On a bright sunny morning, eleven cars gathered at the Talkin Tarn car park. After a coffee and receiving our tulip routes we departed in stages on the first leg of the tour to Allendale.  Driving through the North Pennine's area of outstanding natural beauty there were also several reminders of the regions mining and industrial past.  In and out of misty patches on the high moors we arrived in Allendale.

Allendale is a pretty Pennine market town where there are a wealth of pubs, hotels, gift shops and cafes. After a brief rest and retail therapy opportunity it was on to Langley castle.

This most impressive 14^th century turreted Keep is now a hotel and restaurant. After a very good three course meal and plenty of chatter and photo’s at the front of the castle members dispersed to their own routes home, the castle being only a few miles from the A69.

Many thanks to Carolyn, Gill and Pauline for their "venue research" and to Pauline and Brian for putting together such an enjoyable and interesting route.