Introduction:
Northumberland is one of the largest of the English counties in terms of area size. And it is a deeply rural county. But that doesn’t mean it is accessible only by car. Have a day off from navigating and driving. Prime the iPod, sit back and relax and watch the lovely Northumbrian scenery drift by the bus or train windows. For a starter, try this art trail through the Tyne and Allen Valleys.
Start: Haltwhistle
End: Haltwhistle
Journey Times – By train and bus
Important: This timetable is a sample only and was correct at time of going to press.
Please check www.traveline.info for up to date and seasonal changes to bus and rail timetables.
9.00am dep Haltwhistle railway station (via Tyne Valley rail line)
9.13am arr Haydon Bridge
Here’s why: Haydon Bridge was the birthplace of the English Romantic painter, engraver and illustrator John Martin (1789-1854). Follow the The John Martin Heritage Trial (Two miles).
11.08hrs dep Haydon Bridge (via Tyne Valley rail line)
11.22hrs arr Hexham Railway station
Here’s why: Enjoy a stroll around this historic market town with time to explore Hexham Abbey or The Old Gaol Museum.
3.43hrs dep Hexham Bus station (Bus No. 688)
14.08hrs arr Allendale Town
Here’s why: Allendale Town is rich in the lead mining heritage of the North Pennine hills. There are several cafes in the Market Square and the Allendale Forge Studios offer an opportunity to buy high quality crafts made by local artists.
14.49hrs dep Allendale Town (Bus No. 688)
15.14hrs arr Hexham bus station
15.52hrs dep Hexham Railway station (via Tyne Valley rail line)
16.16hrs arr Haltwhistle
NB: The journey from Haltwhistle to Hexham and reverse (breaking the journey in Haydon Bridge for the John Martin Heritage Trail) can be completed entirely by bus instead of train, if preferred.
Walk Options:
- Haydon Bridge – The John Martin Heritage Trail also offers a longer 10 mile walk into the countryside surrounding Haydon Bridge to discover the places which inspired him as a child. Appropriate outdoor footwear and clothing are strongly advised.
Did you know....
- Allendale Town – is host to an unusual New Year’s Eve event called the Tar Bar’l Ceremony. Forty five guisers – tar barrel carriers – carry flaming whisky barrels on their heads in procession around the town square. “Be Damned to He Who Throws Last” is their cry as they throw their barrels together to light a bonfire.
Nearest Tourist Information Centres:
- Hexham +44 (0) 1434 652220
- Haltwhistle +44 (0) 1434 322002
Useful websites:
www.visitnorthumberland.com
www.northumberland.gov.uk
www.disabledgo.com
www.traveline.info
www.visit-haydon-bridge.co.uk
www.allenvalleys.com
