Alston

Alston is an attractive small town on the River South Tyne in Cumbria, England. It sits approximately 1,000 feet above sea level as one of the highest elevation towns in the United Kingdom. Its position on the Pennine Way National Trail makes it very popular with hikers and mountain walkers, and so features a shop from which to buy appropriate clothing and accessories.

The valley of the South Tyne owes much of its heritage to the various mining industries of the last two millenia. The earthwork remains of Whitley Castle are thought to have once belonged to the Roman fort of Epiacum, which defended Rome's claim to the rich deposits of silver and lead in the area. Tools and jewellery have also been excavated locally, which are thought to date as far back as 2,000 years BC. The benefit of this mining heritage is that Alston boasts excellent transport links that allow visitors ease of access to all of the major sites and attractions of the region — which is a particular blessing to those wishing to find a tranquil base from which to relax, while still enjoying the close proximity to the heavily tourist-centric Lake District National Park. The South Tyne is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in its own right, and Alston is noted for its picturesque cobbled streets, 17th century stonework cottages, and traditional way of life.