On the 2nd Day of the Ramblers weekend away in Hexham, this was a walk of two distinct parts. The first part was a leisurely stroll along the river Allen in lovely woodland which included oak, ash, birch, hazel, and holly. Many birds could be heard, but of special interest was the loud song of a pied flycatcher, high up in the trees. The river was crossed at Plankey Mill where a coffee break was taken and some stone skimming was practiced.

The group now split in two, some returning while the more adventurous continued further up the river into Staward Gorge. The gorge was left on reaching the A686 and after a short section on the road, the return route was taken across open fields passing the remains of the interestingly named ruin of 'Gingle Pot'. Returning back into the woodland, standing on a precipitous spur, the remains of Staward peel were reached. Between 1272 and 1384, during the Scottish Wars of Independence and much of the Hundred Years War this was a virtually impregnable tower complex and thereafter a monastic retreat. Although impressive, not much of the original structure could be seen as much of the stone had been taken to build the nearby Staward Manor.  Continuing back towards the river, the path now joined the outward route back to Plankey Mill and Allen Banks. This had been a good 9 mile walk, passing through several different and interesting areas.