North Pennines

High up here, powerful streams carve impressive waterfalls; secluded valleys provide stunning walks and, as you descend from the moors the work of man soon becomes apparent.

Celts, Romans and later settlers have all left their mark. This remote arera, once the wealthiest lead mining centre of Europe, was where schooling was first made compulsory and had England's first free library. Mining and farming went hand in hand leaving a legacy of upland towns and villages which now provide for both local and visitor needs. Today you can try your hand at searching for lead at Killhope Leadmining Centre and Nenthead Mines and delve more into the fascinating past of the North Pennines at other centres.

The North Pennines is not just history, but a living, thriving community where visitors are welcome to join in agricultural shows, events such as the North Pennines Festival and the 'Tar Baal' ceremony at Allendale; to taste local delicacies such as sausage, cheese, and mustard; to buy high quality local crafts; to explore our towns and villages including Alston, England's highest market town with England's highest narrow gauge railway, Stanhope with its 'fossil tree' and the many attractive villages to be found in Teesdale, Weardale, Allendale, South Tynedale and Eden's 'Eastern Fellside'.

Travelling by car, bus or pedal power the natural delights of the North Pennines unfold before you.

Up here in the North Pennines we can guarantee that if you like peace and quiet with opportunities for walking, cycling, exploring and discovering interesting attractions, wildlife and local traditions in a unique part of England, then we certainly have something for you. We also have some excellent accommodation for you to choose from.

Inspiration to poets and painters alike, the unique geology, flora and fauna of the North Pennines is reflected in its designation as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

The vast and impressive landscapes straddles the counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland and gives rise to the great rivers of the north. The Tees, Tyne, Derwent and Wear all have their source high in the moorlands.

This is a wildlife haven where Hen Harriers breed, where Merlin and other rare species can be seen and where the plaintive cries of the curlew echo in Spring and Summer accompanying Pennine Way and other walker