River South Tyne

The River South Tyne rises on the northern slope of Tynehead Fell in Cumbria and flows north for most of its length. Near Haltwhistle it turns east and continues to its meeting with the River North Tyne west of Hexham. The South Tyne Trail keeps company with the river from its source as far as Haltwhistle. A former railway, the Alston Line, once ran through the valley from Alston to Haltwhistle. Part of its trackbed is now used by the South Tyne Trail, giving walkers a level route beside the water. The trail passes old limekilns and former quarries that once supplied stone for the railway itself. Visitors find a quiet valley where the river winds between low hills. Woodland edges the water in places, and open meadows stretch up the slopes. The South Tyne Trail offers easy walking with wide views across the countryside.