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

Alston

tourist information
centre
01434 382244
Whitehaven to Alston 75 miles
Alston to Sunderland 59 miles

a potted history

Alston claims to be the highest market town in England and from every direction is approached over a broad, heather clad Pennine landscape which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Alston has a fine reputation for art galleries and craftspeople, it's a tremendous place to wander around and look at crafts & art works in the various galleries and shops. With cobbled streets, interesting shops and cafes the town has been the 'star' of the recent TV program 'Oliver Twist'. Alston and its surrounding villages grew prosperous as a result of the lead mining industry most of which has now disappeared but remains can still be spotted if you look close enough. The town has developed into a thriving service centre but the interesting 17th and 18th century architecture still remains along with the interesting flagged lanes of 'The Butts'.

places of interest

South Tynedale Railway - take a ride on one of the steam or diesel trains of England's highest narrow gauge railway through the beautiful South Tyne valley, manned by volunteers and boasting a beautifully restored Victorian station complete with gift shop and cafe.
Hartside Nursery - situated a short distance out of Alston is this fascinating garden centre specialising in rare and unusual hardy and alpine plants.

eating places

Chesters - tel: 01434382844 - Chesterscumbria1@aol.com - situated opposite the town hall
Offering a day time menu Wednesday to Friday 10-4 and evening menu on Friday and Sat 6-9pm. Booking is advised during the summer months. We also offer a takeaway and packed lunch service with a wide range of homemade ready meals including traditional indian curries. We use local produce where ever possible and have 100% Lakeland Beef.
The Moody Baker - a recently opened bakery and shop. Run by a workers cooperative dedicated to producing great tasting food, specialising in wholefood and vegetarian fayre. They have also mastered an "ENERGY BAR" specifically with coast to coasters in mind.

cycle shops

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

Although not on the traditional route as such, Alston is an official alternative to the Garrigill section and is an excellent place to rest your weary legs after the gruelling ascent of Hartside. With plenty of eating and drinking establishments as well as a good choice of accommodation to choose from a lot of C2C'ers decide to spend the night here. After the climb to the top of Hartside there is a brilliant downhill stretch of 5 miles for you to recover from your exertions but if you are staying in Alston remember to stay on the A686 and ignore the C2C signing to Leadgate and Garrigill on the right. To get back on the route in the morning you can either retrace your steps for 2 miles before rejoining the route proper or head to Garrigill via the B6277 to meet up with the route there before heading to Nenthead. Alternatively take the A689 road directly to Nenthead and begin the climb up to Black Hill.

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.

Steve & Tian Smith

Victoria Inn, Front St, CA9 3SE

Tel : 01434 381194

Email : victoriainncumbria@talk21.com

Rooms .... 4S, 2D, 2F

B&B .... £23-£30

Evening meal .... Around £6. Good Oriental twist to Tian's cooking.

Packed lunch .... from £3.50

Friendly, family run B&B right in the centre of Alston. Warm, clean and comfortable accommodation offering everything you need. Accepts all major credit cards. Having briefly closed its doors as a pub, the Victoria is now serving again.

Michael & Carole Allchorne

Alston House, Townfoot, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RN

Tel : 01434 382200

Web : www.alstonhouse.co.uk

Email : info@alstonhouse.co.uk

Rooms .... 1D, 3T, 1F

B&B .... £30-£60

Evening meal .... 6-9pm £8-£18

On route .... Fully licensed

Attractive hotel run by a chef who took over in late 2006. Michael & Carole have long experience in the catering business and have great plans for this comfortable, contemporary and stylish setting. Roaring fires in the winter.

Guy & Helen Harmer

The Cumberland Hotel, Townfoot, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3HX

Tel : 01434 381875

Web : www.alstoncumberlandhotel.co.uk

Email : info@alstoncumberlandhotel.co.uk

Rooms .... 2D, 1F, 2tpl

B&B .... £30-£35

Evening meal .... £6-£15

Packed lunch .... £4.50

All rooms en-suite, bike storage, drying/cleaning facilities. Only stamping point in Alston. Choice of traditional cask ales and home cooked food. Family run.

