Ashgill Force

Ashgill Force is a stunning waterfall with a path access that enables you to stand behind it. There’s a lovely walk to it from the pretty village of Garrigill, and this is described in a leaflet which can be purchased from a number of outlets on Alston Moor, including the Tourist Information Centre in Alston Town Hall. Alternatively, you can reach the falls from the B6277, 5 miles South East of Alston.

Travelling from Alston town centre, it’s exactly 5 miles from The Market Cross to a small stony lay-by on the right, just before the B6277 turns sharply right to cross Ashgill Bridge; the waterfall is beneath the bridge. Park in this lay-by, walk across the bridge, and at the far side pass through the stone stile on the right in the wall; this leads you onto a clear path. Follow this path for about 120m, then turn right, almost doubling back on yourself, and follow the narrower path down towards the waterfall. There is a path that leads behind the waterfall itself, and the lower series of falls, accessible by a path over the wooden footbridge, are also well worth exploring.

Epiacum Roman Fort (Whitley Castle)

A dramatically-sited Roman fort perched on the flanks of the Pennines; originally built to control the valuable lead and silver mines of Alston Moor. The impressive multiple ramparts are some of the finest in the whole of the Roman empire. Epiacum is about halfway along the Maiden Way – a Roman road running between Bravoniacum (Kirkby Thore) and Magna (Carvoran). There are two visitor trails to explore – The Nervian Trail and also an interactive family trail across the site. Access is on foot from the small car park alongside the A689.

www.epiacumheritage.org

Nenthead Mines

A once-thriving lead and zinc mining enterprise that sometimes produced 30% of the UK zinc ores. Take an underground tour, explore the extensive industrial remains or marvel at the mineral displays all on special open days.

www.nentheadmines.com

South Tynedale Railway

Come and join us at our double award winning railway and enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful South Tyne valley on one of our trains hauled by vintage steam, diesel or battery electric locos all with their own fascinating history. Walk along the South Tyne Trail and take in the glorious views, visit the Discovery Museum and our engineering workshop viewing gallery and find out all about England’s highest narrow-gauge railway.

www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk

Killhope Mine

One of the last-remaining 19th-century lead mining complexes on the Pennines. Work as a Victorian washer boy for the day, pan for minerals or marvel at the working machinery including the impressive Killhope Wheel – a large and fully-restored waterwheel used to power the ‘jiggers’ and ‘buddles’ that separated the lead ore from the waste. Don a lamp and hard hat and take a tour down the underground mine.

www.killhope.org.uk

The Hub Museum

Located adjacent to South Tynedale Railway, and opening days are generally the same as the railway.  A vibrant local history and transport museum, packed full of bygone forms of transport and delightful snippets of local history. Staffed by friendly volunteers.

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hub-Museum-Alston

Nenthead Arts & Visitor Centre Nenthead CA9 3PF

Nenthead Arts and Visitor Centre is a converted Methodist Chapel (built 1873, renovated and conserved 2017-2019). Plumbums dog friendly cafe is open 6 days a week, closed on Tuesday; we are lift accessible to the first floor gallery exhibition space and have meeting rooms to hire.

www.visitnenthead.com

Alston Landscape Art Town Initiative

The Alston Landscape Art Town Initiative (ALATI) was set up in winter 2019 to promote Alston Moor’s landscape widely. Its board of trustees includes two artists and three landscape photographers. Its goal is to celebrate Alston Moor’s landscapes, to attract visitors year-round to enjoy courses, art trips and exhibitions and to support local artists and photographers.

You can see their latest news and exhibitions on their Facebook page.