Allen Banks-Staward Gorge Via Plankey Mill 6 Miles 4.5 hours Location OS Landranger sheet 87 NY 798641 How to get there From East: A69 from Newcastle, 4 1/2 K past Haydon Bridge,take left turn at Crow Hall, From West: A69 from Carlisle 8K beyond Haltwhistle, take right turn at Crow Hall.Pass under Railway bridge then immediately left past Ridley Hall. Park in Allen banks National Trust car park £3- 8 hours £1.50 - 4 hours (June 2008) Download walk instructions Click Here

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Start:- The walk commences immediately, south, out of the car park and along the west bank of the Allen

The walk does not cross the river at this suspension bridge.

Follow the path and using the new bridge, cross the River Allen at Plankey Mill

From the bridge the walk continues across the field to the right through a new-fangled gate and into a meadow. The river now to your right is placid and beautiful. Follow the path across the meadow and over the stile at the end to stay by the riverbank.

The path, having crossed a footbridge, drops down to a waypost with the word PEEL engraved on the side. The walk continues to the right, passing an old lime kiln, and following the river round a long bend. At an old gateway (now just the two old stone pillars) the walk continues up the hill beyond. You could now shorten the walk as the track to the left goes back to the start. If you are accompanied by smaller children this might be your best course as the walk ahead uses a narrow  and sometimes slippery path high in the gorge The energetic wishing to make a visit to the STAWART PEEL remains will find a little way down this track, a path on the right that climbs up to the Peel.

Further up the hill the path divides and this walk follows the sign, right, down to the river. The path passes a cliff face with a "Crag ahead subject to unpredictable rock falls" sign and makes its way up to a "Staward Gorge" sign. It then drops sharply again to the riverside and the path to the furthest extent of the walk is wide and flat.

The Cupola bridge, on the A686 Alston road, is the furthest extent of this walk. While I am more comfortable with a Circular route I found that now with sun behind me it offered the return walk a charm of its own

For consideration, when using the countryside This selection of walks in Northumberland follow recognised public rights of way or permissive paths and should be easy for most people to negotiate: but please remember that wet and winter weather can make paths muddy in places and the summer months produce fresh growth of vegetation - so wear suitable clothing and footwear. If on any of these walks you find obstructions, or damage to stiles or footbridges which make paths impassible, please report these details as soon as possible to the countryside department of the Local or National Park authority responsible for the area. Relationships between local farmers and those who use the footpaths are generally very good and there is no reason why they should not remain so given reasonable attitudes and understanding. Remember that the countryside is the farmers' livelihood, so please observe the Country Code : keep to the paths; close gates after you ; and take care not to cause damage, or leave litter; keep your dog under control; and leave all wild flowers for others to enjoy. Taken from: Country Walks in East Tynedale by Philip R. B. Brooks (1978) NBM Sept 2009 Dogs in the countryside :- On Rights of Way - Dogs must be kept under close control, preferably on a short lead. On Access Land - 1) Keep your dog on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July this to protect ground nesting birds from disturbance 2) Local restrictions may include a ban on dogs. 3) Note that restrictions do not apply to Guide/Hearing dogs, or if you are using a public right of way

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