The North Pennines is England's 2nd largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is a landscape of high, wild moorland and welcoming dales, with some of Britain's most charismatic wildlife, including otters, red squirrels, black grouse and rare alpine flora. The AONB is also a UNESCO European and Global Geopark, in recognition of its outstanding geology. The North Pennines also has more 'Open Access Land' than any other protected landscape in the country, allowing you to explore this exciting countryside off the beaten track.
*From Scotland via the A74/A74(M):
- At Carlisle, follow the M6 and exit at junction 43.
- Take the A69 exit to Brampton and Newcastle.
- About 10 miles further on take the A689 signposted Alston.
- Follow the A689 through Hallbankgate and Slaggyford onto Alston.
- Turn left onto the A686.
*From Newcastle:
- From the ringroad take the A69 west, signed Corbridge, Hexham and Carlisle.
- About 6 miles past the Hexham exit take the A686 signed Langley Castle and Alston.
- Follow the road through Whitfield and onto Alston.
- Lowbyer Manor is approximately 200 metres past the 30 mph speed restriction signs on the left hand side.
*From the West:
- Leave the M6 at junction 40 (Penrith) and follow the A686 from Penrith to Alston over Hartside top.
- You'll enter Alston over the old stone bridge across the South Tyne River. Stay on this lower road, still the A686, now signposted Hexham.
- Lowbyer Manor is approximately half a mile out of Alston. Drive past the 2 garages on your left hand side, past the South Tynedale Preservation steam railway, round the sharp left hand bend and the Manor is the large white Georgian house, set high in its own wooded grounds on the right hand side. Our 100 foot high Sequoia tree is a good landmark.
*From the East (M1/A1):
- Take the A66 at Scotch Corner for Barnard Castle.
- From Barnard Castle, follow the scenic B6277 over the moors, through Middleton in Teesdale, past Garrigill into Alston.
- Follow the main street down the steep cobbled hill to the T-junction at the bottom.
- Turn right onto the A686 for Hexham.
- Continue as above.