The C2C Guide - the definitive resource centre for the Sea to Sea cycle route

Allenheads

tourist information
centre
01338 527650 (Stanhope)
Whitehaven to Allenheads 86.5
miles
Allenheads to Sunderland 47.5 miles

a potted history

Allenheads is reputed to be England's highest village ( a fact which Nenthead may dispute!) and is another village with a lead mining history. The village has changed from a smog ridden mining centre into a restful hamlet almost entirely surrounded by pine trees with only a babbling brook to break the quiet. In 1985 the newspapers depicted Allenheads as an example of one of England's dying villages, this prompted the local population to form a trust to revitalise the village. They have done ,and still are doing this, exceptionally well. With various things to do and see such as mining exhibitions, a visitor centre , shop and cafe as well as probably the most eccentric public house you will ever see, Allenheads really is a must visit.

places of interest

The Blacksmiths Shop - a restored smithy with an exhibition.

Heritage Centre - follow the development of this north pennine estate village with a tour and audio visual display.

Woodland Nature trail - follow this and other walks in and around the village.

The Armstrong power house - a water powered engine built by W. G. Armstrong in 1852

eating places

The Hemmel Cafe - tel: 01434 685568
Lorna Weaver and party highly recommend The Hemmel especially the All Day Breakfast and Chocolate Cake whilst Lynda also recommends the all day breakfast. Many thanks to Lorna and Linda for the info re: The Hemmel

cycle shops

no shops as such but the Village Store stocks a basic range of spares but the nearest basic repair facility is at Nenthead.....

Mike Fearn - (Nenthead) Tel: 01434 382194 Mobile: 07776 098 915
Blacksmith who has a stock of spares, will also repair your bike and if possible also operates a rider/bike recovery service.

route features

The first thing you will notice when you leave Allenheads is the long, windy, up hill stretch out of the village leading up to the summit at Currick (if you overnighted in Allenheads this will wake you up!) There then follows a long, glorious downhill descent on quiet roads through the old mining countryside before you reach the next village of Rookhope. On the way into Rookhope you pass by various remnants of the long gone industrial age of mining as well a working fluorspar mine.

accommodation
Please try to book accommodation in advance and give as much notice as possible if you have to cancel the booking so the room can be re-let otherwise your deposit may be forfeited. Also if you are going to be late arriving at your accommodation it is always a good idea to ring and let the proprietor know so they can keep your room open for you.

Remember to double check all details with the establishment as this guide cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions nor for any loss arising as a result.

When booking accommodation please mention the C2C Guide website.

Thorn Green Bunkhouse

Julie Macdonald
Thorn Green Bunk House,
Allenheads, Northumberland

tel : 01434 685234

mob : 07977 728328

e-mail : Hammershields@btopenworld.com

rooms .... 2 rooms sleeping 12 rooms of six

months open .... all year

B & B .... £18.00 per person per night including breakfast

packed lunch .... yes but pre-booked please

secure cycle parking .... yes

distance from route .... on route

pub .... 1 mile

The price of �£17.00 per person per night includes breakfast, shower, (including disabled) and bedding, there is a cycle shed to leave your bikes in overnight. Packed lunches can be provided if a little notice is given. We are right on the C2C route approximately 1 mile before the village of Allenheads. There is a drying room available also a small campsite with shower.

The Allenheads Inn

Ann Homer
The Allenheads Inn,
Allenheads, Northumberland
NE47 9HJ

tel : 01434 685200

e-mail : philann@phomer.fsbusiness.co.uk

rooms .... 2 twin - 3 double - 2 family - 7 en-suite

months open .... all year

B & B .... £27.00 share - £31.00 single

evening meal .... yes

packed lunch .... yes

secure cycle parking .... yes

distance from route .... on route

pub .... on premises

Character and charm of a bygone age. Fine ales and good food served in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Newhouses

Terry McMullon
Newhouses, Allenheads, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 9HX

tel : 01434 685260

fax : 01434 685260

e-mail : zookon@aol.com

rooms .... 1 single - 2 twin (one of which is en-suite)

months open .... all year

B & B .... £23.00 (£27.00 en-suite)

evening meal .... £8.00 (only if not available at pub or cafe)

packed lunch .... £3.50

secure cycle parking .... yes

distance from route .... on route

pub .... 1/4 mile

Very warm, comfortable, spacious cottage with its own sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Peaceful and relaxing with a good fire, books, music and just a short walk from the village centre and pub. Great views and excellent food.

Allenheads Lodge Outdoor Education Centre

Sarah Brewis or Mark Goodings
Allenheads, Northumberland, NE47 9HW

tel : 0191 5640291

website : www.springboard-northeast.org/Centres/Sunderland/Allenheads.htm

e-mail : allenheads@springboard-ne.org

rooms .... 24 beds

months open .... all year

evening meal .... on request

packed lunch .... on request

non-smoking .... yes

secure cycle parking .... yes

distance from route .... on route

pub .... 1/4 mile

Central heating, secure bike lockup, drying room, separate showers.

Jacquie Robson

Hemmel Cafe, Allenheads

Tel : 01434 685568

Web : www.thehemmel.com

Email : jacquie.robson@btinternet.co.uk

Main courses .... £5.50-£8.50

Somewhere between a cafe and a restaurant serving wine, coffee and tea, Jacquie's home cooking offers up dishes from chicken and pasta bake to steak pie and all-day breakfast. Vanilla sponges and home baked cakes jostle for space in this charming converted cattle byre with its airy courtyard tucked away behind the car park.