Allendale Day Walk
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Starting in Allendale Town, this walk crosses the East Allen, before climbing to join the flues from the Allen Smelt Mill where you can still see the chimneys. These are a remnant of the lead mining industry. The flues were built around 1805 to take the smoke away from the valley and were approximately 2½ miles long.
From the chimneys, it's on to Dryburn Moor where the route descends to join Issac's Tea Trail. The West Allen comes into view before the route heads into Monk's Wood where you can see Whitfield Hall through the trees.
The hike then continues with the Tea Trail, which climbs and then descends to meet the East Allen. Before crossing the river you can see the remnants of the smelt mill, which is now home to a number of businesses including the Allendale Brewery.
The trail continues along the river to Deneholme Wood to pass the Blackett Level, which is a seven mile tunnel that was built to drain water from deep in the Allenheads Mine. It's then back up the hill and into the town for refreshments at a pub or tea room.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking.
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: Proper walking trousers. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch.