Lying with the Pennines to the east and the Lake District Fells to the west, the beautiful Eden Valley
The Eden Valley situated around the River Eden and is a mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns and attractive sandstone villages some dating back to Viking times. To the south are the peaceful Howgill Fells, a favourite of Wainwright.
The River Eden which has its source in the Mallerstang Valley, is one of the finest salmon and trout rivers in the North of England and you can enjoy some great riverside walks. Look out for Lacy’s caves, carved out of sandstone right on the riverbank or go in search of the Eden Benchmarks, ten intriguing sculptures in dramatic settings which act as welcome seats.
The most scenic railway in England, the Settle to Carlisle line runs through the Eden Valley with stations at Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. Penrith, a welcoming market town makes an ideal base to explore the area.
Alston and the North Pennines
Alston in the North Pennines is surrounded by a unique landscape of moorland, hills, rivers and waterfalls and is England’s highest market town. This intriguing town with its cobbled streets and fascinating nooks and crannies was the location for the ITV’s production of Jane Eyre and the Oliver Twist.
Enjoy marvellous views over the Eden Valley, Lake District hills and Scottish borders as you climb up to Alston via Hartside, a route named as one of the World’s Top Ten Most Scenic drives by the AA.
Alston and the North Pennines have long inspired artists and writers, the poet and writer W H Auden loved the area and today Alston is an inspiration to the craftspeople who live and work there. There’s a host of unusual shops in the town including quality crafts and galleries.
There is a good choice of Alston accommodation including hotels and guest houses to Alston cottages - many with great views and there’s a Youth Hostel in the town.
Take a ride on one of the lovingly restored steam and diesel engines on the South Tynedale Railway, a round trip from Alston to Kirkhaugh takes around 50 minutes through the beautiful scenery of the South Tyne valley. Visit The Hub Museum with its interesting local history and bygone transport collection.
The North Pennines used to be one of the wealthiest lead mining centres in Europe and you can go down a real lead mine today at Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre-a great family day out with interactive exhibitions.
Designated Britain’s first UNESCO European Geopark, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a haven for special wildlife and plants.
Alston is an ideal walking and cycling centre with the Pennine Way passing through the town and great opportunities to get away from it all in the surrounding countryside. The C2C, Walney to Wear and Pennine cycle routes all pass near the town making their way through some stunning scenery. You can also go horse riding or fishing on the River South Tyne.
Ullswater Valley
Ullswater is known as one of “England’s most beautiful lakes” and at nine miles long is surrounded by dramatic mountains and inspiring Lake District countryside, featured recently in the “Miss Potter” film.
The perfect place to unwind, you can choose to stay in traditional farmhouses, cosy Ullswater cottages, welcoming guesthouses, fine Ullswater hotels or well run caravan and camping sites around the lake-all offering quality Lake District accommodation. Local restaurants, cafes and inns provide local fare and cuisine to suit all tastes.
The village of Pooley Bridge, at one end of the Ullswater valley is linked by a lovely drive along the lake to the villages of Glenridding and Patterdale at the other the end of the valley. Enjoy a cruise and soak up the atmosphere of this peaceful lake on one of the Ullswater “Steamers” which carry passengers all year round. There are piers at Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown.
Ullswater is a great lake for sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing and skindiving and you can hire rowing, sailing or small motor boats to explore the islands and bays at your own pace. There’s an active sailing club, various activity centres and pony trekking too.
Follow one of the many scenic paths which skirt around the lake, much admired by Wainwright or head up to the nearby fells such as Helvellyn for a full days hike. Look out for red deer or red squirrels along the way!
Go in search of the Spring daffodils on the shore line around Glencoyne which inspired Wordsworth to write his famous poem or visit the National Trust’s Aira Force, where a series of waterfalls plunge through an attractive wooded ravine.
