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South Tyne Trail

Source of the Tyne via Alston to Halwhistle
36.5km/23 miles
Signed EASY
Cumbria | Northeast England

A route through the remote and lesser-visited countryside of East Cumbria and the North Pennines, along the South Tyne and Tyne rivers from the source of the river south of Garigill, though Alston and on to Haltwhistle near Hadrian's Wall. Much of the route uses well-surfaced paths along the route of the South Tynedale Railway. This is a multi-user route with cyclists using either shared use paths, bridleways or parallel quiet roads.

The route was opened in 2004 by the East Cumbria Countryside Project with Local Heritage Initiative funding, with help from local Ramblers, Sustrans and the railway.

Tyne Walk and North Tyne Walk. Ramblers member J B Jonas has devised two unofficial routes that allow a complete exploration of the Tyne for ambitious walkers. Walking the Tyne includes the South Tyne from the source and then along the main river to Tynemouth, a total of133km/83 miles, linking the South Tyne Trail and the riverside section of Hadrian's Wall Path through Newcastle. Walking the North Tyne explores the northern branch of the river from Hexham and Alston to the source near Deadwater in the Kielder Forest area, including a walk alongside Kielder Water, a total of 76km/47.5 miles. Both books describe the routes in stages as a series of shorter, mainly circular walks. Substantial parts of these routes do not qualify be easy or easy access.

Accessibility

Much of the route between Alston and Haltwhistle is along easy access paths with good surfaces. For more details and access points see the leaflet.

Public Transport

Halwhistle has regular trains to Newcastle and Carlisle along the Tyne Valley Line (National Rail). There are local buses at Haltwhistle and Alston. A short section of the South Tynedale Railway between Alston and Kirkhaugh is still in operation as a preserved line, running alongside the route (tel 01434 381696, www.strps.org.uk).

Maps

Publications

  • South Tyne Trail: walk or cycle from The Source via Alston to Haltwhistle.
    Waterproof leaflet with detailed background notes and map. £2 from local information centres or East Cumbria Countryside Project (below).
  • Walking the Tyne: Twenty-five Walks from mouth to source by J B Jonas, ISBN 1 901184 56 0. Ramblers Association Northumbria Area £5.50. How to order.
    Guide to walk along the whole of the South Tyne and main river with sketch maps dividing the route into 25 linked, mainly circular walks of 8km/5 miles to 14.5km/9 miles, with suggestions for lunch stops, time estimates, public transport details, and notes on stiles, terrain and places of interest.
  • Walking the North Tyne: Seventeen walks from Hexham to the Source by J B Jonas, ISBN 1 901184 82 X. Ramblers Association Northumbria Area, £5. How to order.
    Follows the North Tyne branch of the river from Hexham to Deadwater. Divided into sections, most of which are circular (3/2 miles to 12km/7.5 miles). Total length of the walk is 76km/47.5 miles. Sketch maps, photos, route description and practical information.

Connecting routes

Parks and countryside

Contacts

Regions

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Visitor Information

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