Pennines

Though today known as England's Last Wilderness, the wuthering heights of this bleak and beautiful landscape were for just over two hundred years the scene of immense industrial labours to bring out the minerals from the earth's crust - especially lead. The North Pennines were the site of Europe's richest lead ore field and in its heyday, the population that laboured here was ten times what it is today.
Some of the attractions of the area focus on the industrial heritage

Allendale is a small town which stands at the head of the valleys of the East and West Allen rivers. It has a population of about 600 with a large market square. There are lots of good pubs and a tea room as well as antique shops and convenience stores.

Allendale is perhaps most famous for the Tar Barling (spelt in various ways) Festival which takes place on New Year's Eve. There is a big bonfire and men in colourful costumes carrying barrels of burning tar on their heads stride through the town. The festival's origin is lost in the mists of time, but it genuinely belongs to the locals and is not done just for tourists.

The historic market town of Barnard Castle is gateway to Teesdale. It has been recognised as one of the most important architecturally and historically interesting towns in Britain. It gets its name from a 12 century castle built by Bernard Baliol. The castle still stands overlooking the River Tees. The famous County Bridge spanned the boundary between Durham and Yorkshire and illicit weddings were conducted on it in the narrow space between two jurisdictions.

Killhope Lead Mining Centre in Upper Weardale has a fully restored waterwheel, the biggest in the North of England. The recreated Park Level Mine brings to life the working conditions of 1879 with water flowing along the floor and a height restriction of 1.45 metres in places.
Killhope also has a lively events programme and the best corn beef pasties in the world. Tel. 01388 537505

The Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre lies 3 miles from Killhope. This was the largest lead mining site in the North Pennines. Lead and silver were mined here from early times but the land passed eventually to the London Lead Company. This company was owned by Quakers and feeling some responsibility for the welfare of their workers they created the first planned industrial village in England, and probably the world. Nenthead was the first place with a free lending library and compulsory schooling for the children. Tel. 01434 382037

The Otter Trust North Pennines Reserve near Bowes, County Durham is home to various species, the most important of these being European Otters. Otters are making something of a comeback in the North Pennines and the Otter Trust has been at the forefront of releasing captive otters back into the wild. Tel. 01833 628339

The Pennine Way runs through the area. It starts in Derbyshire and ends on the Scottish Border with a total length of 256 miles (412km). You don't have to walk all of it however. There are long stretches of upland walking which can be very strenuous. The Youth Hostels Association have an accommodation booking service. Contact 01629 825850

South Tynedale Railway - Alston A working railway until the 1970s and Alston's severe weather lifeline until that time, the railway is now restored as a narrow gauge line as a tourist attraction. An extension is planned eventually to link Alston up with Haltwhistle once again.
Timetable information on 01434 382828

The South Tyne Trail crosses the spectacular Lambley Viaduct, a huge span over the South Tyne River which shows the area's industrial past. Everything is peaceful today and the valley supports an interesting range of wildlife. Otter populations are steadily increasing and the river is home to salmon and sea trout. Look out for grey wagtails, oystercatcher and dipper. Contact Northumberland County Council for more information 01670 533000

Stanhope is the most important settlement in Weardale, the valley where in medieval times the Prince Bishops of Durham would go hunting. It is a vibrant community and home of the flourishing Weardale Gazette. There are currently plans to open up the old railway that previously served the industrial revolution taking out stone and minerals to the industries of North East England. Despite its industrial past, Stanhope is a pretty place, known as "Queen of the Dale". It has its own castle, built in 1798 and a 250 million year old tree (sadly no longer living, but fossilized.)

The Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope is one of the main visitor centres in the area. On the site are: the Tourist Information Centre, Country Tearoom, Craft Shops and gardens.

Talkin Tarn, near Brampton, Cumbria, is a small lake (that's what 'tarn' means in Cumbrian dialect) of glacial origin where you can fish or drink tea in a well appointed tea shop. Rowing boats and mountain bikes can also be hired. There are also red squirrels to be seen and large numbers of wildfowl in the winter. Tel. 016977 3129

The Teesdale Way is a 90 mile walk which follows the course of the River Tees from Middlelton to Tees Mouth. It is suitable for both long distance and day walking. A guidebook and leaflet are available. Contact Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre 01833 690909

The Upper Teesdale Nature Reserve has a waymarked trail at Widdybank Fell. Teesdale is very important for its rare flowers. It is also home to some rare breeding birds. In fact this area is one of the last places in England the black grouse and once common waders breed in any number. Come between April and July to see them. But, please be aware that the plants and animals here are sensitive to human disturbance and once gone it could be forever. Tel. English Nature 0191 281 6316