org.uk
www.broughfarmersmarket.org.uk
FARMA Certified (www.farma.org.uk)
Market days
Farmers’ markets
in the North Pennines
The following towns have local markets:
Monday: Kirkby Stephen, Stanhope (Apr-Oct)
Tuesday: Hexham, Penrith
Wednesday: Barnard Castle, Brampton
Thursday: Haltwhistle
Saturday: Appleby
Greenhead
2nd Sun every month 10am-2pm (except
April – 1st Sun)
Greenhead Village Hall, Greenhead B1
016977 47448
wendynbond@btinternet.com
www.hadrianswallfarmersmarket.co.uk
Hexham
2nd and 4th Sat every month 9am-1.30pm
Market Place, Hexham C1
07854 320519
info@hexhamfarmersmarket.co.uk
www.hexhamfarmersmarket.co.uk
FARMA Certified (www.farma.org.uk)
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Last Sun every month, 10am-3pm.
Outdoor market April-Sep: indoor market
Oct-March at ‘UTASS’, above Co-op
Middleton-in-Teesdale C3
01833 641000
info@middletonplus.myzen.co.uk
www.middletonplus.org.uk
Penrith
3rd Tues monthly April-Dec 9.30am-2pm
Market Square, Penrith A3
Eden District Council, 01768 817817
markets@eden.gov.uk
www.eden.gov.uk
FARMA Certified (www.farma.org.uk)
Stanhope
4th Sat monthly April-Dec 10am-3pm
Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope C2
07802 534899
david.butterfield@durham.gov.uk
les.bolton@durham.gov.uk
FARMA Certified (www.farma.org.uk)
Useful links
www.made-in-northumberland.co.uk
www.northumbria-larder.co.uk
www.madeincumbria.co.uk
www.teesdalefarmersmarkets.co.uk
www.lovefood.me
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 23

24
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.
Middleton-in-Teesdale is the ‘capital’ of the upper dale and is an
excellent base from which to explore the area. The information centre is
a great place to plan a trip to the upper dale. New for 2012! The AONB
Partnership will be re-opening Bowlees Visitor Centre as a
discovery centre for Upper Teesdale and the wider North
Pennines www.northpennines.org.uk & page 36 for details
s Gibson’s Cave, near
Bowlees
Area Guides
Teesdale
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s
Middleton-in-Teesdale

Places to visit, things to do:
High Force C3 page 38 & Low Force waterfalls C3
Bowlees Visitor Centre C3 page 36 & www.northpennines.org.uk
Re-opening in 2012. Car park, toilets and walks to Gibson’s Cave
and Low Force
Eggleston Hall Gardens C3 page 37
Dickens in Teesdale D4 www.dickensinteesdale.org.uk
Events throughout 2012 to celebrate Dickens’ visit to the dale
Newbiggin Methodist Chapel C3 page 39
Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve
B3 page 44 l www.naturalengland.org.uk l 01833 622374
Grassholme, Cow Green and other Northumbrian Water reservoirs
B3 C3 page 60 l www.nwl.co.uk
Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers’ Markets D4 page 23
Walks on the Teesdale Way and Pennine Way National Trail page 53
Hannah’s Meadow nature reserve C4 www.durhamwt.co.uk l 0191 5843112
Ark on the Edge D3 page 36
Further afield:
Raby Castle D3 page 39
Hamsterley Forest D3 page 38
Walks, traffic-free cycle tracks, visitor centre, orienteering
Bowes Museum D4 page 36
Egglestone Abbey D4 www.english-heritage.org.uk
The charming ruins of a small monastery set above a bend in the River Tees
s Eggleston Hall
The castle at Barnard Castle D4 www.english-heritage.org.uk l 01833 638212
Set high above the River Tees – includes a fine great hall and round-towered keep
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk www.teesdalediscovery.com www.thisisdurham.com
Call or visit Middleton-in-Teesdale information centre
pages 67
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s Baldersdale
25

26
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 is the largest settlement in Upper Weardale. Don’t miss the
spectacular fossilized tree stump (originally from a quarry near
Edmundbyers D2 ) in the churchyard. Take a closer look into Ashes
Quarry, above Stanhope, by following the 2-mile self-guided walk
Available in the Durham Dales Centre & pages 63-64
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.
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s Weardale Museum
© Peter Atkinson

Places to visit, things to do:
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, cafe, impressive
underground tour, waterwheels, dazzling mineral/spar box exhibition,
woodland trails & red squirrel hide
Weardale Museum and High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn C2 page 40
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, craft and gift shops and grounds
The Weardale Railway
Heritage services between Bishop Auckland, Wolsingham D2 ,
Frosterley D2 and Stanhope C2 page 41
Stanhope Farmers’ Market C2 page 23
s Killhope Museum
s Stanhope Fossil Tree
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk www.discoverweardale.com www.thisisdurham.com
Call or visit Stanhope information centre at the Durham Dales Centre
page 67
s Upper Weardale
Harehope Quarry Project D3 page 38
s
Roman altar,
Swimming Pools
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
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
27

Haltwhistle
A686 A686
28
The Derwent Valley is sometimes an overlooked corner of the North Pennines.
The small village of Blanchland C2
, with its honey-coloured 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 (accessible on an easy access path) 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
easy access paths on both the south and north shores), bird hides, nature
reserves and fishing opportunities to entice you to stay a while longer.
A69 A66699999
A689 A689
Haydon
Bridge
C2C C2C
The Garden
Station
B6295 B6295
HEXHAM
s Hay meadow
near Blanchland
Area Guides
Derwent Valley
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
B6306
Slaley
Corbridge
A68
A69
R. Tyne
The Highland
Cattle Centre
Shildon
Engine House
Pow Derwent
Hill Resr
Country
Park
Blanchland
Edmundbyers
Muggleswick
Grange
Rookhope
Waskerley
Resr.
Stanhope
& Weardale
Newcastle
C2C
Castleside
A68 6666668 6888
Beamish
Museum
Shotley
Bridge
CONSETT
R. Derwent
s Derwent
Reservoir

