The North Pennines: Landscape and Legend
The Allendales
The two main valleys making up this chapter, East Allendale and West Allendale, share similar characteristics and a shared history. The eastern dale has, at its top end, the fascinating village of Allenheads, once a major lead-mining centre, and now a quiet retreat for country-lovers and outdoor activities enthusiasts. Signs of lead mining are a frequent but fading aspect of the dalehead, harking back to the time when the Blackett-Beaumont company established a lucrative mining business here. At its peak, Thomas Sopwith was the managing agent and evidence of his engineering innovations remain today (and are now featured in the local Heritage Centre). Lower down the valley is Allendale Town, now best known for its Tar Barling festival on New Year's Eve, but overlooked by two chimneys high on the moor that also point to its proud mining heritage.
West Allendale is now very sparsely populated, the mines at Coalcleugh, Carrshield and Ninebanks having long closed leaving more curious relics of the past. As with East Allendale, there is some beautiful scenery here too, especially where limestone appears in the middle stretches, and then again lower down where there are fine woodlands around Whitfield. Signs of defence against the Border raiders and mosstroopers are common: the fine old pele tower at Ninebanks being complemented by a suite of old bastle houses in this and neighbouring parishes.
Below the confluence of the West Allen and East Allen at Cupola, the river flows through the spectacular confines of Staward Gorge and Allen Banks. Here, especially in spring and autumn, are top-quality woodland walks, with an interesting and diverse wildlife. At Staward Pele may be seen the ruins of one of the most impressive defensive fortifications. Nearby to the east, and signified by the sentinel chimney at Stublick is the site of the old Langley smelting mill, whilst hidden amongst the trees is the impressive but uncompromising structure of Langley Castle.