On a gloriously sunny warm day without a cloud in the sky we met in Garrigill at the village green, outside the newly opened George & Dragon pub. We were to follow the Pennine Way path from Garrigill back to Alston and then onto Slaggyford. A walk of approximately 10 miles. The first part of the route (Garrigill to Alston) runs parallel to the River South Tyne before we crossed the footbridge near Dryburn to head north towards Alston. A steady walk of just under 4 miles through the river valley and meadows. In Alston we continued the route across the A686 Alston Bridge and then headed towards Harbutt Lodge. From here you get wonderful views of Alston across the river and Tyne Willows playing field. After Harbutt Lodge the Pennine Way crosses the A689 and continues across moor land with a lovely picnic stop opportunity where the path crosses Gilderdale Burn footbridge! From there we carried onto Whitley Castle and the ancient site of Epiacum before the route crosses the A689 again and heads off towards the South Tyne Trail and Kirkhaugh and Lintley Halt Stations. There was a little point of discussion along the route near Lintley Halt when maps had to be consulted but it didn’t take long to see where the Pennine Way continued. We arrived in Slaggyford to finish the walk at the former Slaggyford Station. The weather couldn’t have been better if ordered and definitely showcased this spectacular section of the Pennine Way at its best!
(Map and detailed route description)
Walkers Are Welcome Alston Moor 