CCB 10-West Allen, Mohope, Nent valleys and moors
Good map and compass skills are essential if undertaking this walk in poor visibility.
This walk takes in everything that makes this hidden part of the north Pennines so special. There is the industrial heritage in abundance, but you will need to look for the evidence as the mines and most quarries closed over a century ago, thereby allowing the environment to return to ‘normal’. There has been mining in the hills of this area even prior to the Roman Invasion, but the main period of intense mining was from 1700’s through to the early 1900’s. All the slopes and small villages bear scars of where the various ores were extracted, namely coal, lead, zinc, quartz, and fluorite. Prior to the closing of the mines the population of these valleys was much greater than currently, again the testament of this is in the number of derelict buildings that dot the landscape.
Alongside mining agriculture is the other big influence on the area with some farms having been in the same family for generations. The lower slopes make good grazing for livestock such as cows and sheep, with the occasion exotic appearance of alpacas. The higher ground is not such easy grazing and is usually left for the sheep and grouse.
The moorland that surrounds the valleys may look bleak and inhospitable but has become an important breeding area for several endangered birds such as Golden Plover, Twite and Curlew. Because of this many of the moors are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and access to them needs to be considerate
The contrast in environments from the reasonably gentle slopes and leafy banks of valley to the vast upland Moors above, together with the scars of the mining history, makes this an interesting walk throughout its entirety. That is without considering the amazing views that can be gained from the higher slopes, across to Cross Fell in one direction, over towards The Cheviot in another. If you look in the right direction when weather permits it is possible to see the summit plateau of Blencathra in The Lake District.
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