This peaceful village sits on the Northumberland Cumbria border, tucked away in the Irthing valley astride Hadrian’s Wall. This idyllic rural setting is not difficult to reach as just over a mile from the Village is the main Carlisle to Newcastle trunk road, the A69. The M6 motorway is only 20 miles west and 40 miles to the East is the A1 at Newcastle. The closest station is 6 miles away at Haltwhistle.
Food and Drink
The village has two pubs, close to Alpha Rise situated by the railway arch is the Samson Inn which offers fresh local produce on its menu. A short 5 minute walk down the village is the Bridge Inn, the first building in Cumbria, offering liquid refreshment with a warm friendly welcome.
Situated in the heart of the village is the award winning House of Meg Tea Rooms which offers a wide range of food and refreshments including delicious home made cakes.
Walks around the Village
The grounds of the Spa Hotel provide some exceptional walks down into the Irthing gorge. Here you can see the popping stone where Sir Walter Scott popped the question to Miss Charpentier and if you are not put off by the smell sample the spa water. Follow the river downstream and negotiate the stepping stones on your way back to the village keeping an eye open for Dippers.
As Hadrian’s Wall passes within yards of Alpha Rise you can easily find great sections on which to walk close by.
Get to know the village with this short walk. The closest point to Alpha Rise is No.3 which is marked as the Station Hotel, now a residential property. Please note the play area marked on the map, as this is an excellent facility for anyone with young children.
for a an excellent guide to a circular 3.5 mile walk from Gilsland to the Popping Stone click this image.