An introduction to Knaresdale with Kirkhaugh

The large rural parish extends over an area of approximately 34 square miles and is bisected by the A689 trunk route which, in itself, follows both the river South Tyne and the former Haltwhistle to Alston railway line.

The main centres of population of this very rural, remote parish are the hamlet of Knaresdale and the small village of Slaggyford lying on the west side of the picturesque South Tyne valley. The name of the parish is derived from a mixture of Old and Middle English and Old Scandinavian, "cnearr+dalr" - "valley of the rugged rocks" and "kirkja+halh" meaning the "church by the flat river land (Haugh)".

Housing consists of traditional 19th century stone built properties and farm dwellings. The surrounding fells are dotted with old mineral mine workings and the A689 would have been a former lead road for the transportation of minerals and as a drovers' byway. Leisure, tourism, stock rearing are this century's main industries.

Selected Links

• The Hexham Courant [http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/]
• Northumberland County Council [http://www.northumberland.gov.uk]
• Northumberland Tourist Board [http://www.ntb.org.uk]

Local Information Categories for Knarlesdale with Kirkhaugh

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