As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the North Pennines, Paul Bloomfield picks out a selection of low impact activities, from walking and cycling to wildlife watching and other activities in this glorious Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the north of England.
The North Pennines AONB is a haven for adventure seekers - whether you're looking to walk, run, cycle, canoe, kayak or simply to admire the moorlands and hay meadows.
This unique landscape of open heather moorland, vibrant hay meadows and dense woodland makes for a fantastic activity holiday destination, packed as it is with waymarked walking trails, cycle routes and open access land. The landscape is also a spectacle in its own right, with a remarkably high concentration of conservation sites and some of England's oldest and rarest ecosystems.
There's also plenty of scope for fun on the water, with the rivers Tyne, Wear and Tees providing plentiful opportunities for everything from canoeing and kayaking to sailing.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Travel Guide to the North Pennines:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Activities in the North Pennines
Eden Outdoor Adventures
Are you keen to explore the region's mountains and valleys but feel you're lacking the experience? Activity provider Eden Outdoor Adventures offer a guided trip called Pennine Way High Point - Hadrian's Wall to Dufton. This 2-day trip will allow you to enjoy this fantastic section of the Pennine Way in the mighty North Pennines! edenoutdooradventures.co.uk
Wild North Discovery
Let an experienced wildlife guide help you get right up close and personal with many kinds of wildlife in the North Pennines. From fascinating evenings in the company of bats and badgers to watching black grouse and tracking other wildlife, these trips won't fail in bringing you closer to nature. The sessions can run from half a day to a full week, and other activities include bushcrafts, willow basket making and firecraft and wilderness cooking. natureholiday.co.uk
Derwent Reservoir
Set in a beautiful Pennine Valley on the border between Northumberland and Durham, Derwent Reservoir is 3.5 miles long and offers up around a thousand acres of clean and open water that is devoted to windsurfing and sailing. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be able to head out and enjoy an action-packed day. If you are hoping to book lessons, look no further than the Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, which boasts a two storey clubhouse and a range of lessons and activities suiting all ages and abilities. drsc.co.uk
For information on local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities, see our
