North Pennines AONB

The North Pennines AONB is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. The AONB covers an area of 1983 square kilometres, stretching from Weardale and Teesdale in the west to the Tyne Gap and Hadrian’s Wall in the east.

The North Pennines AONB is notable for its combination of rural beauty and industrial heritage.

The area has a rich industrial heritage, which includes lead mining and coal mining. There are also many remains from the Roman occupation of Britain, including Hadrian’s Wall.

The North Pennines AONB is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and peregrine falcons

The area is popular with walkers and cyclists, and there are many ways to enjoy the stunning scenery, including the Pennine Way, which runs through the heart of the AONB.

North Pennine Geology

The geology underlying the North Pennines AONB is exceptionally complex and of international importance and the North Pennines AONB is a UNESCO Global Geopark.

This great diversity of rock types has given rise to a wide variety of landscapes, from the high moorland plateaus and rugged fells of the western North Pennines, to the deep valleys and rolling hills of the east.

The most striking feature of the North Pennines landscape is its abundance of linear valleys, deeply incised by fast-flowing rivers. These U-shaped valleys were carved out by glaciers during the ice ages and are now home to some of England’s finest natural beauty spots, such as High Force on the River Tees and High Cup Gill above Dufton.

The rich variety of rocks found in the North Pennines has also given rise to a wide range of plant life. The area is home to red squirrels, otters, peregrine falcons, and a variety of wild flowers.

The North Pennines AONB is an excellent place for walkers and cyclists, with many waymarked trails to follow. The most popular trail is the Pennine Way, which runs for 268 miles (431 km) through the AONB from Derbyshire to Cumbria.

Whether you’re looking to explore the area’s rich industrial heritage or simply enjoy its stunning scenery, the North Pennines AONB is a great place to visit.