688, Hexham to Allenheads

Journey Overview

Hooray for Hexham and another fab scenic adventure! Leaving Hexham railway station, the bus winds gently uphill, offering a glimpse of the abbey’s stone tower and the market square bustling with small shops. This really is an attractive town and very much the gateway for an Hadrian’s Wall adventure, but shops and cottages fade quickly as well as the riverside, replaced by rolling pastures and dry-stone walls as the bus veers south and Hexham becomes a distant memory. This is a bus route traversing classic Northumberland farmland and unsurprisingly the sight of sheep speckling the green fields dominate – it’s a bit rugged but also somewhat like dots on a canvas, with the North Pennines rising ever so faintly in the distance. There’s a real sense of ambience on occasions where mist curls over their summits and it’s picture postcard stuff to whet the appetite of any scenic thrill seeker! And, of course, there are growing numbers of these on the fun-packed 688!

At Lowgate, narrow lanes edge between hedgerows, the landscape becoming wilder and more rugged as the bus navigates its way on the edge of the Kielder Forest Park. Trees arch overhead in places, forming leafy tunnels and a captivating setting as houses thin out, revealing glimpses of farmland, occasional stone barns crumbling into the grass. Langley approaches quietly, with its quaint cottages and the looming ruin of Langley Castle peeking through the trees like a forgotten relic, its battlements silhouetted against the sky – another castle in this most historic of counties. Can there be a county like Northumberland when it comes to castles close to bus routes? We think not!

As the bus slows opposite the Crown in Catton, the quirks and character of village life re-emerges – (watch out for the Morris Dancers at this great pub!)  – classic hostelries, stone-houses and neatly manicured gardens that make a mockery of the sometimes wild local scrubland! From here, the road begins to snake upwards into moorland – it’s back to rugged terrain, before returning to a village setting once more… Allendale awaits and the village bursts into view—stone terraces, a quirky post office, and a village green dotted with benches and colourful bunting. This is a delightful location, with a big music pedigree (the Tar Bar’l Festival has taken place here since 1858) and it’s set in the Allen Valleys with ore and iron oozing through the rivers!

Beyond Allendale, this rollercoaster of a ride continues as the scenery grows rugged, yet again. Sinderhope is a scattering of sheep farms and isolated cottages set against a backdrop of heather, bracken, and vast, empty skies. In Sparty Lea, the road narrows, flanked by steep banks and gurgling burns, the kind of place where you might spot a deer darting across the fells.

Finally, Allenheads appears—remote and wind-blown, hugged by high hills. Old mining buildings sit quietly among the landscape, echoes of the lead industry still lingering. The views here are vast and moody, with long shadows stretching across the moor. It’s the edge of something—wild, beautiful, and utterly alive. Allenheads really is a beautifully brilliant location, a fitting end to the most fabulous of bus routes.

A Fab Day Out!

Hexham, nestled in the heart of Northumberland, offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Begin your exploration at Hexham Abbey, a stunning medieval church founded in AD 674, showcasing remarkable architecture and a Saxon crypt . Nearby, the Hexham Old Gaol, England’s oldest purpose-built prison, provides insights into 14th-century justice . For a leisurely stroll, Sele Park offers formal gardens and woodland walks, while Tyne Green Country Park provides riverside paths ideal for picnics and cycling

Onto the 688 and it’s not long till Catton, a quaint village exuding rural charm . Art enthusiasts can visit the Gallery in the Mill, showcasing local artworks . Nearby, Langley Dam Fishery offers tranquil fly-fishing opportunities in a picturesque setting

Back on the bus to Allenheads, you’ll find a village steeped in industrial heritage. The Killhope Lead Mining Museum offers a glimpse into the life of 19th-century miners, complete with underground tours . For art lovers, the Allendale Forge Studios and Gallery in the Mill display works from local artists. The surrounding North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Check out further down this page, some of the great attractions on this route and also be sure to go onto this link to find out more about fares and inspiration…

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