Phil Webster

YHA Alston, The Firs, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3RW

Tel : 01434 381509

Fax : 01434 382401

Web : www.yha.org.uk

Email : alston@yha.org.uk

Rooms .... 2X2, 2X4, 3X6 (bunkrooms)

Bed .... from £13.95

Breakfast .... £4.50 trad English

Evening meal .... £9 for 3 courses

Packed lunch .... £4 or £5.10

Secure cycle storage .... On route

Pub .... 5 minute walk

YHA Alston, a 30 bedded Youth Hostel provides 3 star affordable dormitory accommodation in the heart of Alston. All bed linen and towels provided. Hot showers and excellent washing and drying facilities. Superb selection of meals or self-catering option. Open all year round.

Richard & Laura Elston

Lowbyer Manor Country House, Hexham Rd, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JX

Tel : 01434 381230

Web : www.lowbyer.com

Email : stay@lowbyer.com

Rooms .... 1S, 5D, 2T, 1F

B&B .... £33-£55

Packed lunch .... £5

Distance from C2C .... Under 1km. Same for pub.

AA 4 star guest house .... Secure cycle storage. Drying facilities

Grade II listed manor house in the heart of a UNESCO Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The C2C passes close by as well as several circular routes around the Alston area.

Sarah Sawyer

Alston Wholefoods, Front Street (next to Angel pub), Alston.

Telephone .... 01434 381588

Website : www.cybermoor.org

This is a workers' co-operative which stocks delicious local products (and candles), specialising in organic and Fair Trade. Good beers and wines, gourmet ice creams.

Dave Simpson

Alston Training & Adventure Centre, High Plains Lodge, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3DD.

Tel : 01434 381886

Web : www.alstontraining.co.uk

Email : alstontraining@btconnect.com

Rooms .... 10 sleeping 3 or more with total of 45 beds. 2 en-suite shower rooms

Bed .... £12 (bedding extra £4)

Breakfast .... £5.50

Evening meal .... £8.50

Packed lunch .... £3.50

Camping .... £4

Distance from route .... 1.5 miles on Nenthead-Garrigill road. 1 mile off-road

Ideal for campers or group bookings, though Alston Adventure Centre will accommodate individuals or small groups under the right circumstances. This is the ideal half-way stopping place, overlooking the Alston Valley with stunning views. Warm comfortable dormitories, lashings of food, a superb cooked breakfast, self-catering or camping option available.

Pauline Elliott

YHA Ninebanks, Orchard House, Mohope, Ninebanks, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DQ.

Tel : 01434 345288

Web : www.yha.ninebanks.co.uk

Email : ninebanks@yha.org.uk

Rooms .... 26 beds in 5 rooms - 2 en-suite

Price .... YHA prices - £10 and £7 for u-18s.

Secure cycle storage .... Nearest pub: 5 miles

6 miles from Coalcleugh and seven from Alston. Ninebanks is in former lead miners cottages now available to non YHA members. Self-catering. Licensed premises. Full catering service for pre-booked groups. Book a bed, a room or the whole hostel. Comfortable year round accommodation.

Sue Mills

Deneholme, The Dene, Allendale, NE47 9PX

Tel : 01434 618579

Web : www.deneholme.co.uk

Email : info@deneholme.co.uk

Rooms .... 5T, 3S, 1D, 2F

B&B .... 20 persons or more £35; 15-20 - £40; 12-15 - £45

DB&B .... 20 perons or more - £45.50; 15-20 - £50.50 - 12-15 - £55.50.

Distance from route .... 7 miles - demands a detour out of Alston into prime AONB

Secure lock up .... Pubs nearby. Great for groups

Prices include VAT .... 3 star accommodation

Five acres of grounds .... Exclusive use guaranteed to all groups

Exclusive use guaranteed for all groups at this comfortable and stylish Edwardian country manor house on the edge of the village of Allendale, about 10 miles north east of Alston and about seven north of Allenheads. Allendale invites you to cross Hexhamshire Common to Blanchland and the Derwent Reservoir if you are extremely hardy and have the right equipment. Or you might prefer to trundle down the B6295 and rejoin the route at Allenheads. 3 Star accommodation set in five acres of woodlands, Deneholme is comfortable kitted out and is the sort of place you might wish to stop at for more than one night. There is an in-house chef, Christine Hutchinson, and the house is all yours. Minimum number: 12. Owned by the Fawside charity whose work involves community regeneration.