Alston Moor and East Fellside
The countryside around Alston, England's highest market town, provides some of the area's finest walking country - including the lofty Cross Fell - the highest English hill outside the Lake District!
North Pennines escarpment
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
Dufton Rocky Weekend - 6 & 7 October 2012. Weekend of 'rocky' activities to help you unlock the geological and landscape secrets of the North Pennines.
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 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.
Whitley Castle - Alston through the ages - walk around the remains of a Roman fort.
Brough Castle
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, Melmerby (01768 898437). Organic cafe, bakery, bake shop and gallery.
Talkin Tarn Country Park, Boat-House Tea Room, nature trail, rowing boat hire. Open all year. Contact: 016977 41050 (tea room) or 016977 3129 (park manager).
Pennine Painting at Rose House Studio and Gallery, Garrigill.
St John's Pool, Garrigill - Swimming pool, sauna and a jaccuzi available for hire.
The Poetry Path, near Kirkby Stephen - call Kirkby Stephen Information Centre on 01768 371199 for details.
Kirkby Stephen Walkers are Welcome - 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 - the official tourism website for Cumbria.