Places to visit, things to do:
Blanchland – former Abbey and village C2
Don’t miss the easy access path, created by the AONB
Partnership, in Blanchland. Visit the recently restored
Shildon Engine House www.northpennines.org.uk
Derwent Reservoir D2 pages 60 l www.nwl.co.uk
Easy access path, created by the AONB Partnership and
Northumbrian Water, from Pow Hill Country Park to
the dam and along the north side of the reservoir.
Great traffic-free family cycling opportunity
Pow Hill Country Park D2 www.durham.gov.uk
Muggleswick Grange
Spectacular medieval monastic grange www.northpennines.org.uk
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
Hexham Farmers’ Market C1 page 23
Hadrian’s Wall A1 - D1 www.hadrians-wall.orgk l 01434 322002
Northumberland National Park
www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk l 01434 605555
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk www.blanchland.org
www.visitnorthumberland.com www.thisisdurham.com
Call or visit the information centres in Hexham, Haltwhistle or Corbridge
page 66
s Derwent Reservoir
s Cycling on the Derwent
Reservoir path
s Hexham Abbey
© Mike Quinn/
Creative Commons
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
© Ted Liddle
29

30
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 is a dramatic backdrop to the attractive, red
sandstone-built, fellfoot villages.
s
Alston
Area Guides
Alston Moor & East Fellside
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!
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s South Tynedale Railway

Places to visit, things to do:
South Tynedale Railway B2 page 40
Steam train rides along the gorgeous South Tyne Valley from Alston. New for 2012 –
line extension to Lintley
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, winery and geology displays
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 page 44
The Poetry Path, nr Kirkby Stephen B4 page 53
Farmers’ markets at Brampton A1 , Brough B4 and Penrith A3 page 23
The Village Bakery, Melmerby A2 www.village-bakery.com l 01768 898437
Organic cafe, bakery, bake shop and gallery
St John’s Pool, Garrigill B2 www.stjohnspool.co.uk l 01434 382537
Swimming pool, sauna and a jaccuzi available for hire
Whitley Castle Roman Fort B2 page 42
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 information centres in Alston, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen,
Penrith or Brampton pages 65-67
s Geology displays at
High Cup Winery
s
Alston
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 31

32
Allendale
Area Guides
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.
s Old Blacksmith’s Shop,
Allenheads
South Tyne
& the Allen Valleys
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
s Allendale Tearooms
s Allen Banks &
Staward Gorge

Places to visit, things to do:
Allendale C1
This welcoming settlement is a great base for the Allen Valleys
Allendale Forge Studios and Cafe C1
page 22 l www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk l 01434 683975
Centre for arts, crafts and media
Allen Banks & Staward Gorge, National Trust B1
www.nationaltrust.org.uk l 01434 344218
Spectacular wooded gorge at Allen Banks. Relaxing waymarked woodland walks
Allenheads C2
A peaceful village with a nature trail, cafe and pub. See the famous Armstrong
water powered engine and visit the Old Blacksmith’s Shop and exhibition
South Tynedale Railway B2 page 40
South Tyne Trail www.northpennines.org.uk
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 A1 page 23
Issac’s Tea Trail page 53
Ninebanks Tower B2 www.northpennines.org.uk
Further afield:
Hadrian’s Wall A1 - D1 www.hadrians-wall.org l 01434 322002
Northumberland National Park
www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk l 01434 605555
Find out more:
www.northpennines.org.uk www.allenvalleys.com
www.hadrians-wall.org www.visitnorthumberland.com
Call or visit information centres in Haltwhistle, Hexham or Alston
pages 66 & 65
s
South Tyne Valley
s East Allen Valley
s The Hemmel
Coffee Shop,
Allenheads
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 33

34
0
SCOTLAND
Carlisle
Penrith
Hexham
Kendal
2 4 6 8 10 km
AONB boundary
A road
B road
Minor road
railway & station
Tourist Information Centre
Pennine Way
Coast to Coast Cycle Route (C2C)
YHA Youth Hostel
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. 2012.
Newcastle
upon Tyne
Durham
Middlesbrough
Darlington
0 2 4 6 8 10 miles
York
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
N
1
2
M6
3
4
BRAMPTON
R. Eden
Armathwaite
Lazonby
PENRITH
Rheged
B6412
B6413
A
Cumrew
A66
Hallbankgate
Talkin Tarn
Country Park
Talkin
Castle Carrock
Kirkoswald
Croglin
Langwathby
Greenhead
A69
C2C
PW
Halton-lea-Gate
Geltsdale RSPB
Reserve
Blencarn
Cold Fell
Slagg
Whitle
Rom
Ha
Melm
Melmerby
C
K
Appleby
Westmorla

yford
nock
-innd
A689
y Castle
an Fort
South
Tynedale
Railway
& The Hub
A686
rtside
erby Fell
oss Fell
Haltwhistle
Lambley
Viaduct
South
Tyne
Valley
R. South Tyne
PW
NORTHUMBERLAND
NATIONAL PARK
B C D E
A685
A686
West Allen
Valley
Alston
Kirkby
Stephen
Bardon Mill
PW
Brough
A69
A689
Haydon
Bridge
C2C
B6277
B6295
B6276
Blanchland
A66
PW
B6306
B6278
Corbridge
Whitfield
The Garden
Station
Allen Mill
Slaley
Whitfield
Moor
East Allen
Valley
Ninebanks
Tower
Ninebanks
Allendale
Hexhamshire
Common
Shildon
Engine House
Pow Derwent
Hill Resr
Country
Park
Nenthead
Garrigill Killhope
Rookhope
Museum Cowshill
Wearhead
Burnhope Res.
St John’s
Chapel Eastgate
Ireshopeburn
Weardale
Museum
Westgate
Hilton
R. Tees
R. West
Allen
Allen
Banks
R. East
Allen
Stainmore
Common
North
Stainmore
HEXHAM
Allenheads
The Old
Blackmith’s
Shop
Weardale
Teesdale
Selset
Resr.
Balderhead
Resr.
Edmundbyers
Stanhope
Common
Durham
Dales
Centre
Grassholme
Resr.
Hury
Resr.
Blackton
Resr.
R. Greta
YORKSHIRE DALES
NATIONAL PARK
Bowes
A67
A68
A69
Waskerley
Resr.
Tunstall
Resr.
Stanhope
Harehope
Quarry
Romaldkirk
R. Tyne
Frosterley
Cotherstone
Highland
Cattle Centre
Muggleswick
Grange
Weardale
Railway
C2C
Castleside
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 35
A68
Tow Law
Wolsingham
A688
BARNARD
Bowes CASTLE
Museum
Shotley Beamish Museum
Bridge (12 miles)
CONSETT
R. Derwent
Great Dun Fell
Cow Green
Reservoir
Bollihope Common
Moor House -
Langdon Beck
Dufton
Upper Teesdale
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Hamsterley Forest
NNR
Newbiggin
High Force
Chapel
Cauldron Low Force
Snout
Middleton-in-Teesdale Woodland
High Cup Nick
Ark on the Edge
Nine
Standards
Rigg
Derwent
Valley
R. Wear
Raby Castle
A66
West
Auckland
Staindrop
A67
R. Tees
Lanchester
Crook
A68
A688
A689
BISHOP
AUCKLAND

