Looking for a wilderness challenge & adventure where you could walk or cycle all day and hardly see anybody? Then relax by an open fire & babbling river to watch the stars gradually emerge above you.

Carrshield Camping Barn is located conveniently close to both the Sea to Sea (Coast to Coast/C2C) cycle route and the long-distance Isaac’s Tea Trail. These challenges can be done as an epic one-day expedition or as multi-day trips whilst exploring the area as you journey along.
Isaac’s Tea Trail and its documented history all along the route is a must-do adventure that takes in remote moorland and beautiful valleys, towns and small hamlets. Greener Miles Running are doing an Ultra Marathon event along the route on 7th August, and we will be supporting these athletes as they run the course. But, it can be done at a much more leisurely pace where there is time to explore the historic ruins and wonder at what life would have been like in the numerous mines during the 18 century. Or even further back in time when the area was subject to attacks from the Border Reivers.
The valley is within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; they claim that this is the last wilderness in England. After a day of adventure walking the moors and exploring hidden valleys, enjoying watching the numerous waterfalls that help create this landscape, we are sure you would agree with their claim.
At the end of the day’s expedition, whether on foot, cycle or car, you can cool off in the pools of the West Allen River that flows by the Camping Barn. Light a fire and enjoy the atmosphere as the stars come out above you as you plan the following days adventure.

Something different is waiting for you to discover in the valleys and moors of the North Pennines and south Northumberland. Walks, cycle rides, nature, and history, all to be found.

You and your family will be able to get close to nature and experience the many delights of England’s last wilderness, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Geo Park.
Our location in the West Allen Valley, just south of the small village of Carrshield, has the river running close to the building and moors rising on either side, making it an idyllic setting. The accommodation is a converted Mine Shop used during the lead mining days when the area’s population was much higher than today. It allows you to have all the fun of camping, without the worry and hassle of tents.
There are walks from the door that let you explore the valleys, rivers and moors that make this part of Northumberland such a special place. The long-distance Isaac Tea Trail passes close to the village, so if you like a challenge, why not use Carrshield as your base?
Alternatively, you could cycle the quiet country lanes that pass between the valleys giving fantastic views over the rest of the county and southern Scotland. There is also off-roading with Bridleways that pass the door and take you over the moors, another wonderful way of seeing the area.
At the end of your adventure, relax by the river, cook on an open fire or barbeque, and then sit back and watch the stars come out.

The North Pennines AONB believe that this area is truly England’s last wilderness, we agree. Come and explore this beautiful and remote area.

Adventures in England’s last wilderness are waiting for you at Carrshield Camping Barn. We nestle in the upper reaches of the West Allen River, surrounded by the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Geo Park. Go exploring the valleys up and down the central West Allen Valley to find historical remains, glimpses of tumbling waterfalls, or spotting wildlife hiding in the trees and wildflowers. Alternatively, wander over the moors to watch Grouse, Curlew, Golden Plover and birds of prey soaring above you, enjoying the wildflowers that grow in the grassy areas, or look for lizards voles and mice as they scurry between their burrows.
There are bridleways across the moors that allow you to mix some quiet lanes and off-road cycling. The accommodation is close to the Coast to Coast cycle route and National Cycle Route 7 and also surrounded by quiet roads that will allow you to explore the area with ease.
After a day of adventure and exploring, relax by the river as it babbles past the Camping Barn, watching the stars gradually come out as you sit beside an open fire. Ahhh!