Group Itinerary: A Market Town: a restored railway and a world-class scenic route to the North Pennines

Enjoy some time in Penrith, browsing the town’s fascinating speciality shops and enjoy a morning coffee. Visit the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle, delve into the past at Penrith and Eden Museum, or follow one of the town’s Millennium Trails, seeing many places of special interest along the way.

Head towards Alston via Hartside Summit - voted by the AA as ‘one of the 10 most scenic routes in the world.’ Hartside Summit is almost 2000ft above sea level so you can enjoy magnificent views stretching across the Eden Valley towards the Lake District Mountains. Explore Alston’s cobbled streets leading to galleries, cafes, pubs and interesting shops. Explore the wild and beautiful North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The South Tynedale Railway is well worth a visit.

You can do a round trip, or travel one way and walk back (approximately 3 miles) through the beautiful South Tyne Valley. 

10am - Penrith

Spend a morning in the charming market town of Penrith, known as ‘the old red town’ because of its sandstone buildings.  Coach parking is available at Sandgate Car Park, which has toilet facilities and is only a few moments walk from the town centre.

12.30pm - The Old Village Bakery

The Old Village Bakery is famous throughout Britain for its quality, locally produced, organic food. Here you can be sure that the food and drink you buy puts something back into the local landscape and communities. Try the food and explore the shop.
Location: Melmerby, between Penrith and Alston on A686.  Leave Melmerby and head up to Alston on the A686, via Hartside Summit.
Facebook page: The Old Village Bakery

2.30pm - Alston and the South Tynedale Railway

Alston and the South Tynedale Railway - Alston is one of England’s highest market towns and there are shops and galleries to explore. The South Tynedale Railway is England’s highest
narrow gauge railway and runs between Alston to Slaggyford.
Location: Alston station is just off the A686 Hexham-Penrith road, north of Alston town centre. Look for the brown tourist signs. 
Website: www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk

All group visits should be pre-booked with individual attractions. For more information and assistance please contact Penrith TIC.