36
Out and about
Attractions in the
North Pennines
Discover the area’s lead mining heritage at Killhope – the North of England Lead
Mining Museum 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
Ark on the Edge
D3
Ark on the Edge is an animal
rescue centre and sanctuary and
has a fully equipped wildlife
education centre and a mile-long
nature trail. 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.
Woolley Hill Farm, Woodland
Co. Durham DL13 5RX
t. 01833 630505
e. pat.kingsnorth@btinternet.com
w. www.arkontheedge.org.uk
Opening times
Normally open all week
Ring to check if travelling far
Group visits can be arranged
Entrance fees
Free entry & parking – donations
welcome
© Mike Kipling, The Bowes Museum
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
e. info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk
w. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Opening times
Open daily 10am-5pm
Closed 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan
Entrance fees
Adults £9, concessions £8, children
free (under 16), carers free. 6 months
pass £12
Free access to cafe, shop and grounds
Admissions are donation inclusive
and can be Gift Aided
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
pages 34 & 35
Bowlees Visitor Centre C3
The centre will re-open in 2012
and will be run by the AONB
Partnership. It 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 AONB Partnership.
There is car parking, a picnic area
and toilets nearby. Accessible
parking in front of the centre.
Newbiggin, Bowlees, Middleton-in-
Teesdale, Co. Durham DL12 0XF
t. 01388 528801 (AONB Partnership)
e. info@northpenninesaonb.org.uk
w. www.northpennines.org.uk
Opening times
Visit web for details

Durham Dales Centre C2
Visitor centre in Weardale with a
tearoom, specialising in home
baking and a well stocked
information centre & gift shop.
Other 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.
Castle Gardens, Stanhope
Bishop Auckland
Co. Durham DL13 2FJ
t: 01388 527650
e: durham.dales.centre@durham.gov.uk
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
© The Durham Dales Centre
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.
Eggleston, Barnard Castle
Co. Durham DL12 0AG
t. 01833 650230
e. mbhock@btinternet.com
w. www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk
www.plantsmanscorner.co.uk
Opening times
See website or call for details
Entrance fees
£2 adults, children free, dogs must
be on leads
s Durham Dales Centre
The Garden Station
C1
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
cafe; and a wide range of day
courses.
Langley on Tyne, Hexham
Northumberland NE47 5LA
t. 01434 684391
e. welcome@thegardenstation.co.uk
w. www.thegardenstation.co.uk
Opening times
See website or call for details
Entrance fees
Free entry, donations invited
© The Garden Station
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 37

Hamsterley Forest
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.
Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre
Redford, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland,
Co. Durham DL13 3NL
t. 01388 488312
e. neil.taylor@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
w. www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest
Opening times
Forest: Winter 8am-5pm; Summer
8am-8pm
Visitor Centre: 31/03/12-30/09/12:
10am-4pm weekdays, 11am-5pm
weekends
Entrance fees
£3 per car (£5 on Easter & Bank
Holiday weekends)
38
Out and about
Attractions in the North
Pennines
© Harehope Quarry Project
Harehope Quarry Project D3
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
e: jill@harehopequarry.org.uk
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
Entrance fees
Costs of events and activities vary
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
High Force Waterfall 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, 4 1 ⁄2
miles NW of Middleton-in-Teesdale
t. 01833 622209
e. highforce@rabycastle.com
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 (5-15yrs)
50p, over 60/concessions £1
Car Park £2
Coach parking fees for school parties
apply – please book in advance.
The Hub Museum
B2
Vibrant local history and transport
museum, packed full of bygone
forms of transport and delightful
snippets of local history. Next to
South Tynedale Railway.
Alston Goods Shed Trust, Alston,
Cumbria CA9 3HN
t: 01434 381609
Opening times
Call for details
Entrance fees
£1.50

Killhope, the North of England
Lead Mining Museum
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 mine tour. Find
your own minerals as you work as
a washerboy. Working water
wheels. 2012 exhibitions include:
A Miscellany of Museum
Marvels – treasures from the
regional museum’s archives that
illuminated the lives of Victorian
people and Rags to Riches –
traditional and contemporary
rugs and mats. Walk the
woodland trails to see our red
squirrels. Visit the shop and cafe
to complete your great day out.
Nr Cowshill, Upper Weardale
Co. Durham DL13 1AR (A689)
t: 01388 537505
e: info@killhope.org.uk
w: www.killhope.org.uk
Opening times
01/04/12-04/11/12: 10.30am-5pm
Entrance fees (valid 12 months)
Adults £7.15, child £4.10, concessions
£6.65
B2 Raby Castle
Newbiggin
C3
Methodist Chapel
Believed to be the world’s oldest
Methodist Chapel in continuous
use, from 1759. Methodism and
local history displays. Exhibition
to be confirmed
Newbiggin, Middleton-in-Teesdale
Co. Durham DL12 0TY
t: 01833 641001 (Middleton TIC)
e: farrarsatbootstreet@btinternet.com
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)
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
e. admin@rabycastle.com
w. www.rabycastle.com
s
Killhope Museum
Opening times
Easter Weekend: Sat to Mon
May, June and September: Sun to
Wed (guided tours Mon to Wed)
July and August: Daily except Sat
Entrance fees
Castle, park and gardens: Adults £10,
concessions £9, children (5-15yrs) £4.50
Park and Gardens: Adults £6,
concessions £5, children (ages 5-15)
£2.50
© Killhope Museum © Raby Estates
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 39

