Local Places to Go & Things to Enjoy
There are lots to see and do in and around the North Pennines and boarding counties. Below are only a few of the activities available. You can also call in to our head office in Alston where you will find local information regarding events and activities. You could also contact the following local information centres:
Alston Local Links, Durham & Stanhope Visitors Centre, Haltwhistle & Hexham Tourist Information Centre
CYCLING
The North Pennines are perfect for both road cycling and mountain biking. The Coast to Coast and Border Reivers routes are just two of many challenging and rewarding road routes around these areas. There are road biking challenges every year, such as the Haydon 100. There are maps available for Cumbria, Northumberland and County Durham. Click on each County to see maps. Specialist mountain bike trails can be found throughout the North Pennines. To see trails in our area click on each County. For Cumbrian trails, Northumberland trails and for County Durham trails.
Ullswater eBikes
If you fancy a day out cycling in the North Lakes, we know a great family-firm based at Glenridding on Ullswater. We can personally recommend Steve and the team at Ullswater eBikes. You simply book your bikes in advance and collect from them. Secure parking is available. To find out more, please visit their website, here.
Walking
The North Pennines is home to many sections of the famous Pennine Way, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015. The annual North Pennines Walking Festival takes its inspiration from the stunning landscape of this AONB, offering guided walks across nine days in Cumbria, Northumberland and County Durham covering topics such as history, wildlife and photography. The Haltwhistle Ring is a set of 22 walks around the Haltwhistle area. All walks are 'circular' and return to their starting point.
There are many walking groups in the North Pennines, including Walkers are Welcome Alston Moor who meet regularly to tackle the surrounding walks on the moors. There is a Haltwhistle walking group, which also organises two annual walking festivals. Entirely run by volunteers, anyone can join the group itself on a Wednesday morning, either for long or short walks at no charge. All walks have a leader and have been fully checked out beforehand.
For more walking trails in Cumbria, Northumberland and County Durham click on each County.
Beldy Chapel Experiences
Beldy Chapel Experience offers guided walking and swimming in the North Pennines. You will be guided by Sarka-Jo, who was brought up in the lake district, having moved to the North Pennines in 2019 she is now following her passion for walking and swimming in the outdoors to sensitively share the beauty, wildlife and industrial heritage of the North Pennines.
You can join Sarka-Jo for half, full days or more.
Sarka-Jo is a qualified P.E. teacher along with Hill and Moorland Training, Mountain Leader Training, Outdoor First Aid, Open Water Lifeguard, Ramblers Wellbeing Walk Leader and Public Liability Insurance.
Numbers are limited and environmental concerns taken into account. Children over the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. (sorry no children under 14). Dogs only by arrangement. Other T&C's apply.
Half Day - from £40 pp
Full Day - from £60 pp
choose from a variety of lowland, hill or moorland walks including waterfalls wildlife and industrial heritage trails, suited and designed to your ability and interests.
Swim walks - £50 pp
Join Sarka-Jo for a half day or full day walk with opportunities to dip in pools and waterfalls and find some hidden gems.
Whatsapp or call to discuss: 07730 119871
beldychapel@tutanota.com
Arts, Crafts and Wellness
Green Croft Arts are a not for profit organisation offering arts, culture and wellbeing activities to visitors and rural communities on the Northumberland / Cumbria border. We do this by creating installations, and immersive experiences that engage people more deeply in a place or a space and offer activities that connect the mind with the body. We work from an 18th century farmstead which sits directly on the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall.
Green Croft Arts exists to improve the health and wellbeing of visitors and rural communities on the Northumberland / Cumbria border through arts, cultural and wellbeing activities that connect them more deeply with the landscape and heritage of the area.
To see their up and coming workshops, click here.
Motorcycling
The North Pennines is a dream location for motorcyclists, with its sweeping roads through remote, exhilarating landscapes
Whether you want to ride alone, travel in a group or take a motorcycle tour, exploring the North Pennines by bike will be an unforgettable experience. Pennine Ways Holiday are biker-friendly.
Places to Eat
The Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall
by Hrishikesh Desai
Welcome to the Michelin star Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai at Farlam Hall, a place to relax, indulge and delight your taste buds. The restaurant is run by a fantastic team of chefs, with multiple rosette awards. The team crafts beautiful seasonal menus using the very best local and regional produce, including the freshest ingredients from our on-site kitchen garden. A recent renovation has transformed the dining room into a light and welcoming area, with high ceilings and impressive opulent touches. The calming views out to the gardens and lake add to the relaxing atmosphere, which flows through every part of Farlam Hall.
The restaurant is available to both staying and non-staying guests, but make sure you book your table to avoid disappointment.
Open the following times:
Afternoon Tea: Thursday, and Saturday 1pm - 3pm
Sunday Lunch: Sunday 12pm - 2.30pm
Dinner: Wednesday - Sunday 6pm - 8.15pm
Dress code in the Cedar Tree Restaurant is smart casual. Unfortunately we cannot accept guests wearing short trousers, flip flops/sliders etc.
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest
Wonderful Northumberland produce prepared using simple, classic flavours and techniques with a modern twist.
The menu is small and they specialise in the amazing game from their own estate and wonderful meat from the local farmers; right here on their doorstep. Sustainability and seasonality are at the core of everything they do, enveloped by the field to fork philosophy. They serve beautifully cooked fish from the Northumberland coast and a vegetarian option. Vegetarian cuisine is not their specialty; therefore the choice is limited. They appreciate this will not please everyone, and at the same time recognise that to truly specialise in the produce they are gifted, they cannot be everything to everybody.
Their kitchen is open for dinner on Wednesdays and for lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday. To book your table, please visit their website here.
PLEASE NOTE: Their kitchen is closed Monday and Tuesday. Please see opening times here.
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest