Parishes to the East of Haltwhistle Northumberland
The South Tyne as it flows to the east creates a more gentle, fertile landscape with fine mature woodland and charming villages and hamlets. Melkridge, Henshaw, Bardon Mill, Redburn & Tow House: Are a thriving group of villages. Bardon Mill's name derives from the woollen mill which used to be here. There is a small inn, The Bowes, so called because of the area's close associations with the late Queen Mother's family, the Bowes-Lyons. There is a traditional salt-glaze pottery with beehive kiln. In years gone by they manufactured traditional chimney pots. Today, the product range focusses on a variety of garden pots which can be found in gardens and garden centres across the country.
Bardon Mill: Barcombe Hill Iron Age Fort, can be found just North of Bardon Mill. It overlooks one of the most important routes from the Tyne Valley to the uplands beyond. A stiff walk reaches it, but the views are rewarding. Because of its excellent location and long range visibility the Romans used the same site as a signal station as part of their communications network. The remains of lime kilns can be found scattered over much of the countryside. Lime was a universal remedy for sour or acidic soil in the 17th and 18th centuries. The stone built kilns were shaped like inverted cones and had fires at the bottom. Alternate layers of limestone and coal were fed from the top. After a day or two of smouldering, the powdered lime was raked out from the bottom and scattered over the land. One of the best preserved examples of a lime kiln is a communal one at Crindledykes near Bardon Mill but there are many others, such as the two near the top of the Halwhistle Burn, one at Walltown and three large ones at Fell End farm.
Beltingham: The only village on the South bank of the Tyne, a tiny but charming village clustering round its 16th century church. This is the only one in Northumberland which is entirely of the perpendicular style of architecture. There is an ancient burial area around the church including a 900 year old Yew tree. Again, there are close associations with the Bowes-¬Lyons family. It is a pleasant short walk from Bardon Mill to Beltingham, crossing the Tyne by the footbridge which is South of the station.
Willimoteswick (or Willmontswick): The Willmontswick family occupied the Manor in the 12th Century until it passed to the Ridley family in 1279. A dramatic fortified manorhouse situated on the South side of the South Tyne it is clearly visible as you travel East.
Willimoteswick picture gallery
Allen Banks: Travelling a few miles further East brings you to the confluence of the River Tyne with the River Allen and the justly celebrated Allen Banks walks. Today, in the care of the National Trust, the Allen Banks exhibit a beautiful combination of rock and water and wood, lovely at every season. There is parking and toilets and to further explore this area visit the Haltwhistle Rings, Walk No. 16.
Haydon Bridge: At the next major bridging point of the river lies Haydon Bridge, its name derived from the Saxon words signifying an enclosed place (Haydon) and because of its crossing of the South Tyne. To the North of the village is the small church of Haydon believed to have been erected about 1190. Its chantry chapel dates from the 14th century.