South Tynedale Railway B2
Enjoy a scenic ride through the
stunning South Tyne Valley from
Alston to Kirkhaugh or Lintley.
Leave the train for a walk on the
South Tyne Trail. Bring a picnic or
sample our cafe at Alston Station
where there is free parking and a
gift shop just minutes from the
town centre.
The Railway Station, Alston
Cumbria CA9 3JB
t: 01434 381696
01434 382828 (Talking Timetable)
e: strps@hotmail.com
w: www.strps.org.uk
Opening times
April 1, then Good Friday – end Oct
(not every day – check for details)
Trains leave Alston at 10.45am,
12.15pm, 2.15pm & 3.45pm
Return trains from Lintley at
11.30am, 1pm, 3pm & 4.30pm
Fares
Return to or from Lintley: Adults
£7.50, children £3, family (2 adults &
up to 3 children) £20
40
Out and about
Attractions in the
North Pennines
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
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
Weardale Museum
C2
& High House Chapel
This highly commended volunteerrun
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
e: dtheatherington@ormail.co.uk
w: www.weardalemuseum.co.uk
Opening times
Open 2pm-5pm
Easter and Bank Holidays: 2pm-5pm
01/05/12-31/10/12: Wed-Sun, 2pm-5pm
August 2012: Daily, 2pm-5pm
Entrance fees
Adult £3, child 50p
© Peter Atkinson, Weardale Museum

Weardale Railway
Heritage service between Bishop
Auckland West E3 , Wolsingham D2
Frosterley D2 and Stanhope C2 on
Saturdays and Sundays. The
Weardale Railway platform at
Bishop Auckland is a short walk
from the Northern Rail Station. For
timetables and special events visit
website or call. Ticket office, cafe
and shop at Stanhope Station.
Stanhope Station,Stanhope,
Weardale, Bishop Auckland, Co.
Durham DL13 2YS
t: 01388 526203
(Reservations/Enquiries)
e: enquiries@weardale-railway.org.uk
w: www.weardale-railway.org.uk
Opening times:
Sat & Sun Easter – end Oct, Fri during
summer holidays
Fares:
Visit website or call for details
Attractions further afield
© J. Lewins © Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum
E1
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
e: museum@beamish.org.uk
w: www.beamish.org.uk
Opening times:
Visit website for details
Entrance fees:
All year unlimited ticket: £17.50
(adult); £13 (60+); £10 (child); £13
(student); £46 (family 2+2); £32 (family
1+2)
Mid-week winter discount (Nov-
March): £8.75 (adult); £6.50 (60+); £5
(child); £6.50 (student)
© Beamish Museum
s
South Tynedale Railway
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.
Redhills, Penrith
Cumbria CA11 0DQ
t: 01768 868000
e: enquiries@rheged.com
w: www.rheged.com
Opening times:
Daily 10am-5.30pm, closed
Christmas, Boxing Day and New
Year’s Day
Entrance fees:
Free parking and entry to centre
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 41

42
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.
The Roman occupation
The North Pennines became part of
the vast Roman Empire in the late 1st
century AD. A recent survey of the
impressive Roman fort at Whitley
Discover Whitley Castle Follow the
self-guided walk - 'Whitley Castle…
Alston through the ages'
Download from
www.northpennines.org.uk
Historic environment
Discover the past
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
Castle (near Alston) has shown it to be
one of the 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.
s Stone inscribed with mysterious
5,000 year-old ‘cup-and-ring’
marks, Teesdale
s
Whitley Castle Roman Fort

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.
s ‘Miner-farmer’ landscape near
Lanehead, Weardale
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.
Find out more
Visit Allenheads pages 32 & 33, Killhope - the North of England Lead Mining Museum
page 39, Weardale Museum & High House Chapel page 40
s
Excavations on Bollihope Common, Weardale
s Old mine entrance near
Nenthead
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 43

44
The North Pennines is a fantastic place to experience the natural world.
For the opportunity to see a profusion of wildlife that is all but a memory
for much of the rest of England a visit to the AONB should be very high
up your list of things to do!
WildWatch
Why not combine your day out in the
North Pennines with some wildlife
recording to help with conservation?
You can now record all your wildlife
sightings by registering with the AONB
Partnership’s WildWatch project
(funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund)
on our website, where you can also
view maps of wildlife in the AONB,
find on-line identification guides and
book onto our training courses.
s Common frog
Red squirrels
Wildlife of the North Pennines
Nature watching
www.northpennines.org.uk/WildWatch
@NorthPennWild
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 .
page 39
WildWatchNorthPennines
© www.northeastwildlife.co.uk
s Globeflowers
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR B3
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
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 birds. There are also three trails
(3-8km) to follow.
www.rspb.org.uk l 01697 746717 l
northernengland@rspb.org.uk
A1

