Heading to Alston-on-Moor

[ontario claret]

It's been nearly 200 years since my great-great-great-grandfather, Isaac, left the Alston area (actually Garrigill, which is 4 1/2 miles down the road), and came to Canada. I've decided that, when the time comes, I'm going to return there, and spend my declining years. Close enough where I can get a season's ticket for the Clarets, and still be home by night. It's on the Pennine Way. Spectacular scenery. Has anybody here ever walked the Pennine Way?

[ants_g]

I've never been but I love things like this. I'm looking it up now. It's a big move coming back. Have you visited recently?

[ants_g]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrigill" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pub looks ok in top photo but boarded up in one lower down. Why did your family move to Canada?

[ontario claret]

I was there almost 40 years ago. It was Masters' weekend. The Shark and Fuzzy Zeller were coming down the stretch, and was sitting in the parlour of the George and Dragon in greater downtown Garrigill watching it. There was still snow on the tops of the moors. The fact that my ancient ancestor donated the land for 3 local churches (Garrigill, Alston and Hexham), had nothing to do with it.

[ontario claret]

We moved top Canada because we were literally starving to death. There were no social safety net in those days. When I signed the guest book at the George and Dragon, the hostess said, "Oh, all of your relatives are buried across the street." Sure, enough, they were. All dying in regular one or two year intervals, and listed on stone obelisks. Very sad. And the George and Dragon, I'm happy to say, has been fully restored.

[ontario claret]

The last "Vipond" moved to New Zealand in 1948.

[TheFamilyCat]

Cycled through Garrigill on the C2C four years ago. The pub was well and truly shut and looked like it had been for a while.

There's a very steep road out of the village.

Edit - just seen the post that the pub has reopened.

[Volvoclaret]

Lovely little town, used to drive through regular when I lived in Penrith. 2hours + to Turf Moor but can be a struggle in winter, Place Fell notorious for snow.

[BarstewardsEnquiry]

I was looking at buying a house in Garrigill about 10 years ago, spent quite a lot of time having weekend breaks and house hunting up there, Allendale, Allenheads, Nenthead etc. Nice and remote but still has amenities in Alston and Hexham a bit further on and the great Kielder Forest. Alston is the highest market town in England if you didn't already know. Hope you enjoy it as much as I used to OntarioClaret

[Buxtonclaret]

I was looking at buying a house in Garrigill about 10 years ago, spent quite a lot of time having weekend breaks and house hunting up there, Allendale, Allenheads, Nenthead etc. Nice and remote but still has amenities in Alston and Hexham a bit further on and the great Kielder Forest. Alston is the highest market town in England if you didn't already know. Hope you enjoy it as much as I used to OntarioClaret

Think they share the Highest Market Town label with Buxton.

[mdd2]

I was looking at buying a house in Garrigill about 10 years ago, spent quite a lot of time having weekend breaks and house hunting up there, Allendale, Allenheads, Nenthead etc. Nice and remote but still has amenities in Alston and Hexham a bit further on and the great Kielder Forest. Alston is the highest market town in England if you didn't already know. Hope you enjoy it as much as I used to OntarioClaret

Truly lovely part of the World and a great drive from the M6 over to Hexham via Alston. Beautiful unspoilt country.

[ontario claret]

When I make the move, I'll invite you all over and we can have a picnic on the village green.

[ontario claret]

Just don't bring Saxoman with you.

[Ashingtonclaret46]

In the better weather I often drive over that way to get to the Turf. It is a lovely drive as long as the weather is OK and is a nice change rather than going down the A1 and A59.

[ontario claret]

You're like me, Ashington. Love driving the "blue" roads.

[Ashingtonclaret46]

You're like me, Ashington. Love driving the "blue" roads.

Oh yes!! lol I am off the road at the moment because of a bad head injury sustained on Christmas Eve ---it will be August before I may be back on the road ---I am just like a bear with a sore head because I love being on the road. C'est la vie!!

[KeighleyClaret]

The last "Vipond" moved to New Zealand in 1948.

There is a Vipond family on the Isle of Man. He is the Pro at Douglas Golf Club.

[ontario claret]

Interesting side story. When I was there, I tried to research my family's history at the Anglican church in Alston, where the old Garrigill records were kept. When I was finished, the priest asked me for a donation to the church, which I gave. Little did I know then that my ancient ancestor, Ivo, had actually donated the land which the church sat on. I wonder what his reaction would have been if I had told him this.

[ontario claret]

There are Viponds scattered here and there, Keighley, but only here in Brooklin are there significant numbers. My grandfather had 9 children, and my great-grandfather 12. I've heard Brooklin called "Vipondville" sometimes.

[piston broke]

Oh yes!! lol I am off the road at the moment because of a bad head injury sustained on Christmas Eve ---it will be August before I may be back on the road ---I am just like a bear with a sore head because I love being on the road. C'est la vie!!

Sorry to read that Ashington, no damage between your head and your playing fingers I hope.

[ontario claret]

Hope there wasn't any alcohol involved on Christmas Eve, Ashington.

[ten bellies]

Just don't stop in Langwathby. 'You'll never leave'!!