The imposing North Pennines escarpment represents an unmistakable western frontier for the North Pennines and is a dramatic backdrop to the attractive, red sandstone-built, fellfoot villages.

Alston

Alston is well worth a visit - a wealth of small independent shops await you, galleries, unspoilt street scenes and a choice of quality eateries to while away an hour or three!

Places to visit, things to do

Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre - A great day out awaits you at Nenthead Mines

South Tynedale Railway - Steam train rides along the gorgeous South Tyne Valley from Alston

High Cup Nick - Take a wander from Dufton up to this classic U-shaped valley

High Cup Wines (Offsite link) is based at Townhead Farm at Keisley (between Dufton and Murton) at the foot of High Cup Gill. This is the only commercial vineyard and winery in Cumbria (and the North Pennines). Tel 017683 53714 ( info@highcupwines.co.uk)

The Hub Museum, Alston. Vibrant local history and transport museum, packed full of bygone forms of transport

South Tynedale Railway (c) NPAP & Elfie Waren

Whitley Castle Roman Fort

Brough Castle (Offsite link)

Hartside Viewpoint & Cafe (01434 381036) - Stunning views await you from Hartside - across to the Lake District and to the Solway Coast AONB and Scotland!

The Village Bakery (Offsite link), Melmerby (01768 898437). Organic cafe, bakery, bake shop and gallery

Talkin Tarn Country Park (Offsite link), Boat-House Tea Room, nature trail, rowing boat hire. Open all year. Contact: 016977 41050 (tea room) or 016977 3129 (park manager)

Rose House Studio and Gallery/Pennine Painting (Offsite link), Garrigill

St John's Pool (Offsite link), Garrigill. Swimming pool, sauna and a jaccuzi available for hire

The Poetry Path, near Kirkby Stephen - call Kirkby Stephen TIC on 01768 371199 for details

Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre

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Kirkby Stephen (Offsite link) is a Walkers are Welcome (Offsite link) Town. Kirkby Stephen was the first town in Cumbria to be awarded this status in April 2009

Farmers' Markets at Brampton, Brough, and Penrith

Go Lakes (Offsite link) - the official website of Cumbria Tourism. Cumbria and the Lakes District is the perfect holiday destination to visit at any time of year