Assay Office Bunkhouse

Isaac's Tea Trail

Follows a 58km trail through Cumbrian countryside celebrating tea merchant Isaac Wilson. Terrain varies from gentle riverside paths to moderate hill climbs, particularly around Eden Valley viewpoints. Too long for a single family outing but breaks into manageable sections – some stretches are buggy-friendly, others require sturdy footwear for uneven ground. Dogs welcome throughout on leads near livestock. Combines heritage storytelling with genuinely scenic walking, linking villages where you ca

South Tyne Trail

Follows the South Tyne River for 37km from Alston to the outskirts of Haltwhistle through former lead mining country. Mostly flat, traffic-free path on old railway trackbed – ideal for families, buggies and dogs. Gentle gradients, good surfaces, though some sections can be muddy after rain. Outstanding Pennine scenery, historic railway structures and riverside wildlife make this a rewarding, accessible long-distance walk that's easily tackled in shorter chunks.

Wearhead Walk - The River Starts Here

Follows the infant River Wear from its source high in the North Pennines through moorland and valley pastures. Moderate terrain with some gentle climbs and potentially boggy sections after rain. Family-friendly for older children used to country walks, but not suitable for buggies due to uneven ground. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Rewards with dramatic upland scenery and the novelty of seeing where a major river begins its journey to the North Sea.

Mineral Valleys Walk: St. John's Chapel

Lead Mining Trail