Garrigill Post Office Guest House - the surrounding area

Garrigill nestles among the Northern Pennines in a region much of which is designated an 'area of outstanding natural beauty' and is sometimes called 'Englands Last Wilderness'. The river South Tyne runs through the village from its nearby source at Cross Fell which is the Pennines highest point. Garrigill is almost completely surrounded by moorland and the landscape has been moulded as much by man as by nature, mans intervention came not only via the mining heritage for which the area is famous but also by the longer tradition of agriculture - notably sheep farming. In 1831 Garrigill had a population of around 1600 due in the main to the mining industry but nowadays has settled back to around 200, nature has reclaimed much of the former mine workings but reminders can still be glimpsed as you travel around the area.

Flora and Fauna of the North Pennines -
The North Pennines is a haven for wildlife such as the Curlew, Peregrine, Merlin and Golden Plover among the bird-life and if you are lucky enough you may also be able to catch sight of Deer, Otters, Badgers and Red Squirrel. Many species of flower can also be found roundabouts such as the purple Mountain Pansy, blue Spring Gentians and various Orchids amongst others.

Activities for you to enjoy -
There are many activities for you to try out in and around Garrigill ranging from golf at nearby Alston to fishing on the river South Tyne and winter skiing in the hills to pot-holing. There are many off-road tracks for mountain bikers to lose themselves on and plenty of quiet, minor roads for the more sedate cyclists.

Garrigill and the surrounding area is blessed with numerous walks and hikes for you to take ranging from a gentle stroll along the banks of the river South Tyne to the ascent of Cross Fell which is the highest point of the Pennine chain. The C2C cycle route passes by the front door of the guest house on its way from Whitehaven to Sunderland as does the Pennine Way footpath as it meanders northwards. If you require any help in pointing you in the direction of any activity you wish to try then please feel free to ask us.

Part of the C2C cycle route near Garrigill

Attractions to visit -
The North Pennines has a wide range of visitor attractions and places to visit many of which are within walking or cycling distance but within 30 minutes you can reach Hadrian's Wall, the Eden Valley, Northumberland National Park and numerous interesting and historic places. Within an hours drive you can access two of Britain's most popular national parks - the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. However closer to home and easier to reach we have placed below a few suggestions for you to visit.

South Tynedale Railway - England's highest narrow gauge railway with tea rooms and shop.
Ashgill Falls - A short stroll from Garrigill, this is a water fall with a difference, you can actually walk behind the wall of water and look out from within!
Nenthead - One of the highest villages in England and also one of the most important lead mining centres of its time, there is an excellent visitor centre in the village.
Alston - this nearby market town is home to a wide variety of specialist shops and art galleries as well as being the setting for a recent TV production of Oliver Twist
The Village Bakery - the famous organic bakery boasting a newly refurbished restaurant, a gallery and shop for you to buy their delicious wares.
The Pennine Pottery - a short distance from Alston you can see the potter at work, buy pots and take tea in the tea room.

If you require any help at all in planning your time with us or deciding on places to visit please just ask as we have lived in the area for many years and have extensive local knowledge to help you in planning your time with us.