Part of a popular Allen Valley walking route has re-opened following repair work by Northumberland County Council’s countryside team.
An important footpath link alongside the River East Allen formed part of the Isaac’s Tea Trail route but was damaged beyond repair by landslips following the storms of 2015.
The path ran close to Tommy Stout’s Well in Allendale and since the damage walkers on the route have had to take a detour of 2.5 km away from the riverside path and along public roads when walking on the trail to the west of Catton.
After considering all available options with the landowners involved it was decided that the only way to recreate the path was to construct a new 200 metre section of footpath to divert walkers around the riverside landslip.
A legal footpath creation order was made earlier this year and confirmed in July.
The path works, including new timber steps and two new gates, were completed by the council’s countryside field team in August, allowing the path to be re-opened, and Issac’s Tea Trail to continue to follow the bank of the River West Allen.
Cllr Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for local services at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are delighted to have been able to fund these repairs, and to re-open this section of Issac’s Tea Trail. It will allow walkers to once again enjoy walking along the riverside path near Catton, and avoid the recent need to walk along the road.”