The moorlands of the North Pennines are home to some of our rarest
wildlife. They also have a sense of tranquility and remoteness found in
few other places in the country.
Blanket bog
Nature watching
Moorlands
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
formed over 7,500 years ago making
moorlands some of England’s oldest
ecosystems.
s Red grouse
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
cottongrass, hair’s-tail cottongrass,
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,
© Brian Rafferty
golden plover, red and black grouse,
curlew, common lizard and adder.
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
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
The AONB Partnership’s Peatscapes
initiative aims to restore and conserve
the internationally important peatlands
within the North Pennines AONB.
www.northpennines.org.uk
Request leaflets on our peatlands:
pages 63 & 64 l www.northpennines.org.uk
(pdf files available to download)
s Cottongrass
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 45

s Lapwing chick
© Brian Rafferty
46
The North Pennines is a great place to watch birds. The rich mix of habitats,
wildlife and stunning landscapes in the AONB is unique in England.
Birdwatching in the North
Pennines
Look out for...
High moors: golden plover, red
grouse, meadow pipit, dunlin, merlin,
short-eared owl, hen harrier
Grasslands and hay meadows:
curlew, lapwing, redshank, snipe,
skylark, wheatear, grey partridge,
yellow wagtail, twite, fieldfare
Woodlands: pied flycatcher, redstart,
wood warbler, woodcock
Rivers and streams: dipper,
goosander, grey wagtail, grey heron,
common sandpiper, oystercatcher
Scrub, scree and crag: ring ouzel,
peregrine, whinchat
Open water: mallard, teal, goosander,
coot, moorhen, tufted duck, pochard
www.northpennines.org.uk
s Curlew
Nature watching
Birds
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
© Brian Rafferty
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)
Avoid disturbing birds or keeping
them away from their nests for
even short periods especially in
wet or cold weather
Do not try to find nests. All birds,
nests, eggs and young are
protected by law and it is illegal to
harm them
Keep dogs on a short lead
Leave gates and property as you
find them
Take your litter home with you
s Short-eared owl
© Brian Rafferty

Black grouse
Watching lekking black grouse in the early
morning and listening to their distinctive
bubbling song is a memorable wildlife watching
experience. Black grouse are vulnerable to
disturbance – please follow the advice below:
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
www.blackgrouse.info l www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds
Guided nature watching
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
l 01670 827465 l enquiries@newtltd.co.uk
s Red grouse
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.
Wild North Discovery
Meet wildlife face to face; explore the
stunning North Pennines with a wildlife
guide. From an evening with bats and
badgers to wildlife tracking in a
woodland or watching black grouse,
merlin and waders, our activities are
designed to get you closer to nature.
Alternatively try your hand at
bushcrafts, green woodturning on a pole
lathe or willow basket making. From
firecraft and wilderness cooking to
making a rolling-pin or a chair.
Activities can be arranged from half day
sessions to a full week.
www.natureholiday.co.uk l 01388 529154
l enquiries@natureholiday.co.uk
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 47
© Brian Rafferty

48
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
900ha of upland hay meadow are thought to remain in the UK and
350ha (almost 40%) of this is within the AONB.
Bursting with life
Nature watching
Hay meadows
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.
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's-bill, globeflower and
great burnet.
The richness of flowering plants
means an abundant supply of nectar
which attracts bees and other
invertebrates. These in turn attract
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
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, grey partridge, black
grouse and curlew.
A living link to the past
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!
s
Thomas William Bainbridge (Roadside
House, Newbiggin) trailing pikes with
his converted car, aided by the
Coatsworth children
© Desmond Collinson

Hay Time project
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.
www.northpennines.org.uk
s ‘Cutting the hay’
© Neville Turner
s Upper Weardale, near St. John’s Chap
Hay Time walks
The AONB Partnership has produced
a series of three glorious walks from:
Allendale C1 ; Ireshopeburn C2 ; and
Hury Reservoir, Baldersdale C4 .
The 5km (two hour) strolls
will introduce you to some
of the best hay meadows in
the North Pennines.
Available as pdf
downloads from
www.northpennines.org.uk
‘No five o’clock on our calendars’: a history of hay time in the
North Pennines
This 40-page book celebrates the history of hay time in the North Pennines. Principally
comprising extracts from oral history interviews undertaken with retired farmers, it
contains a wealth of information about how meadows were managed using horses and
hand tools in the years after the Second World War and is richly illustrated with
period photographs generously donated to the AONB Partnership.
£6.99 (£3.50 for Friends of the North
Pennines pages 19 & 20) + £1.50 P+P, direct
Also available in local information centres
pages 65-67 and other outlets
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 49

50
Rocks are the building blocks of the stunning North Pennine landscape.
The area’s fells and dales, and the rocks, minerals and fossils of which
they are made, tell a fascinating story – one which stretches back nearly
500 million years.
Tales from old quarrymen
Global significance
As well as being an AONB the North
Pennines is Britain’s first European
Geopark. It’s also a founding member of
the UNESCO-endorsed Global Geoparks
Network. 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.
www.northpennines.org.uk
www.europeangeoparks.org
Reading the Rocks
The AONB Partnership has published
a fantastic new book to help you get
to grips with the geological story of
the North Pennines.
Page 13
Landscape foundations
Geology and landscape
Rocky weekends
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
For centuries quarrying has been
an important North Pennine
industry, and one that continues
today.
This new DVD and booklet from
the AONB Partnership captures
the memories and stories of old
quarrymen.
The DVD also includes some rare film
footage of working quarries in the
1950s and evocative black and white
images dating back over a century.
£9.99 (£5 for Friends of the North
Pennines – pages 19 & 20) +£1.80 P+P,
direct from the AONB Partnership –
pages 63 & 64
Also available in local information
centres – pages 65-67 and other
outlets
New for 2012 the AONB Partnership
will be running three weekends of
rocky walks and talks to help you
unlock the geological and landscape
secrets of the North Pennines.
page 16 l www.northpennines.org.uk

The mining legacy
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.
Find out more:
Killhope, the North of England
Lead Mining Museum B2
page 39 l www.killhope.org.uk l
01388 537505
The Old Blacksmith’s Shop and
exhibition, Allenheads C2
Enquire at the Hemmel Coffee
Shop in Allenheads
Weardale Museum and High
House Chapel C2
page 40 l www.weardalemuseum.co.uk
l 01388 517433
s Old mine entrance
Geological highlights
s
High Cup Gill
Discover some of the geological gems
of the AONB, with our leaflets on the
Geology of the North Pennines,
Stanhope fossil tree, Frosterley
Marble and the Whin Sill.
Pages 63-64 to request copies pdfs
from www.northpennines.org.uk
Pick up the leaflets from local
information centres pages 65-67
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 of Frosterley
Marble at the Durham Dales Centre
page 37, or visit Harehope Quarry
page 38 to see natural outcrops
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 51

52
Geotrail discovery
Walk back in time on ‘geotrails’ across
the North Pennines. Discover lead
mining heritage in Blanchland,
Allenheads and Slitt Wood in
Weardale, explore Ashes Quarry in
Stanhope and find out about the Whin
Sill at Holwick and volcanic rocks near
Dufton. These 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)
Three geotrails (Cow Green, Knock &
Tynehead) are available as pdfs
www.northpennines.org.uk
The Slitt Wood & West Rigg Geotrail
booklet costs £2 pages 63-64
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
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)
Special discount
£2 (reduced from £5)
direct from the AONB
Partnership (pages 63 &
64). Includes
accommodation and
services booklet

Outdoor activities
Walking
If you crave big skies and the wide open, rolling views typical of
moorland landscapes away from the hustle and bustle of modern life,
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.
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.
pdf downloads at
www.northpennines.org.uk
Pennine Way 268 miles
Some of the best bits of this National
Trail are in the North Pennines. From
Edale to 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
Follows the River Tees from the North
Pennines to the sea.
A guidebook by Martin Collins and
Paddy Dillon is available -
www.cicerone.co.uk
Weardale Way 73 miles
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
Slitt Wood & West Rigg Geotrail 3 miles
Westgate, Weardale. Discover mineral
deposits and see how working them has
shaped the local landscape. C2
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 .
www.northpennines.org.uk
Isaac’s Tea Trail 36 miles
Follow the footsteps of Isaac Holden on
this circular trail from Allendale. C1
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 information centre
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
Walk from Alston B2 to Whitley Castle
Roman Fort and back.
pdf download from
www.northpennines.org.uk
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 53

54
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 nearest information centre. pages 65-67
Lace up your boots – festivals and guided walks
Rocky weekends
New for 2012 the AONB Partnership will be running three weekends of rocky
walks and talks to help you unlock the geological and landscape secrets of the
North Pennines. page 16 l www.northpennines.org.uk
Haltwhistle Walking Festivals
The Haltwhistle Partnership is running two walking festivals in 2012 (28 April-7
May & 6-14 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 19 May.
For details and to request Festival Programmes:
www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org l 01434 322025 l haltywalkfest@btinternet.com
Durham County Council walks
Durham County Council’s Countryside Service runs a programme of guided
walks and countryside activities, including volunteering opportunities, many
within the North Pennines.
For more details:
www.durham.gov.uk l 0191 3729100 l
countryside@durham.gov.uk
For further details of other
organisations running events and
activities, including guided walks, in
the North Pennines. page 17
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

Walking and dogs
Please keep dogs under close control at all times. The North Pennines is home to
around 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 exclusions of dogs at www.naturalengland.org.uk l 0845 6003078 as
much of the North 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
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 55

56
Find out more:
Walking
Open Access
Walking on access land is a very different experience to following public
rights of way, mostly because you can make up your own route and
explore where you like.
On access land you can walk, sightsee, picnic, birdwatch, climb, run and crosscountry
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 downloads are available to help you find out about open access in the AONB:
Discover Open Country in the North Pennines, includes circular routes from
Youth Hostels in the AONB available as a pdf file at www.northpennines.org.uk
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
available as a pdf file at www.northpennines.org.uk
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 Open 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
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

Outdoor activities
Cycling
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.
page 14
Wheels to the Wild!
National Cycle Routes
Two new cycling events for 2012
s Hartside Packhorse Trail
s Alston Packhorse Trail
Discover the spectacular geology and landscape of the North Pennines on this
three-day (122km) cycle touring route. Also three mountain bike/hybrid day rides.
Reduced to £2 for 2012. page 52
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 passes right through the heart of the North Pennines.
www.c2c-guide.co.uk l www.sustrans.org
Walney to Wear and Whitby Cycle Route. Inspired by the pioneering C2C, the W2W
route passes through a variety of stunning countryside, including the southern
part of the AONB. www.cyclingw2w.info l www.sustrans.org
Pennine Cycle Way runs for 335 miles between Derby and Berwick-upon-Tweed,
passing through the North Pennines on its way. www.sustrans.org
North Pennines MTB 100. Three mountain bike loops – Enduro Full (100km), Enduro
Lite (65km) and Enduro Half (52km). 7 July 2012 www.northpenninesmtb100.info
Etape Pennines. 78-mile traffic free road route. Start and finish Ushaw College,
Durham. 7 October 2012 www.etapepennines.co.uk
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 57

58
Traffic-free routes
The Waskerley Way (Weardale), the
Tees Railway Walk (Teesdale) D2
www.durham.gov.uk and Derwent
Reservoir multi-user path are great
traffic-free, easy gradient, cycle routes
ideal for families. Hamsterley Forest D3
is also a great place to find traffic-free
routes page 38 .
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 Hamsterley
Tearooms, open between April and Nov.
s Hamsterley Forest
www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest l
www.hamsterley-trailblazers.co.uk l
www.descend–hamsterley.co.uk l
Hamsterley Tearooms 01388 488822
ActivCycles C1
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
Cycle hire and shops
Address 17 Watling Street, Corbridge,
Northumberland NE45 5AH
T. 01434 632950
E. info@activcycles.net
W. www.activ-cycles.co.uk
Hire No
Other Sales, accessories, repairs
Appleby Electric Bike Hire B3
Address Midland Hotel, 25 Clifford Street,
Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16
6TS (next to train station)
T. 017683 51524
E. info@themidlandhotelappleby.co.uk
W. www.applebycumbria.co.uk/electricbikehire
Hire Electric bikes
Arragon’s Cycle Centre
Contact Sarah or Phil
A3
Address 2 Brunswick Road, Penrith, Cumbria
CA11 7LU
T. 01768 890344
E. arragonscycles@mac.com
W. www.arragonscycles.com
Hire Mountain, hybrids
Other Sales, service, repairs, parts, accessories

