Allen Banks and Staward Peel Circular
Northumberland
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge is a National Trust property near Bardon Mill, where the River Allen has cut a deep gorge through the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland. The Trust welcomes dogs on every trail, with the river alongside for much of the first half, though sheep sometimes graze the return leg. In the 19th century Susan Davidson of Ridley Hall laid out paths, steps and summerhouses here and planted many of the beeches that line the gorge. This 9.3km circuit follows the river upstream, crosses two footbridges and climbs to the ruins of Staward Peel, a medieval peel tower above the water, then returns through farmland, with a short detour to Morralee Tarn, a Victorian boating lake. There is about 156 metres of climbing on woodland paths, field edges and a short stretch of lane, muddy after rain.
This is a dog friendly walk with the river alongside for much of the first half and red squirrels, roe deer and otters in the gorge. The National Trust welcomes dogs on all trails but asks for them to be on a lead in farmers' fields, and sheep graze some fields on the return leg. In the woods a dog with good recall can have moderate freedom, with the river for a drink and deep summer shade. There are no stiles, but one bridge is reached by a short wooden ladder some dogs will need help with. The car park is pay and display, free for National Trust members, with toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 5 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilets at the car park; no cafe on site; pubs and shops in Bardon Mill and Haydon Bridge.
- Parking
- Allen Banks car park, National Trust, pay and display, free for NT members.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Allen Banks and Staward Peel Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in NorthumberlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Allen Banks and Staward Peel Circular dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The National Trust welcomes dogs on all of the trails at Allen Banks, the River Allen gives water for much of the way and the woodland keeps things shady and cool. The main caveat is the sheep in some of the fields on the return leg, where dogs need to be on a lead.
Can dogs be off lead at Allen Banks and Staward Peel Circular?
In the woodland of the gorge there is moderate off-lead potential for a dog with reliable recall, as there is no livestock under the trees. The National Trust asks for dogs to be on a lead in farmers' fields, and the return half of this circuit crosses fields where sheep sometimes graze. Wildlife is plentiful, including roe deer and red squirrels, so keep a dog that chases close.
What should I know before visiting Allen Banks and Staward Peel Circular with my dog?
The paths are rooty, steep in places and muddy after rain, so allow around three hours with a dog. One bridge is reached by a short wooden ladder, which small or nervous dogs may need lifting over. The car park at Allen Banks is National Trust pay and display, free for members, with toilets. There is no cafe on site, so bring water and snacks.
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