220: Alston and the South Tyne Valley (North Pennines 2023)

NORTH PENNINES WALK FEATURING ALSTON AND THE SOUTH TYNE VALLEY
"Alston and the South Tyne Valley”
Filmed 7th September 2023
Post-production completed 13th October 2023
Filmed in the North Pennines in the counties of Cumbria and Northumberland. Locations include Alston, Epiacum Roman Fort and the South Tyne Valley.
Written, presented, researched, directed, camera and sound, edited and music by Patrick Leach.
Special thanks to Brian Conduit, John Brooks, Neil Coates, Visit Cumbria and South Tynedale Railway for their information used in my research for this film.
Click here for a map showing the route of the walk: explore.osmaps.com/route/1846...
DISCLAIMER: Although I work hard to ensure all information is correct to the best of my knowledge, I am only featuring information I have found online and/or in books during my research when putting this film together, so I cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.
As with all the films I make, this is not actually intended to be an extensive guide to the area. This is a mini-movie of my personal journey along the walk, in which I often share some of my own personal stories.
If you are new to my channel, I strongly recommend reading the description under the “about” tab, which will provide a clearer understanding of what to expect in my films: / solitaryrambler
There is also a short “Introduction to the Solitary Rambler” video, which briefly explains what my films are all about: / solitaryrambler
Many thanks and I hope you enjoy watching!
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[@christelbraune4530]

Vielen herzlichen Dank Patrick. Das sind stets herrliche Spaziergänge. Ich bin immer wieder beeindruckt über eure tollen Landschaften und die Architektur!! Ich mag halt England 🤷. Hier gibt's auch schöne Landschaften und Städte, keine Frage!!! Thank you. Patrick 👍👋👋

[@solitaryrambler]

England certainly has some beautiful landscapes, many thanks for coming along! 👍😀

[@mamtadave3128]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful walk ! 🌳🌿🌲🐏🐦🏡

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍

[@michaeldenham9681]

Yet another great walk. I share your enthusiasm for Alston, a delightful little town. Whenever possible, I like to return from a holiday by spending a full day stopping off at places on a route that is not a direct one home. My favourite way home from the Northern Lake District was Alston, Teesdale, Barnard Castle, and routes through the Yorkshire Dales to Skipton, before heading home. So many good places to linger a while on the journey. Long time since I was up that way. Must go again before long. Thanks so much Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

I thought Alston and it's location was fantastic, something very magical about it. That's a great trip back from the Northern Lakes on your way home. I shall certainly return to this area when I can, and maybe stay in Alston if I can. Thanks Michael as always for your kind words and for taking the time to watch 👍

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

What a lovely walk - and a delightful part of the world! Thanks for sharing.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍

[@Greatoutdoorswalks2061]

What a fantastic Walk Patrick That my Type of Walk Alston Village Beautiful Cheers Patrick

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, it was certainly another fantastic one to film. Thanks for watching 👍

[@russ3994]

Hi Patrick yet another wonderful walk we really loved it ! thanks

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one Russ, glad you enjoyed it 👍😀

[@richardchan9595]

Gorgeous place and spectacular scenery. Have a wonderful weekend, Patrick!

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Richard, you too! 👍😀

[@mamtadave3128]

Watching these walks on big screen TV feels like I'm rambling in real solitude ❤😊

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Glad to see that you had good weather again, Patrick. Yes, Alston does look a lovely town with what looks like some quite old buildings, and two outstanding ones, in particular like the town hall and the church. The further you went on your walk, the landscape was extremely pleasant. That looks a real good setup, the narrow gauge railway and the station, with its facilities. I bet the trains would be rather a joy to travel on. Many thanks for the production, Patrick, it's been really great.

[@solitaryrambler]

My week in the North Pennines last September was pure sunshine, I was really lucky. thought Alston was fantastic, would love to return someday. It was certainly a varied a walk with the rugged fields and moorland then a gentle stroll beside the railway line. Glad you enjoyed it Ffranc, many thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@kathrynbrock1558]

Another beautiful walk Patrick. Stunning landscape. Thanks for sharing it.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Kathryn, thanks as always for watching 👍

[@Royalawg]

Beautiful ❤ Loved it ❤

[@solitaryrambler]

So glad Angus, many thanks! 👍😀

[@stephmcghie8732]

Hi Patrick what a lovely walk, nothing like total peace and quiet sometimes 😊 the little train station looked like a model set! Shame the cafe was closing...thankyou for taking us on another lovely walk, have a great weekend.

