East and West Allendale is the catchment area of the Rivers East Allen and West Allen. The sources of the rivers are high in the North Pennine fells near the boundary with County Durham and Cumbria. It is an area characterised with large rounded grassy hills increasing in elevation towards the watersheds and the county boundaries. The higher the fells the more the grass gives way to heather giving wonderful views in late summer.
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For centuries this meeting of the three counties was a focal point of lead mining employing many thousands of people. Some of the mines have been reopened and it is possible with guided tours to begin to understand the appalling conditions the miners were exposed to. There are still signs of mining with the odd, now grass covered waste heap, the flue chimneys at Catton and occasional mine shaft. The area has seen a massive reduction in population since mining was abandoned over one hundred years ago – it is now a peaceful landscape of small communities, magnificent views and towering skies. Some old miners’ cottages can be seen in states of decay amongst the higher slopes – good material for photographers.
Allendale Town, with its large market square, is the capital of the East and West Allendale. Allenheads has a claim to be the highest village in England and is home to a small ski club. The rivers are small, but in late autumn at the bridge near Catton, hundreds of salmon and sea trout can be seen crossing the small weir under the bridge. The two rivers eventually join to form the River Allen at the stunningly beautiful Cupola Bridge. The river then weaves its way through the scenic gorges of Staward Gorge and Allen Banks and eventually into the River South Tyne.
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CUPOLA BRIDGE – RIVER ALLEN – STAWARD GORGE – NORTHUMBERLAND – AB852
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesThe River Allen in Northumberland at Cupola Bridge on a beautiful spring day. The confluence of the River East Allen and River West Allen is just up stream of the splendid old stone bridge.£45.00–£475.00 -
EAST ALLENDALE – NORTHUMBERLAND – EA411C
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesAn iconic North Pennine view at Keenley Church near Allendale Town in Northumberland across to farm buildings.£45.00–£475.00 -
EAST ALLENDALE – NORTHUMBERLAND – EA600
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesAllenheads claims to be the highest village in England. It was a centre of lead mining for centuries with a population many times greater than now. Today it is a small, peaceful village but there are still signs of its proud heritage. It has its own story portrayed in its Heritage centre. It is also has a ski club active when the weather permits.£45.00–£475.00 -
ALLENHEADS / ROPEHAUGH – EAST ALLENDALE – EA601
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesAllenheads / Ropehaugh in East Allendale in the Northumberland North Pennines on frosty winter morning with a spectacular sky.£45.00–£475.00 -
CARRSHIELDS – WEST ALLENDALE – WA1125B
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesHigh in West Allendale in the Northumberland North Pennines is the small hamlet of Carrshields with, unusual for such a location, a magnificent avenue of deciduous trees.£45.00–£475.00 -
COALCLEUGH – WEST ALLENDALE – WA130A
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesWhen mining ceased in the higher reaches of both East and West Allendale in the Northumberland North Pennines, many houses were deserted and simply left to decay. I cannot help but wonder what life must have been like in those bygone times.£45.00–£475.00 -
WEST ALLENDALE – NORTHUMBERLAND – WA333
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesThe old flue chimneys at Catton in the West Allendale in the Northumberland North Pennines on a cold but clear, sunny day after a light snowfall.£45.00–£475.00 -
WEST ALLENDALE – NORTHUMBERLAND – WA335
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesThe old flue chimneys at Catton in the Northumberland North Pennines are a reminder of the importance of the lead mining industry and a large associated population.£45.00–£475.00 -
WEST ALLENDALE – NORTHUMBERLAND – WA335A
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesThe old flue chimneys at Catton in the Northumberland North Pennines are a reminder of the importance of the lead mining industry.£45.00–£475.00 -
WEST ALLENDALE – NORTHUMBERLAND – WA335DLA
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesThe old flue chimneys at Catton in the Northumberland North Pennines. This photograph of stark beauty is a reminder of the days of lead mining in this region.£45.00–£475.00 -
WHITFIELD – WEST ALLENDALE – NORTHUMBERLAND – WA511C
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesThe smaller of the two churches in Whitfield is very old with a small grassy church yard and grave stones. In spring it is a joy with its snowdrops and daffodils.£45.00–£475.00 -
STEEL – WEST ALLENDALE – WA601
Hadrian's Wall Country, The Allen DalesHigh above The River South Tyne and the River West Allen in Northumberland is the Steel Stone Circle. As ancient as the stone circle looks in its fabulous location, it is nearer two hundred years old.£45.00–£475.00