The Bike Shop
Contact John Swan
Address 16 St Mary’s Chare, Hexham,
Northumberland NE46 1NQ
T. 01434 601032
W. www.thebikeshophexham.com
Hire Hybrids
Other Sales, repairs, parts and accessories
C2C Bike Repairs
Contact Mark Fearn
Address Nenthead, Nr Alston, Cumbria
T. 07776 098915 & 01434 382194
E. mark@fearn2620.freeserve.co.uk
W. www.markfearn.co.uk
Hire No
Other Bike & rider recovery, roadside
assistance, parts (new & used), specialist
workshop repairs (inc. wheels) to get you
back on the road
North Pennine Cycles B2
C1 A1
B2
Contact David & Pat Raeside
Address Old Post Office, Nenthead, Cumbria
CA9 3PF
T. 01434 381324
E. npcycles@hotmail.co.uk
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
Pedalpushers
Contact Nick & Maggie Davis
Address Lonnings End, Sandy Lonning,
Brampton, Cumbria CA8 1RA
T. 01697 742387 / 07770 976187
E. pedalpushersbram@aol.com
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.
Local route maps. Service and repairs
Spitfire Cycles D4
Contact Richard Varcoe
Address 44 Galgate, Barnard Castle, County
Durham DL12 8BH
T. 01833 690640
E. spitfirecycles@btconnect.com
W. www.spitfirecycles.co.uk
Other Sales, servicing, repairs, upgrades,
parts and accessories
Wood ‘N’ Wheels D3
Contact Martin Stout
Address Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Bishop
Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 3NL
T. 0333 8008222 (local cost from a landline
and reduced cost from a mobile)
E. shop@woodnwheels.co.uk
W. www.woodnwheels.co.uk
Hire Mountain – adults and children (down
to 16” wheel), child seats and tagalongs
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
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 59

60
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.
Find out more…
Call Northumbrian Water on 0845 1550236 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) 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 ‘Try it day’ at Derwent Reservoir D2 ?
Three-hour fishing lesson – all tackle provided
Call Derwent Reservoir Lodge on 01207 255250 for details and to book
Family fishing
Outdoor activities
Fishing
s Derwent Reservoir
s
New Mills Trout Farm
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
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

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) B2
Alston and District Angling Association
Fly and spinning only
Day and week permits from:
Alston Post Office, Angel Inn (Alston) &
Kirkstyle Inn (nr Slaggyford)
River Tees
(Barnard Castle) D4
Barnard Castle Angling Club
Day and week permits
Details from:
F.E. Wilkinson Country Sports Shop,
Barnard Castle. 01833 631118
River Tees
(Upper Tees North Bank) C3
Raby Estate
Fly only
Day permits from:
Raines Ironmongers/Raby Estate Office in
Middleton-in-Teesdale or shop at High Force
River Eden
Day fishing beats on the Eden and its
tributaries (voucher system)
http://gowild.edenriverstrust.org.uk l
01768 866788
River Tyne: Tyne Angling Passport
Voucher system for day fishing beats on the
Tyne and its tributaries
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
Day permits from:
Stanhope Newsagents, Front Street,
Stanhope
Langley Dam (image left) C1
(14 acre lake, off the A686 near Haydon Bridge)
Fly only
Stocked weekly with rainbow trout
Various day permits and boat hire available
01434 688846 for details and to book
For further information on river fisheries, including regional guides
Environment Agency on 03708 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
s River Tees
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 61

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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 historic packhorse trails page 14
for the more
experienced.
Riding centres & services
Bank House Equestrian A3
Contact Ray and Nancy Atkinson
Address Bank House, Little Salkeld, Penrith,
Cumbria CA10 1NN
T. 01768 881257
E. bankhouseequ@aol.com
W. www.bankhouseequestrian.co.uk
About Lessons, indoor/outdoor arena hire,
livery, rider accommodation, overnight
stabling
Booze Wood C4
Contact Christene Allison
Address Booze Wood, Baldersdale, Barnard
Castle, Co. Durham DL12 9UN
T. 01833 650690
E. cliffallison@btinternet.com
About Livery, overnight stabling, trekking
for riders with own horse
Hamsterley Riding School D3
Contact Judy Dennis
Address Dixon Carr Farm, Hamsterley,
Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 3NH
T. 01388 488328 or 07774 971423
About Trekking, lessons
s Hartside Packhorse Trail route
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
Raygill Riding Centre D4
Address Raygill Farm, Lartington, Barnard
Castle, Co. Durham DL12 9DG
T. 01833 638739 or 07919 996045
E. raygillriding@hotmail.co.uk
W. www.raygillridingcentre.co.uk
About Riding holidays, trekking
Sinderhope Trekking Centre C2
Contact Lisa or Robert Philipson
Address High Sinderhope, Sinderhope,
Allendale, Northumberland NE47 9SH
T. 01434 685266
E. theponytrekkingcentre@btconnect.com
W. www.sinderhopeponytrekking.co.uk
About Trekking, lessons, indoor arena hire
West Hoppyland Trekking Centre D3
Contact Carole or Bill Atkinson
Address West Hoppyland Farm, Hamsterley,
Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 3NP
T. 01388 488196 or 07738 269134
E. westhoppyland@hotmail.com
W. www.westhoppyland.com
About Trekking, livery

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, with any payment required, to the
address below:
North Pennines AONB Partnership
Weardale Business Centre
The Old Co-op Building
1 Martin Street
Stanhope, Bishop Auckland
County Durham DL13 2UY
Your details
Title
Address
First name Surname
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,
the work of the AONB Partnership and how to get involved and we’ll be in touch
(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)
Forest-in-Teesdale Storywalk
Derwent Reservoir & Pow Hill Country Park
Geology and landscape
Geology of the North Pennines
Stanhope Fossil Tree
Frosterley Marble
The Whin Sill
Blanchland Geotrail
Allenheads Geotrail
Dufton Geotrail
Ashes Quarry Geowalk (Stanhope)
Low Force and Holwick Geotrail
63

