This extensive area of gorge and river scenery, signposted off the A69 east of Bardon Mill. and managed by The National Trust, includes the 41-hectare (101-acre) Staward Peel Site of Special Scientific Interest. Allen Banks has miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods where you may even spot a red squirrel if you're lucky. Look out too for the remains of a medieval pele tower and a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse. All within North Pennines AONB.