Visitors to the North Pennines can learn about the heritage and geology of the area in five special walks this month.
The events are part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership’s Northern Rocks Festival from 21 May to 5 June.
Walk details
Mine, All Mine. Monday 23 May from 11am – 4.30pm
A walk back in time to the Allenheads of the 1800s.
Local historian Ian Forbes will show participants how Victorian engineers like Sopwith and Armstrong harnessed the power of water to work the mines, and how the mining company dominated the life of the village, transforming it for ever.
The cost for the walk is £2, which includes tea at the end. No dogs, bring a packed lunch and strong footwear, outdoor clothing advised.
Booking is essential by phoning 01388 528801.
Tindale Trail – Friday May 27 from 10am – 4pm
Join local historian Dr Iain Boulton as he visits the Tindale Trail.
Walkers will explore the Earl of Carlisle’s Railway and Collieries and have a look at the site of the innovative zinc smelter.
The linear route takes the group from Tindale to Coanwood to discover a heritage-rich and beautiful corner of the North Pennines.
The cost is £6 which includes transport from Coanwood. Six miles of moderate walking.
Bring a packed lunch, min age 14 – no dogs. Outdoor clothing and strong footwear advised.
Booking is essential by ringing: 01388 528801.
Low Force and Holwick – Saturday 28 May from 10.30am – 4pm
Local geologist Brian Young will take walkers on a voyage of discovery with a walk in Teesdale. Low Force and Holwick.
This events is free but booking is essential by phoning 01388 528801
For this walk you will need a packed lunch, boots, min age 11, no dogs, outdoor clothing advised.
The Landscape and Geology of Harwood – Thursday 2 June from 10.30am – 5 p.m.
Walkers will learn about the geology of Holwick and will discover the origins of the waterfalls at Low Force.
Local geologist Brian Young will show visitors long-abandoned lead mining remains and will tell the story of how the lead came to be there.
This events is free but booking is essential by phoning 01388 528801.
For this walk you will need a packed lunch, boots, min age 11, no dogs, outdoor clothing advised.
Blanchland, Shildon and Penny Pie – Friday 3 June from 10am – 1pm
Led by AONB Partnership geologist Elizabeth Pickett this walk is an invigorating walk on the tracks above Blanchland.
Walkers will find out how to read the landscape and discover more about the fascinating history of this beautiful area.
Bring outdoor clothing and strong footwear advised.
This event is free but booking essential on 01388 528801. Min age 11, no dogs.
More information
Available by phone 01388 528801 or email info@northpenninesaonb.org.uk.
These events are just a selection of the 36 events taking place during the Northern Rocks Festival from May 21 – June 5.
Details of Northern Rocks events and all other events by the AONB Partnership are available on the Partnership’s website www.northpennines.org.uk and clicking on Events.