Jonathan’s View “Endless walking opportunities in this sadly neglected corner of England” The Area Many walkers would disagree with the term ‘sadly’ as it is the peace and tranquility of the area which attracts the Cumbrian Pennine devotees to return on a regular basis. In the past I tended to dip in to the area but then headed for the ever popular Lake District (which hovers tantalisingly on the skyline) without really exploring it properly. The Cumbrian Pennines stretch from Kirkby Stephen in the south to Brampton, near the A69 to the north, whilst the M6 offers an obvious barrier to the west. Cross Fell, High Cup Nick, Mallerstang, Cow Green Reservoir and Talkin Tarn are the headline grabbers. However it is the lonely moors, the endless skies and the undisturbed wildlife which are the areas best secret. I have sat for hours just soaking in the haunting beauty of the area without seeing a soul, whether lazing on the banks of the embryonic Tyne or beside a discreet cairn high on a moorland fell. Pennine Way Pennine Way signage Kirkby Stephen, Appleby and Brough are fascinating small market towns and offer a great base for any walking holiday. Dufton is a hidden gem, perfectly sited on the Pennine Way and with easy access (if the legs are working well) for Cross Fell, High Cup Nick and the Pennine Way itself. The River Eden winds gracefully through the wide valleys and creates an attractive contrast to the moors which surround it Middleton in Teesdale is barely 10 miles from Brough to the north east and is the home for Cow Green Reservoir and some top notch walking routes, many inspired by the incomparable Alfred Wainwright on his little read ‘Pennine Journey’. Alston Alston Heading up Weardale, (past the highest village in England, Nenthead at 1,500 ft) brings you to the upper reaches of the Tyne at Alston. Alston is a fascinating market town, perfect for a short stay) with the cobbled streets hiding an interesting rural history. The excellent South Tyndale Railway is on the doorstep. To the south the valley narrows and approaches the attractive village of Garrigill, a tranquil scene and a heaven for those dropping off Cross Fell on the Pennine Way. The River Tyne heads north to the wonderfully named Slaggyford before continuing its journey east along Hadrian’s Wall towards the sea east of Newcastle. However it is worth turning west rather than east and visiting Talkin Tarn on a stay in one of Cumbria’s best towns Brampton. A Warning! Typical Pennine moorland walking However there is one particular area where I strongly advise you not to visit in any stay in the Cumbrian Pennines and that is Mickle Fell near Brough. If you do not drown in the worst peat bogs in Britain (and there are some shockers in Scotland) you will be shot by the army on training exercises. if you have to visit the summit, because that is what you do, be prepared for 4 hours of purgatory! Best Walks Easy Ashgill Force from Garrigill. A short walk to a pretty waterfall with some pleasant riverside walking. The Tyne at Garrigill. The embryonic South Tyne is the backdrop to a short riverside walk near Alston Mines & Lands of Nenthead. An easy walk through this purpose built lead mining area A Brough Circular. A short walk from the ruins of Brough Castle across some wild, but low country A Walk from Temple Sowerby. Another short riverside walk near Penrith from a lovely small village River Lyvennet Villages . A short walk between two villages in a little visited part of Cumbria Moderate An Alston Discovery. Out by one of the remotest parts of the Pennine Way, returning via the South Tyne Trail South Tyne Trail. A one way walk along the easy South Tyne Trail includes a trip on a narrow gauge steam engine. Melmerby Fell. High level walking along the spine of the Cross Fell ridge High Cup Nick in Spring..ish . A walk with Debbie and friends to High Cup Nick and for some beyond High Cup Nick A classic U shaped valley and a famous geological landmark on a walk from Dufton Dufton Pike. A pointy peak totally at odds with the surrounding moors, a great vantage point Cow Green Reservoir. The spectacular waterfalls and haunting nature of the Pennines characterise this walk. Smardale Gill & Moors. A dramatic gorge hides some beautiful woodland and topped by some grand old viaducts. Moors of Crosby Ravensworth. Using part of the Coast to Coast with some excellent long distance views. Limestone Pavements over Orton. An excellent example of limestone scenery high above the village of Orton. Ancient Castles of Mallerstang. This intriguing valley is full of history and beauty and can be started direct from Kirkby Stephen. Hard Cross Fell from Garrigill. Long climb to the highest point in England outside the Lake District. From Nenthead to Garrigill. Walking through some high lonely moorlands between two interesting villages. Great Dun Fell from Dufton. Aim for Cross Fell but stop at the satellite station at High Dun Fell in the midst of the Pennines. Nine Standards Rigg. A good path from Kirkby Stephen climbs the mountain with the 9 stone pillars on the summit. Killing Grounds of the Wild Boar. A climb up Wild Boar Fell from Mallerstang with superb views from the large summit plateau. Weather ForecastALSTON WEATHER Other Things to do North Pennines AONB Explaining the work and successes of the partnership that manages this beautiful area South Tynedale Railway Details on one of the most scenic railways in the country Place to Stay
