National Trust - Allen Banks and Staward Gorge — Attraction in Bardon Mill

This was our first visit. There are a variety of coloured way-marked paths. We took the 2 mile, orange route. The path was generally quite wide and quite easy to follow. Quite extensive up hill walking though. The route followed the river, from on high, for quite a bit, at the start of the walk, which was really beautiful. Part of the route also included time beside the river. The route, being called the woodland walk, of course included woodland, some of which contained mature (or perhaps ancient) beech trees. Which we really appreciated. (Shame that some people think it's a good idea to spoil a beautiful, living tree by gouging their names into them - grr!). There was also a summer house high up within the woodland.

I had hoped to see bluebells, as that was part of the motivation for our visit. There were very few on the walk we chose. It would have been helpful if the trust had put up a poster to tell people where to see them. Especially as this site is advertised by the Trust as one of the places to see bluebells in the north. Apart from that it was a lovely walk that the dogs...

An absolutely stunning walk with various trails depending on what distance you want. You'll walk parallel to the river and further in dogs can drink and take a paddle. We walked the brown route in early October and saw hardly anyone. We ended up walking several of the coloured trail routes having found signage a bit confusing. This place epitomises all that is nature and country life. I'd recommend taking a flask and some snacks as plenty of places to picnic. Parking plentiful and very cheap. Only real bug bare was there could be more signage guiding you back to the main car park. There are none and if like us you get off trail then you're in for a confusing return walk. Downloading a decent trail app will help. Not suitable for those with mobility difficulties or pushchairs. I wouod warn some trails can be challenging with high steps and plenty of steep ascents. Highly...

I love this place. TBF I should say me and my dog love it here. Through all seasons this is great for walking. It’s National Trust so car parking charges apply, unless you’re a member (my membership pays for itself just from coming here). We come a couple of times a week.

There’s a lovely little shingle beach, so great for families and “paddling”. The suggested loop walks are just under three miles; adding in the “lake & forrest” adds about another mile; but you can extend following other walking routes with OS Maps (physical map or the OS Maps app which I use all the time!)

There’s a few benches dotted around for a much needed rest, cup of tea, picnic and in good weather plenty of places to picnic on the floor.

The flatter riverside walks are currently closed due to landslides (which also destroyed the beautifully renovated rope bridge) so prepare for...