In this section
- The Regional Image Campaign
- Campaign so far...
- Campaign Supporters
- Campaign Advertising
- Television Advert
- Print Adverts
- Colin Baldwin
- Arnab Basu
- Niel Bushnell
- Paul Callaghan
- Christopher Davy
- Amelia Dunn and Jacob Wylie
- Durham University Women's Rowing Team
- John Earl
- Wayne Edy
- Rhiannon Hiles
- Melvyn James
- Helen Kilner
- Simon Kujawa
- Terry Laybourne
- The Bowes Museum
- Tom Maxfield
- Jackie Maxwell
- Philip McDonagh
- Fiona Raglan
- Neil Robson
- Sharon Stephen
- Kathryn Tickell
- North East England eNewsletter
- Image Gallery
- Postcards from North East England
- Panoramic Views
- Spread The Word
John Earl
John Earl, climber, on Bowden Doors in Northumberland pictured with Allenbanks
Born and bred in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, John Earl has been climbing since he was 15.
His first taste of the sport came on a school trip to the National Mountaineering Centre in North Wales where he learned ‘the ropes’ and has never looked back.
John’s passion for climbing has taken him to some of the most famous and challenging climbing areas in the world – including Yosemite Valley in USA, Squamish in Canada and Verdon Gorge in France.
But it’s the routes he has pioneered in Northumberland that give him his greatest kick. Thanks to John, fellow climbers can test themselves on classics such as Sandy Crack and Angel Fingers at Sandy Crag, Stretcher Wall and Overhanging Crack at Bowden Doors and Gates of Eden and Octopus at Ravensheugh.
And John’s love of climbing is clearly in his genes. Andrew, his son, has followed in his father’s footsteps honing his skills around North East England and beyond to become British Bouldering Champion for the second successive year as well as doing the first ascents of many of the hardest new climbs and boulder problems in Northumberland.
Allenbanks, Northumberland
The National Trust manages Allenbanks and here you will find miles of pathways to wander, both beside the river and in the gorge. A popular walk is south along the river to Plankey Mill where you may be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel!
The area, near Baron Mill, has become a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rich plant and animal life. The woods date back to medieval times, there are more than 60 species of birds and it is the most northerly habitat for the dormouse.
Spectacular views from the medieval fortified peel tower, Staward Peel, which is situated on a high narrow promontory above the River Allen are another highlight of the area. Although much of it has been removed in the past, its surviving stonework shows that this was an important building, some of the blocks have been taken from Roman ruins and bear the marks of Roman tools.
There are walks to suit all ages and abilities including a Family Tree Trail, which helps children to identify some of the tree and plant life on view.
For more information visit The National Trust website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call the Allenbanks office on 01434 344218.