March
Listen to the Curlews
Come to Ninebanks and hear the curlews returning to the hills marking the onset of spring
April
Allendale challenge – 1st April
Considered by many to be one of the toughest challenge walks around The Allendale Challenge is organised by North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team to raise valuable funds for the team. The 26 mile course is always very popular, selling out every year and should be a “must do” event for any keen walker or fell runner.
Be a blacksmith for the day at Killhope 22nd , 23rd 29th and 30th April
In April the excellent Killhope Lead Mining Museum is hosting four blacksmith experience
days
May
Go down Carrs Mine at Nenthead Mines
As part of their occasional Open Days when the mine buildings can be explored, the historic Nenthead Mines near Alston offer underground adventures in an old lead and zinc mine.
June
See the Hay meadows
The views from Ninebanks are always spectacular but never better than in June when the hay meadows are full of wild flowers.
www.northpennines.org.uk/whats-special/biodiversity/haymeadows
July
Allendale May Fair – 21-23rd July
A May Fair in July? Its how they do things in lovely Allendale. A 3 day event in the centre
of the village with stalls, children’s events, fairground attractions, live music and dance.
August
Isaac ultra 5th August
An epic journey, organised by Greener Miles running, through some of the most dramatic countryside in the UK. The race route follows Isaac’s Tea Trail, a 37-mile loop from Allendale via Nenthead, Alston and Ninebanks before returning to Allendale, following the footsteps of 19th century tea seller Isaac Holden.
Allendale Agricultural Show 19th August
Allendale, a small but thriving Northumberland village hosts one of the region’s most successful village shows.
A great family day out, it offers an enjoyable taste of life in the countryside. Displays, demonstrations and attractions encompassing all aspects of agricultural and rural life.
September
Great North Run 20th September
The largest half marathon in the world, from Newcastle Upon Tyne to the coast at South Shields. 60,000 runners will run the 13.1 mile route this year, are you one of them? Use Ninebanks as a peaceful, rural springboard for the excitement of the day.
Whitfield village fair 10th September
A traditional village fair with stalls, entertainment, vintage tractors a dog show and so much more.
Allen valleys Folk Festival September
A three-day event celebrating the best in folk music, traditional dance and workshops. Friendly and atmospheric, and not forgetting the spectacular community event in Allendale Market Square on Saturday evening – the burning of a huge wolf sculpture.
www.allenvalleysfolkfestival.co.uk
