explore enchanting woodland & breathtaking views
Tucked just off the A69 near Bardon Mill, this much loved place, cared for by the National Trust, welcomes walkers of all kinds. Families set out on woodland trails, friends wander beside the river deep in conversation, and solo visitors find quiet moments beneath the trees. It’s the kind of place where a simple walk can turn into a shared memory.
The paths wind through a mix of ancient and ornamental woodland, where there’s always something to notice, the flash of a red squirrel if you’re lucky, the sound of the river below, or the changing colours of the leaves overhead. Along the way, people often pause at the remains of a medieval pele tower or the reconstructed Victorian summerhouse, small reminders that others have stood here long before, drawn to the same beauty.
At Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, the landscape feels alive with stories, not just of nature and history, but of the people who come here to slow down, explore, and reconnect. For those wanting a bit of a challenge, a popular 6-mile walk climbs up and down the gorge, rewarding effort with sweeping views and plenty of places to stop, catch your breath, and take it all in. Whether you’re walking side by side or meeting fellow explorers along the route, there’s a quiet sense of connection that grows with every step.
What makes this place special isn’t just its dramatic scenery or its rich history, it’s how it brings people into it. Generations have cared for this landscape, including Susan Davidson, and today it’s looked after by both the National Trust and the Forestry Commission so others can continue to enjoy it. Come for the gorge, the river, and the woodland, but stay for the shared moments, the conversations, and the feeling of being part of something that has welcomed people for centuries.
Image Credit
Photo © Northern Horizons