| General Information Is a circular trail route of 36 miles over the hills and dales of the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ninebanks Youth Hostel marks the start and finish of the trail and is an ideal base. The full route is a walker's paradise, amongst tranquil surroundings with only the wildlife and Swaledale sheep for company. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel information Despite being distanced from the tourist hot spots, the area is never far from habitation and is easily accessible from the motorways A1 M, M6, and trunk roads A66, A68 and A69 and the Tyne Valley rail link offers access from all parts of Britain. Alston, Allendale and Nenthead, the small towns and villages on the trail, all offer a choice of accommodation and places to eat. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Trail of Real
Character What makes the trail special, has been called a sense of time and place, that gently carries you goes back to the nineteenth century, to the demise of the lead mining industry and to local man Isaac Holden. In common with other lead ore miners when faced with the virtual collapse of lead mining, he was forced to change his livelihood and became a travelling tea seller. He was also a Methodist like many others and distinctively dressed in black. Over the years he became a familiar figure on his round of deliveries to the isolated farmhouses and remaining households still connected with the mines. Other than the selling of tea, he also devoted his energies to raise funds for several charities, many of which he inspired. The Isaac's Tea Trail booklet gives a more detailed account of his life and contains an illustrated guide to the footpaths. More about the route. This should be read in conjunction with the Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Series maps 31 (Teesdale) and 43 (Hadrian's Wall). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Friends of Ninebanks Youth Hostel The trail has been developed by the Friends of Ninebanks Youth Hostel to promote the appeal of the North Pennines to hostellers and travellers. Whether as an independent walker, a family or organised group - Isaac's Tea Trail can be recommended. Schools and youth based groups may consider it as a good preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. For education and training the history, environmental and rural activities, the trail is an excellent resource. Walking groups whether informal or with organised clubs will find the trail an attractive choice. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tea Trail Events Following the success of the inaugral events in 2002 such as Isaac's "Grand Tea Bazaar" and the Isaac's Tea Trail walks, there will be further Tea Trail events annually. The latest events information can be found here. Contact the hostel by email or telephone (01434) 345288 for further information on Tea Trail or YHA Ninebanks events in 2008/2009. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tea Trail Reviews
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| Isaac's Tea Trail Memorabilia The following are all available from Ninebanks Youth Hostel. The Isaac's Tea Trail guide is £2.00 plus postage Isaac Holden souvenir cloth badge and certificate is £1.50 The Songs of Isaac's Tea Trail - North Pennine folk songs including The Ballad of Isaac Holden is £5.00 including p&p. Original picture of Isaac Holden post card is 0.30p Friends of Ninebanks Youth Hostel (Tea Trail), Ninebanks Youth Hostel, Orchard House, Ninebanks, Northumberland NE47 8DQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Let the adventure begin! From the website, the Isaac's Tea Trail booklet and leaflet you will be able to find most of the information you are likely to need. If you find something is missing could you let us know. It just remains to enjoy the trail, have fun along the way and have a great adventure. Tea Trail Home page. |