An introduction to West Allen

This very rural parish stretches some 8 miles along the West Allen river valley to the Cumbrian border. The West Allen area of 16 square miles is sparsely populated and the main hamlets are at Carrshield and Ninebanks.

The heather and bracken covered uplands are dotted with the abandoned quarries, pits, buildings and heaps of the stone winning, coal and lead mining that flourished in the 18th, 19th and early 20th century.

Today; industry is limited to leisure and tourism, stock rearing, including a flock of Angora goats (near Carrshield) and the maintenance of the grouse moors above either side of the main river valley.

There is a Wesleyan Methodist chapel at Limestone Brae and the Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey both at Whitleyshield, a Methodist chapel at Carrshield and a church (C of E) and part time post office at Ninebanks. The Women's Institute also meet at Ninebanks.

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 West Allen

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