Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
Gorge of the River Allen with ornamental and ancient woodland near Ridley Hall, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7BP
The Walks Wood, a 2 miles (1 hour) circular walk from the carpark to the Cedar Hut summerhouse, can be steep in places.
By road
5½ miles east of Haltwhistle, 3 miles west of Haydon Bridge, ½ mile south of A69
Parking: Pay and display at Allen Banks. 4 hours £2 All day £4 Members please scan for a ticket at the car park machine. Payment can also be made using PayByPhone. 3.3-metre height restriction
Sat Nav: avoid using
On foot
numerous public and permitted rights of way
By train
Bardon Mill 1½ miles
By bus
services from Carlisle to Newcastle upon Tyne, stop within ½ mile
Car Park at Allen Banks is accessed off the A69 close to Ridley Hall, there are brown ‘oak Leaf’ to Allen Banks on the A69. Vehicles need to pass under a narrow railway bridge, which may not be suitable for larger vehicles. Car park is surfaced with loose ground stone. Parking bays are clearly set out with timber divisions. Parking is free for National Trust members, please present your card at the machine to get a ticket. For non-members parking costs £2 for four hours or £4 all day.
WCs
There is one accessible toilet, at the rear the toilet block. It can be opened with a radar key. Toilet is on the right within the cubicle. Grab handles are fitted. No automatic doors. The building has no hot water or electricity. Paper towels are available.
Paths
Paths around Allen Banks and Staward Gorge are uneven, some are steep and have steps in places. There are also significant drops in some places. They are not accessible to wheelchair users.
TBC at walk. but will be via Zoom.