Allenheads
a potted history
Allenheads is reputed to be England's highest village ( a fact which Nenthead may dispute!) and is another village with a lead mining history. The village has changed from a smog ridden mining centre into a restful hamlet almost entirely surrounded by pine trees with only a babbling brook to break the quiet. In 1985 the newspapers depicted Allenheads as an example of one of England's dying villages, this prompted the local population to form a trust to revitalise the village. They have done ,and still are doing this, exceptionally well. With various things to do and see such as mining exhibitions, a visitor centre , shop and cafe as well as probably the most eccentric public house you will ever see, Allenheads really is a must visit.
places of interest
The Blacksmiths Shop - a restored smithy with an exhibition.
Heritage Centre - follow the development of this north pennine estate village with a tour and audio visual display.
Woodland Nature trail - follow this and other walks in and around the village.
The Armstrong power house - a water powered engine built by W. G. Armstrong in 1852
eating places
The Hemmel Cafe - tel: 01434 685568
Lorna Weaver and party highly recommend The Hemmel especially the All Day Breakfast and Chocolate Cake whilst Lynda also recommends the all day breakfast. Many thanks to Lorna and Linda for the info re: The Hemmel
cycle shops
no shops as such but the Village Store stocks a basic range of spares but the nearest basic repair facility is at Nenthead.....
Mike Fearn - (Nenthead) Tel: 01434 382194 Mobile: 07776 098 915
Blacksmith who has a stock of spares, will also repair your bike and if possible also operates a rider/bike recovery service.
route features
The first thing you will notice when you leave Allenheads is the long, windy, up hill stretch out of the village leading up to the summit at Currick (if you overnighted in Allenheads this will wake you up!) There then follows a long, glorious downhill descent on quiet roads through the old mining countryside before you reach the next village of Rookhope. On the way into Rookhope you pass by various remnants of the long gone industrial age of mining as well a working fluorspar mine.
Accommodation
Bunkhouse, campsite and holiday cottage right on C2C about a mile before Allenheads. Bunkhouse has seating area and television plus drying room. Locked bike shed holds 12 bikes. The Allenheads Inn just up the road provides evening meals. The bunkhouse is opposite Thorn Green quarry. There are six beds in each of the two rooms, room for 4 to 6 in the holiday cottage (ideal for those spending a little more time in the area). There is also a campsite with showers.
Mob : 07977 728328
Email : hammershields@btopenworld.com
Rooms : 2 - 6 Bunks Each + 2 Showers
B&B : £20 pppn
Packed lunch : Please give a day or so advance warning
Distance from C2C : On route
Pub nearby : Drying facilities and secure lock-up
The Allenheads Inn,
Allenheads, Northumberland
NE47 9HJ
Character and charm of a bygone age. Fine ales and good food served in a lively, friendly atmosphere. "FREE ACCOMMODATION" Free accommodation for one person when accompanied by a full paying guest if both guests have an evening meal in-house. Offer available between October and April inclusive. Please quote 'free accommodation' at time of booking.
e-mail : philann@phomer.fsbusiness.co.uk
rooms : 2 twin - 3 double - 2 family - 7 en-suite
months open : all year
B & B : £30 share - £39 single occupancy
evening meal : yes
packed lunch : yes
secure cycle parking : yes
distance from route : on route
pub : on premises
Central heating, secure bike lockup, drying room, separate showers. 4 bed new self-catering cottage to rent next to Allenheads Lodge.
Email : sbrewis@springboard-ne.org
Web : www.springboard-ne.org
Rooms : 4 (Total of 24 beds)
B&B : £20.50
Bed only : £16.50
Packed Lunch : £4.50
Evening Meal : On Request
Distance from C2C : On route
Pub : 700m
Somewhere between a cafe and a restaurant serving wine, coffee and tea, new owner Christine Hutchinson's home cooking offers up dishes from chicken and pasta bake to steak pie and all-day breakfast. Vanilla sponges and home baked cakes jostle for space in this charming converted cattle byre with its airy courtyard tucked away behind the car park.
Web : www.thehemmel.com
Email : christinehutchinson@hotmail.co.uk
Main courses : £5.50-£8.50
Warm, spacious and very comfortable cottage with all amenities. Walking distance to pub.
Email : zookon@aol.com
Rooms : 1S, 2T
B&B : £23-£30
Packed Lunch : From £4
Distance from C2C : On route
Drying facilities : Secure lock-up