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Photo: Andy Stephenson, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The railway used to run from Alston to nearby Haltwhistle, but was closed in 1974. Since then narrow-gauge track has been laid and steam trains run to Gilderdale, some 4 miles from Alston, offering a short journey through pleasant scenery.
The South Tynedale Railway is a preserved, 2 ft narrow-gauge heritage railway in Northern England and at 875 feet (267 m) is England's second highest narrow-gauge railway after the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway in north Devon. The South Tynedale line runs from Alston in Cumbria, down the South Tyne Valley, via Gilderdale, Kirkhaugh and Lintley, then across the South Tyne, Gilderdale and Whitley Viaducts to Slaggyford in Northumberland.
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A local museum dedicated to transport and history of Alston. Although small, it has some impressive exhibits and knowledgeable staff.
This popular event draws musicians from all around Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham and is popular with the locals. Anyone is welcome to join in.
From its mighty endings in Newcastle, Garrigill is very close to Tynehead where the river originates from springs. The small square in the centre of the village makes a tranquil place to sit outside. Roundtrip: 8 miles.
The beck downstream of the main fall features several small cascades. It is a home to several wildlife species, including a much loved staple of British streams: dippers. There are ruins of former industrial buildings nearby, possibly from lead working, which the area was once famous for. Ashgill Force is an impressive fall, plunging 55 feet over a rocky shelf.