64
Cycling
Biking around Alston
Peatlands
Peatlands of the North Pennines
Moorland Flowers, Grasses, Shrubs, Mosses and Lichens
Identification Guide
General
What’s Special about the North Pennines?
North Pennines News – Spring and Summer 2012
Water Voles in the North Pennines
North Pennines Management Plan 2009-14
Visit www.northpennines.org.uk and visit our Publications pages to access pdf
downloads of the above leaflets
Paid for books and guides
Reading the Rocks: Exploring the geology and landscape of the North Pennines
£8 (+£1.80p&p) cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
Slitt Wood and West Rigg Geotrail
£2 (free postage) cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
Packhorse Trails – for horse riders
£6 (+£1.50p&p) cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
Packhorse Trails – for mountain bikers
£6 (+£1.50p&p) cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
Wheels to the Wild Cycle Route
Reduced to £2 (from £5) (+£1.50p&p) cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
The Quarrymen DVD
£9.99 (+£1.50p&p) cheques payable to ‘Durham County Council’
‘No five o’clock on our calendars’: A history of hay time in the North Pennines
£6.99 (+£1.50p&p) cheques payable to ‘Durham County Council’
* Special offer for 2012 *
Buy the ‘Packhorse Trails – for mountain bikers’ guide together
with the ‘Wheels to the Wild Cycle Route’ and get both for £8
(+£1.80p&p) – saving almost £4!
cheques payable to ‘Friends of the North Pennines’
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13

About the North Pennines
Finding out more
Information centres 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.
Accommodation booking service
Internet access Photocopying Local theatre tickets Cafe
Alston
Alston Local Links,
Town Hall, Front Street, Alston,
Cumbria CA9 3RF
e: alstonlocallinks@eden.gov.uk
t: 01434 382244
w: www.visiteden.co.uk
Opening times:
Up to 14/10/12 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm;
Sun 11am-3pm
15/10/12-11/03/13: Mon, Fri 10am-5pm;
Tues-Thur & Sat 10am-3pm; Sun closed
Conference
booking facility
s Alston
Wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible toilets
© Eden Tourism
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-
Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6XE
e: tic@applebytown.org.uk
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
10am-3pm; Sat 10am-2pm
Barnard Castle
Woodleigh, Flatts Road
Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 8AA
e: admin@thewitham.org.uk
t: 01833 631107
w: www.teesdalediscovery.com
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 10am-3pm
Loop system
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 65

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
Bishop Auckland
Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland
Co. Durham DL14 7NP
e: bath@durham.gov.uk
t: 01388 604922/602610
w: www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 9am-4pm
Closed Bank Holidays
1 2 3
1 When Café is open (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm)
2 Family history resources are available on
the last Thur every month; 10am-12pm &
2-4pm
3 Town Hall & Darlington Civic Theatre
Brampton
Moot Hall, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 1RW
e: tourism@carlisle.gov.uk
t: 016977 3433
w: www.discovercarlisle.co.uk
Opening times:
Summer: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Durham Visitor Contact Centre
e: visitor@thisisdurham.com
t: 03000 262626 (calls are charged at a
local rate, mobiles may vary. Texts -
standard network charges apply)
Skype: ThisisDurham
w: www.thisisdurham.com
Opening times:
Open all year: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm;
Sun (& Bank Holidays) 11am-4pm
Visitor information, route planning
and travel information
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13
Corbridge
Hill Street, Corbridge
Northumberland NE45 5AA
e: corbridge.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
t: 01434 632815
w: www.visitnorthumberland.com
Opening times:
Until 31/03/12: Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-
4pm
01/04/12-31/10/12: Mon-Sat 10am-
4.30pm (closed 1pm-1.30pm); closed
Sun
01/11/12-31/01/13: Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-
4pm
Haltwhistle
Mechanics Institute, Haltwhistle
Northumberland NE49 0AX
e: haltwhistletic@northumberland.gov.uk
t: 01434 322002
w: www.visitnorthumberland.com
Opening times:
01/04/12-31/10/12: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
(closed 1pm-1.30pm)
Hexham
Wentworth Car Park, Hexham
Northumberland NE46 1QE
e: hexhamtic@northumberland.gov.uk
t: 01434 652220
w: www.visitnorthumberland.com
Opening times:
Until 31/03/12: Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm
01/04/12-31/10/12: Mon-Sat 9.30am-
5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Also:
Fishing Permits for River
Tyne at Hexham
Hadrian’s Wall Bus tickets

Kirkby Stephen
Market Street, Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria CA17 4QN
e: ks.tic@eden.gov.uk
t: 017683 71199
w: www.visiteden.co.uk
Opening times:
Winter: Daily (except Thur & Sun)
10am-12 noon
Summer: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm,
Sun 11am-3pm
Middleton-in-Teesdale
10 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale
Co. Durham DL12 0QG
e: tic@middletonplus.myzen.co.uk
t: 01833 641001
w:www.middletonplus.org.uk
Opening times:
Daily 10am-1pm
Penrith
Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7PT
e: pen.tic@eden.gov.uk
t: 01768 867466
w www.visiteden.co.uk
Opening times:
Winter: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Summer: Open daily
*
*Theatre by the Lake (Keswick), Penrith Players,
National Express & Eurolines agents
Also:
Next to Penrith & Eden Museum
s Kirkby Stephen
Stanhope
Durham Dales Centre, Castle Gardens
Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham
DL13 2FJ
e: durham.dales.centre@durham.gov.uk
t: 01388 527650
w: www.durhamdalescentre.co.uk
Opening times:
Until 31/03/12: Daily 10am-4pm
01/04/12-30/10/12: Daily 10am-5pm
s 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.com www.teesdalediscovery.com
NORTH PENNINES AONB POCKET GUIDE 2012/13 67
© Eden Tourism

The North Pennines is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt
landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. In recognition of this it
is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The area is also
a Global Geopark – an accolade endorsed by UNESCO.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of things to see and do in
the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Global Geopark.
North Pennines AONB Partnership
www.northpennines.org.uk
+44 (0)1388 528801
info@northpenninesaonb.org.uk
The AONB Partnership has a Green
Tourism award for its corporate office
This publication has been funded by:
NorthPenninesAONB
@NorthPennAONB
northpennines
… as part of their support for the North Pennines AONB Partnership
03/12/24K