We awoke to some sunshine and blue sky, so began our short day’s walk in promising fashion. Much of the route today was along the River Allen, meeting the Tyne again near the end. The entire day’s walk was lovely, leaving Allendale along a riverside path and keeping mostly to the river all day. The route became progressively more beautiful as we entered National Trust land at Staward Gorge, which James Roberts describes as "a narrow spur in the woods almost 300 feet high, formed by the confluence of the Allen and Staward Burn." We decided to keep to a narrow path near the river, entailing a short diversion from Roberts’ route, since this allowed us to enjoy more of the beauty of this nature reserve and to walk directly under the crags in Staward Gorge. The path was quite muddy from recent rains, but manageable, and there were more spectacular displays of wild garlic. The route leaves Staward Gorge to join Briarwood Banks reserve, another gorgeous expanse of natural woodland along the beside the River Allen. The route leaves the river by way of a steep path up to the grounds of Ridley Hall, and continues through the charming hamlet of Beltingham before reaching Bardon Mill. We had wonderful accommodation (friendly, comfortable, with excellent food) at Montcoffer. John McGrellis, our host, kindly drove us to the Milecastle Inn near Haltwhistle to meet friends for dinner, and we can recommend this inn highly for its food, drink, and hospitality. We also highly recommend Montcoffer, which would be a great base for a longer stay for those touring the area around Hadrian’s Wall.

Leaving Allendale along the River East Allen

Woods north of Allendale

Grazing fields along the river

Another view of the River East Allen

Beech woods along the river near Wide Eals

Woodland and blooming hawthorn near Wide Eals

The Cupola Bridge on the A686

Entering Staward Gorge Reserve

A distant view of the crags in Staward Gorge

Mixed woodland in Staward Gorge

We left the river here to rejoin the "official path"

Plankey Mill suspension bridge

The River Allen at Plankey Mill

Suspension bridge across the river

Beautiful larch and fir trees in Briarwood Banks Reserve

Riverside path in Briarwood Banks, still on the Allen

Copper beech in the grounds of Ridley Hall

The grounds at Ridley Hall, with "ha ha" and bluebells

Beltingham

In front of Montcoffer

With friends at the Milecastle Inn

on to Day 4
back to Day 2
return to Introduction

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