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Hexham Group

Weekly walks all year round, highly regarded footpath maintenance work and a great way to make new friends – three good reasons to join Hexham Ramblers!

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

A walk around the upper reaches of the Nent and West Allen rivers where mining shaped the landscape and Isaac trod the hills and valleys.

Our walk begins in the car park of the vast Nenthead mine and smelting mill complex. We follow Isaac’s Tea Trail along the Nent, past the model village to the disused Hagg’s Mine. Crossing the valley to Low Galligill we follow paths to Nenthall and Lovelady Shield then ascend to Wellhope Moor and its lead mines. Following faint bridleways, we descend near Carrshield and explore the Barney Crag mine workings along the West Allen - that employed over 500 people in the 1800s. Our return is via a restricted byway (the course of an old road) up the valley to Coalcluegh where we once again reunite with Isaac’s Tea Trail for the climb back to Nenthead.

A mix of tracks, field and moorland paths and minor roads.

(This route replaces the previously advertised walk which cannot be offered due to a path closure).

Sunday, 17 August 2025
Start time:
10:15 am
Estimated finish time:
3:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
16.9km / 10.5mi
Ascent:
520m / 1706ft
Type:
circular

Advance booking is required for this walk. To reserve your place, please e-mail the walk leader, Liz, through the contact box above - and remember to include your mobile number in the e-mail.  

Booking opens on Monday, 11th August.

Features

  • Toilets available
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available

Starting point

Grid reference:
NY 78090 43651
Nearest postcode:
CA9 3NR
what3words:
unrated.sometimes.income
Start time:
10:15 am

Please park in the free car park at Nenthead Mine. From Hexham take the road to Catton, then the B6295 to Thornley Gate. Cross straight over at the cross roads (signposted to Carrshield 6 miles and Nenthead 10 miles). When you reach the junction with the A689, turn right to Nenthead. The car park is on the left as you enter Nenthead. Car sharing is recommended and we try to offer an informal share from the Wentworth car park in Hexham. Please contact the walk leader if you are interested (driver or passenger). Community maintained public toilets are available next to the car park in Nenthead (£ donations encouraged).

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking