The North Pennines: Landscape and Legend
Derwentdale and Devil's Water
The expansive waters of Derwent Reservoir dominate this north-eastern corner of the uplands, but secreted amongst the deep intricacies of the Derwent valley are many other less obvious features. Below the reservoir is the charming village of Edmundbyers, an old settlement dating back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon kings. A little further east, between Muggleswick and Allensford, is a hidden land of deep gorges with glorious woodlands. A plethora of unusual legends are a feature of this part of the valley including links with King Arthur, witches' covens, the mosstroopers and the Derwent giants.
Above Derwent Reservoir, Blanchland is the main focal point, a unique village established on the site of an historic Premonstratensian abbey. Drovers' and carriers' ways cross the moors hereabouts, and the adjacent hills are the site of the renowned Derwent Mines, many relics of which remain today to provide an enigmatic and tantalising glimpse into the frenetic activity of the past.
By contrast, the valley of the Devil's Water to the north is little frequented and much less well-known. A maze of back lanes lead past handsome farms to the upper slopes of the valley where the vast sweeping moors of Hexhamshire Common provide an area of tranquility and calm, a scene of vivid colour when the heather is in bloom. By contrast, hidden amongst the lower recesses of the valley is the deep gorge of Dipton Burn with its curious legend of Queen's Cave.
The Pennines end at the Tyne valley and here is the peerless town of Hexham, famous for its abbey, but having a wealth of other distinctive and historic buildings. It provides an ideal base from which to explore these varied and surprising landscapes.