[@solitaryrambler]

It sure was a lovely walk again Steph, Alston just blew me away. Well it was nearly 4pm by the time I was finishing the walk, so I missed the cafes by then sadly. It was sure a great day though all the same. Thanks Steph, have a great weekend too 👍

[@SetForAdventures]

Very nice that Patrick definitely is a beautiful part of the country 👍 Very best regards Simon

[@solitaryrambler]

It really is Simon! 😀 Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Thoroughly enjoyed that one Patrick. Ha, that lovely little town is not built for trucks eh? Well, it's built to look a beauty in the land as you said travelling in. And what land it is around there. You mentioned the varied on the first part of the walk and it it did have its allure - love places and spaces like that. As for the Tyne it gets about -would love to walk that river one day. But the rail line was nice to follow. I have a youtube friend you might like Patrick - you may already know of Nigel Harness who does some great old rail trips with walks. He'd love a visit from you. Any way, checking out Alston - tight in the middle of the big hills there. Thanks for sharing the area with us. Mark

[@solitaryrambler]

NIce one Mark. Yeah Alston certainly is a bit on the tight side for larger vehicles! 😂 It reminded me of a smaller version of Ross in a way with the tight town centre and market house. I loved the varied beauty of this walk. Fields and rugged moors for the first half along the Pennine Way, then a nice gentle stroll along the railside path. I'll check out Nigel's channel Mark, thanks for that. This is definitely an area to where I'd like to return sometime, so yeah if you ever get the chance to walk along the South Tyne, it's sure a good 'un. Well thanks Mark as always, keep safe and all the best down there 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

@@solitaryrambler Funny that tight was a mistake - I meant tucked in but it works. Yeah, I get the Ross analogy. Good to hear of the walk - the kind I relish too. Re-Nigel he's a really nice chap - can't go wrong there. For sure I reckon the Tyne would be a joy. I will keep safe - you too.

[@kellyshaw7271]

I've watched people walking the pennine way before but their videos didn't do it justice. Your in-depth walks around the North Pennines have really shown the contrasting beauty of the area. It's been fantastic. Alston looks marvellous with it's old stone buildings. The hillside and different types of trees really makes it a beautiful part of our isles. I bet your time staying in the area flew by. I liked the Northumberland and Cumberland sign. I do like a Cumberland sausage. Brilliant as always and so glad you got to visit the North Pennines and take us along too. Cheers Patrick

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for the kind words Kelly. For me, it was great to be able to film different sections of the Pennine Way again during my week in the North Pennines. Alston was just an amazing little town, would love to return to the area one day and stay in Alston if I can. The week did indeed fly by. I liked that Cumberland and Northumberland sign too 😀 Thanks as always Kelly for your comments and for watching 👍

[@peakyplodders]

Another excellent vlog Patrick. Beautiful looking area with lush green fields 👌

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Gavin, thanks for your kind comments and for taking the time to watch 👍

[@steveball1959]

Another stunning walk Patrick, again I'm a bit vague on this section of the Pennine Way but I definitely remember Alston as we stayed in the Youth Hostel there, you've got to love this country for the wide variety of landscapes we have, as walkers we're all lucky enough to experience and enjoy.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for your kind words Steve and for watching. This part of the Pennine Way has been completely new to me, but Alston certainly made an impression on me when I was here last September. Walking is definitely the best way to enjoy our wonderful landscape. All the best 👍

[@freestyletowers2617]

Another beautiful village you have brought to light with your video Patrick 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks John, pleased you enjoyed it 👍😀

[@MrSteveMG]

Really enjoyed another day in the North Pennines with you Patrick ..thank you :o)

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve, thanks again for watching and commenting 👍

[@daveydoo3173]

Aww i really enjoy the walks. and the interesting facts.. You have the balance right between talking and filming 😁😁

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you so much for the kind words, glad you enjoy the walks. All the best 👍

[@keeptrekking4685]

Such a beautiful place m8, another great trek, thanks Patrick 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Jay, thanks for watching. All the best 👍

[@Skipp316]

Keep up the videos Patrick. Always meticulously filmed and edited. Excellent 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you like them! 😀 Many thanks for your kind words and for watching 👍

