Allenheads in the North Pennines

The region around Allendale heading out towards Allenheads then across to Blanchland totally lives up to it's name of "Englands Last Wilderness". The roads are quiet and the fells and moorland stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted occasionally by the hardiest of sheep, The Swaledales'. In winter their thick fleeces help protect them from the icy winds. Then as Easter approaches the ewes can been seen mothering their lambs as you drive along the normally unfenced roads. Look out for the signs warning "Lambs On Road". They haven't quite mastered the highway code. In their minds sheep rule ok!

The landscape bears the marks of a once thriving lead mining community.

The Killhope Wheel and the Nenthead Mining Museum are

both dedicated to the lead mining history -

well worth a visit.

As you drive through the tiny hamlet of Allenheads take half an hour to stop off at The Hemmel Cafe. A friend of ours has just taken it over and her quiches, scones and cakes are to die for! Or try a bowl of warming soup and a bread roll. Nearly everything on the menu is home baked, so forget about those calories for once. Just ask for Christine. There is also a Heritage Museum just around the corner from the cafe.

If you would like to stay in the area have a look at:




Rose Cottage Code 428

Hannah's Cottage Code 427





Alice's Cottage Code 410

Nelly's Cottage Code 411












The Deeps Code 97











For more information about this lovely region call us on 016977 46777 or visit our Website for up to date availability.

Availability at The Bathing House, Howick

The location of The Bathing House is absolutely stunning. We often get telephone calls from people who have walked along the coastal path towards Dunstanburgh Castle, which passes only metres from The Bathing House. They have thought how wonderful it would be to stay in the house. Because of the popularity of the property the week they want is often already booked. So because we have first hand knowledge of all our cottages we decided it would be a good idea to let people into the secrets of other similarly exciting houses, equally unusual and some with fantastic sea views.

Why not take a look at our selection and make your own decision.

The Old School,

Code 350 Howick - sleeps 2 Although this cottage does not have the view like The Bathing House it is part of the Howick Estate. The walk from the cottage to the coastal footpath takes about 10 minutes. Just like the Bathing House guests are given a free pass to visit the Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. Then take tea in the Earl Grey Tea Room.

St Abbs Haven,

Code 418 Coldingham Bay sleeps 5 + 1

If it's a seaview you want this house is not too bad! It is part of a development, once a hotel. Most of the rooms look out to sea. There is a little path and steps down to a great sandy beach, popular with surfers.

Beach View,

Code 353 Boulmer sleeps 4

This bungalow is not far from Craster in the village of Boulmer. Lovely sea view from sitting room and double bedroom. It is literally seconds from the front door onto the beach.

Chantilly,

Code 359 Low Hauxley sleeps 2

It is possible to get a glimpse of the sea from the landing window but the main attraction of this cottage is the short distance to a huge expanse of golden sand.

Or if it is peace and tranquility you are seeking have a look at our cottages in the College Valley.
The College valley is a private estate with limited vehicular access for the public. It is right in the centre of the Cheviot hills with plenty of birdlife, fox and deer. There are also wild goats on the fells. We have lots of blog postings plus lovely photographs on this blog.
Just click here !

Dunsdale House

Code 355 sleeps 8
Dunsdale house is a little further into the College Valley than the Mill ( see below). However it offers generous accommodation for a large family or maybe several families together. Dunsdale is often used as a venue for family get togethers. It is hard to find accommodation of this standard, which will take so many guests. Having the beautiful countryside all around just makes it better value!

Hethpool Mill

Code 396 sleeps 4 + 2
There are records of a building on this site dating back to the 13th century. The situation is idyllic, there is no noise and absolutely minimal light pollution at night. The stars are guaranteed to be brighter!The garden is fenced and the large pebbled surrounds along with the bushes make it quite a good house if you have your dog with you.You can see a picture of the Mill taken from the neighbouring hill of Great Hetha...here.

Coldburn Cottage
Code 317 sleeps 4.

Coldburn is higher up the College Valley than the Hethpool Mill property. It is a cosy house set amongst stunning scenary. Popular with couples or small families it offers tranquility at a good price.

If you would like to discuss other options please call us on 016977 46777. We are here to help!

Craster harbour

The inscription on the memorial at the harbour at Craster reads

Hodie Felix Craster ( happy day Craster?)

Craster Memorial Harbour

Constructed in memory of John Charles Pulleine Craster

46th Punjabis

Who fell in action during the Tibetan expedition

June 1904

He took a deep interest in the provision of a harbour

at Craster and his brothers and sister chose this way

of perpetuating his memory

AD 1906

Additional historic notes are here:

The 46th Punjabis were later redesignated as the 10th (Training batallion) within the 16th Punjab Regiment. After partition it was merged within the Pakistani army as the Punjab Regiment. This entry shows that they were still a separate unit throughout the 1st world war.

For a general overview of the Tibetan invasion see Wikipedia


Just north of Craster are the magnificent ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

Craster to Howick and back along the coast

Our walk started at the car park just outside Craster.This is the site of an old dolerite quarry. From here it took us across fields with evidence of ancient field systems ( look for the terraces under the grass).

A little further on you pass Hips Heugh ridge on your left and then shortly we entered Howick Hall Gardens via a one way gate. After a brief stop beside a small lake we exited the gardens , again through a one way gate, onto the beach.

We then followed the coastal path northwards past the Bathing House, round the cliffs and into Craster.

All in all it took us about 3 hours, but we were a long time at Howick Hall and we dawdled along the cliff tops.

These are pictures we took

This ridge is called Hips Heugh...it lies just before the entrance to Howick Hall.A heugh is the name given to places where the Whin Sill makes a ridge.

After we had walked through Howick Hall gardens we came out at the coast on a small rather stony beach. Here we turned left ( or north) and started to climb up the cliff path
















This is the view back to the small coastal bay where we came out after the gardens















These are one of the small bays along the coastal path heading north towards Craster.















The Bathing house ....
















Craster harbour















With its memorial plaque

Sunset over the Cheviots, from Hethpool Mill,xmas 2008

Sunset over the Cheviots, from Hethpool Mill,xmas 2008
Originally uploaded by Northumbria Byways

Sometimes we were really lucky and the sunsets over the College Valley were spectacular.

Hill Fort,Great Hetha, College Valley

Hill Fort,Great Hetha, College Valley
Originally uploaded by Northumbria Byways

We climbed Great Hetha on a clear beautiful day over xmas 2008. On the top it took us a little time to realise where the hill fort was.It was all around us....too big to see with one view.

Walking down the north west side into the Valley of Trowupburn and then back to the Mill made us realise really how beautiful the College Valley is.

Hethpool Mill from Great Hetha

P1010241
Originally uploaded by Northumbria Byways

This is a view from Great Hetha looking down towards the Mill house.Taken on a glorious day over christmas 2008.