Ancient woodland along the gorge of the River Allen, south of Bardon Mill. The National Trust's Allen Banks estate and the wildlife trust's Briarwood Banks reserve run up the valley. Paths follow the river to Plankey Mill and Staward Peel. The car park is at Ridley Bridge.
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
Ancient woodland gorge on the River Allen, rich in ferns and spring flowers
Most visitors miss this
The ancient woodland lining the banks of the River Allen in Northumberland provides one of the region’s richest habitats for woodland plants and ferns.