Ancient woodland with 'lost world feel' named among UK's best autumn walks

A trail through ancient woodland has been named among the UK’s best autumn walks. Allen Banks and Staward Gorge is a 617-acre National Trust property in Northumberland.

It is in a deep gorge, created by the River Allen cutting through woodland. There are woodland walks aplenty and over 70 species of birds spotted at Allen Banks, as well as a wide range of wildlife such as red squirrels, roe deer, dormice, otters, and bats. The ruins of Staward Peel, a medieval peel tower, stand on a promontory above the gorge. There is also a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse with breathtaking views and an ornamental pond during one of several wonderful woodland walks. Allen Banks has become a fantastic home for flora, fauna and fungi. It is also well known for its carpet of ramsons, commonly known as wild garlic, which covers the woodland floor in spring and early summer. All of the quiet woodland area sits within the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty.

Allen Banks was included in a list of the best autumn walks in England by Countryfile. The magazine said it has a “real lost-world feel”.

There are four trails to follow. The Walks Wood trail is two miles and takes about an hour. The Morralee Wood trail is two and a half miles and takes an hour and a half.

The Planket Mill trail is three miles and takes two hours. The Staward Peel trail is five and a half miles and takes half a day. They are all steep in places.

Mountain bike supplier Leisure Lakes Bikes also included it in a list of five lesser-known spots to connect with nature and boost your mental wellbeing this autumn.

Ben Mercer, director at Leisure Lakes Bikes, said: “Allen Banks is a dream for anyone looking to blend cycling or walking with a bit of peaceful exploration. You could take a bike for the wider trails, or simply enjoy it on foot, letting yourself fully tune into the surroundings.

“The gorge paths might surprise you with their twists and slopes, adding a little adventure to the tranquillity. Make sure to wander over to Morralee Tarn.

“It’s the kind of spot where the water mirrors the trees so perfectly, it almost doesn’t feel real, but then a breeze comes along and ripples everything, reminding you it’s alive.”