From the Lake District to the Scottish Highlands in the UK there are plenty of great outdoor walks to admire and explore.
And some of them remain relatively undiscovered.
One such place, hidden away in the north-east of England, is Allen Banks, a “magical” Victorian garden and woodland area in Northumberland.
The marina is part of the 617-acre Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Northumberland and one of the National Trust Protected Areas.
Allen Banks is the northern end of a wooded gorge, situated on the Allen River, boasting lush forests and peaceful walks. Meanwhile, Steward Gorge lies south of Allen Banks and is characterized by impressive cliffs and rocky outcrops.
The forests at Allen Banks are largely the work of 19th century “wonder woman” Susan Davidson, who made it her life's goal to develop the estate, the National Trust says.
Her landscaping work included trails, bridges and scenic overlooks that still attract tourists today.
Despite its enormous size, Allen Banks is often overlooked, with tourists flocking to more popular walking spots such as nearby Hadrian's Wall, approximately eight miles away.
However, those who stumble upon this hidden gem will be rewarded with tranquil forest paths and serene trails along the river banks.
One Reddit user who visited Allen Banks with his partner shared that “there was no one else for miles.”
User “keefusoutdoors” commented: “Lovely part of the world. Let the multitudes go to the lakes and keep Northumberland a secret.
Reviews on Tripadvisor are equally positive, with hikers hailing the site as “stunning” and “peaceful.”
Reviewer “Liz,” who visited us in June with her mother, wrote: “I had never been there before and couldn't believe what a gem we found.
“The path was well marked and was really easy to follow. A few minor hills, but nothing major. So peaceful, beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
“Paul R” added: “The location is magical. The area has a tranquil atmosphere that takes you away from the modern world and all its trappings, clearing away anything that can be bewildering and confusing.
And “Ruth H” agreed: “I really enjoyed this walk, peaceful along the river, with good paths and beautiful fall colors.”
So what's there to love about this hidden gem tucked away in Northumberland?
To start, there are a few paths to explore, such as the 4km Moralee Tarn Walk, which leads through charming woodlands to the secluded Tarn Lake, originally dug by the Victorians as a boating lake.
Allen Banks is also a haven for wildlife, including red squirrels. Although sightings are becoming rarer, they can sometimes be seen in the treetops, where they spend their days foraging for snacks such as seeds and acorns.
Visitors can also spot a deer moving among the trees or meet badgers living underground.
According to the National Trust, you can look out for otters along the riverbank. These funny creatures live in burrows around the water's edge.
Bird watchers can look out for over 70 species, including woodpeckers, herons and buzzards.
After a long day of walking, guests can relax in the restored Victorian cottage, which the National Trust describes as “an ideal place to relax, have a picnic and take in the views.”
I need to know
Allen Banks is approximately 8 miles west of Hexham in Northumberland.
The nearest car park is at the National Trust's Allen Banks and Staward Gorge and is accessible via the A686. Paid parking is available at £2 for four hours and £4 all day.
The nearest train station is Bardon Mill, approximately 1.5 miles away.
A list of opening times can be found on the National Trust website.
For more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/allen-banks-and-staward-gorge
Allen Banks is also a great place to forage for mushrooms, with many species, including giant puffballs and yellow deer antler, visible from around July to November.
The area is also dog-friendly, allowing pets to explore the area on a leash.
Although some walking trails are currently closed due to fallen trees, the National Trust website provides up-to-date information and encourages visitors to check before embarking on their journey.
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