Itinerary Planner

CCR - Add on 2-Discover Alston & the North Pennines

Discover Alston and The North Pennines National Landscape Travel along the A686, once voted one of the AA’s ‘Top 10 Most Scenic Routes’ and discover the many hidden treasures in this National Landscape.

Route: A66,A686

Miles: 20

Download route & GPRX file

Savour a sweet treat at a renowned organic bakery; explore the mysterious underground world of the lead miner; experience the romance of a steampowered train journey; and enjoy the delights of a stroll around a formal walled garden. And all within easy access of the M6!

At the M6 Junction 40 head towards Penrith and pick up the A66 Its well worth a little detour along here to visit Brougham Castle or Acorn Bank Garden.

Picturesque Brougham Castle is just off the A66 and was begun in the early 13thC by Robert de Vieuxpont, near the site of a Roman fort guarding the crossing of the River Eamont. His great keep largely survives, reinforced by an impressive double gatehouse and other 14thC additions made by the powerful Clifford family, Wardens of the Marches. Today, the site features an introductory exhibition, including carved stones from the nearby Roman fort.

Acorn Bank is just a little further up the  A66 and off the B6412. This National Trust garden has an outstanding walled herb garden of 250 species of culinary and medicinal herbs – the largest collection in the North of England. Explore the traditional orchards with shrubs, herbaceous plants and roses or visit the working watermill. You could drop in for a coffee or fill the whole day here, but please notes there is limited parking for larger vehicles and the site is only open March to October.

The Nearby village of Lazonby with its outlying campsites, is a great place to spend a night or so when exploring the area.  If you've got the capacity to carry bikes a section of the C2C long distance cycleway comes through this area.From here you can discover Langwathby (also a station on the scenic Settle to Carlisle Railway) and from there,by rail, Little Salkeld with its working flourmill and famous stone circle.

Long Meg and her daughters is one of the finest stone circles in the north of England, the circle has a diameter of about 350 feet, the second biggest in the country. Long Meg is the tallest of the 69 stones, about 12 feet high. The stones probably date from about 1500 BC. Legend has it that the stones are petrified witches who, if counted correctly, will be released from the spell that holds them.

From Lazonby head to Alston via Melmerby. Beware, there is a very narrow bridge crossing on the A686 which is passable with care.The Bailey bridge over the River Eden was built in 1968 to replace a sandstone bridge that was swept away by floods. The bridge was meant to be a temporary measure but still stands to this day and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest lasting temporary bridge in the country.

The village of Melmerby is at the western end of the North Pennines National Landscape and is mainly known for its Bakery, renowned for its wonderful artisan organic breads and cakes baked in wood-fired ovens.

You can then head over Hartside Pass on the A686 to Alston. This stretch of road has been voted one of the 10 best drives in Britain by the AA.  At nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, Hartside Top is known as the roof of Britain and the views are panoramic.

From here head on to the dark skies’ friendly town of Alston. Pretty Alston’s claim to fame is that, at 1000 feet above sea level, it is England’s highest market town. Yet, its steeply cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and quirky shops are well worth exploring. Its location makes it a great place for stargazing. With a number of campsites nearby you can pitch up and enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky. The best time for dark skies are October to March.

Given the sensitive nature of the landscape we recommend exploring under your own steam, be that by train, bike or on foot. The National Landscape website has a wealth of walking and cycling routes in the area. Not only is this area a designated National Landscape but it is also one of only 8 UK UNESCO Global Geoparks. All of the UK’s Global Geoparks have internationally significant geology.

South Tynedale Railway has a restored Victorian station building in Alston. The trains are hauled by preserved steam and diesel engines and take passengers through the wonderful scenery of the South Tyne Valley. The return journey to Kirkhaugh takes about one hour.

Surrounding the town is Alston Moor, part of the National Landscape. This diverse area is now known for its rare alpine flora and moorland birds, but 250 years ago it was one of the richest mining areas in Britain. Reminders of this industry are everywhere, especially in the lead-mining villages of Nenthead and Garrigill. There are more challenging bike rides and walks from here.

When you have finished exploring re-trace your route back to the M6 and head home.