The North Pennines Apart from the wild upland beauty of the North Pennines one of the great attractions is the fantastic sense of space with the freedom to roam. Many people visit the North Pennines as a welcome alternative to the more crowded areas of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. But there is far more to the area than just tranquility. Nearby Alston, the highest market town in England, is at the cross roads of a set of trans-pennine routes which link various Pennine river valleys and enable access over Hartside pass to the Vale of Eden, the Lake District and southern Scotland. These routes were developed in the 19th century for the trade in lead, zinc and other valuable minerals. The landscape of Alston Moor and the surrounding vales and moors is littered with the relics of this long dead industry which W.H. Auden found so attractive when he roved these hills in the 1920s and 30s. The geological history of the North Pennines is fascinating and can be read in the shapes of the hills around Alston Moor.The North Pennines as a whole now has the status of a European GEOpark with formations such as the Great Whin Sill featuring powerfully at High Force and along Hadrians Wall. We have a wealth of upland wildlife including wading birds breeding in the spring, rare black grouse and a thriving population of red squirrels. Because of the importance of the blanket bog to wildlife there is a large National Nature Reserve not far away in Upper Teesdale where the Rivers Tees and South Tyne rise. On thing is for sure, the shapes of the hills and valleys, the patterns and colours of plant life along with the relics of mining and the continuation of traditional sheep farming and grouse shooting provide artists with a wonderful variety of form and colour and a romantic inspiration to get closer to nature. We hope you can join us soon to share in the beauty away from all the hustle and bustle! Click on the link below to find out more about the North Pennines www.northpennines.org.uk/ http://www.northpennines.org.ukshapeimage_1_link_0
 

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