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

A beautiful hike, Patrick, definitely a walk of two halves. Lush and green. Thanks for sharing.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris, certainly a varied walk. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@kennybrydges9084]

Well Patrick, that was very enjoyable viewing, I live in Ontario Canada now, and having left the North of U.K. I very much miss the countryside, thanks for the upload.. TC 👍🙏

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for your comments and for watching Kenny, pleased you enjoyed the video 👍

[@mickbutler9407]

Another great walk Patrick some lovely views from a county I don’t know much about must visit soon

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Mick, it was all new to me too but certainly a beautiful area 👍

[@paulbeachcroft3323]

Great film yet again Patrick. I believe Alston shares the ‘highest Market town in England’ with………….yep Buxton, and I also believe that the railway that closed in 1975 was one of the last to actually close under the Beeching Act……

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Paul. Yes I was surprised to discover during my research that some claim Alston as the highest market town, when I always thought it was Buxton 👍😀

[@shanedallastaylor570]

hi Patrick just got round to watching your video,and I must say it was spectacular,the views were amazing,and the music was delightful.and Alston looked a lovely place.cannot wait for another fantastic video.take care.👍👍❤️❤️

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Shane, it certainly blew me away when I visited Alston and the surrounding area. Thanks as always for your kind words and for watching 👍

[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

Lovely part of the world!

[@solitaryrambler]

It sure is 👍

[@CountrysideWalking]

Pleased you enjoyed Alston so much. Sounds as if you would have liked longer time up there. It looked like a pleasant countryside route too. As always enjoyed sharing your journey and filming, with mix of instrumental melodies.

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Shanita, thanks as always for your kind comments and for taking the time to watch. Alston blew me away on my arrival, so if I ever return to this area, I'd love to stay in Alston next time. This was an easier walk than the previous ones, so that was very welcome 😊 All the best👍

[@paulsstrollsnskywatching]

Another Belter Patrick , and thanks for answering my question on your QnA part 3 👍😊

[@solitaryrambler]

No problem Paul, thanks as always for watching 👍

[@atrampinthehills.841]

lovely place..we have camped on a site just outside the village several times....you covered several sections of the Pennine way last year, all of them beautiful...it's the Daddy of long distance trails.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Steve, I'd love to return and stay in Alston next time. It was great to visit new sections of the Pennine Way last year. All the best 👍

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Hello Patrick , these Pennines walks are wonderful just stunning . I just watched a very interesting video on the village Eyam on KZbin " The Village That Beat The Black Death " have you walked around there my Mum knew about it she went there a few years ago there is an interesting gave yard there . Thanks Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Shaun, I really enjoyed the North Pennines last year, and it was great to film stunning walks in a new area. Yes I've been to Eyam lots of times, it's not far from where I live. Made a film there too 10 years ago 👍

[@shaunmckenna1923]

@@solitaryrambler Oh really i will have look and see if I can find it thank you.

[@clarkfamily50383paul]

Wonderful video, Patrick, I also love this part of the UK. Shame no trains were running. Do you plan to visit High Cup Nick and Cross Fell in the future?

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Paul for watching and commenting. I wanted to do HIgh Cup Nick whilst I was here this week, but that was the walk that got sacrificed in the end due to my car trouble which I mentioned in my previous video. No plans to do Cross Fell at the moment 👍

[@MrJud62]

Another lovely video pat, I know you frequent the Pennines and Peak District quite often but have you ever considered Scotland, hoping to get up Scotland with some fellow KZbinrs late spring early summer, take care pat.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Ken. Later this year I've plans to travel down south for a change, which I've been saving up for. Scotland would be lovely, it's just down to time and cost really with it being that much further away, but hope to get up there one day 👍

[@MrJud62]

@@solitaryrambler forgot about the south🤣I like dawlish myself, but yeah the Cornish riviera is beautiful.

[@alisonmoxon7519]

Lovely vid again.. nice place Alston . .. reminded me of Hawes .. Ashbourne... We do have some nice places Cotswolds too..tnx Patrick 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Ali, yes there are similarities to Hawes for sure. Thanks for watching 👍

[@dickieb2233]

So those gates would suggest you were entering or leaving an important estate.....which one Patrick?

[@solitaryrambler]

I'm sure you are correct, but I've no knowledge about that unfortunately 👍