My Britain: North Pennines

ONE OF THE most unspoilt areas in England, it's not hard to see why the North Pennines is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the inspiration for some 40 poems by the great English poet, WH Auden

- Alice Gawthrop

Boasting a landscape of open heather moors, tumbling dales and meandering rivers, the North Pennines are home to flora and fauna rarely, if ever, found elsewhere in Britain. Millions of years of geological processes in the area have created a unique and impressive environment, recognised in 2003 as Britain's first European Geopark. Amid the hills and moors is one of England's biggest waterfalls, High Force. Its powerful name is a souvenir left by Viking invaders centuries ago, coming from the Old Norse word "foss" for waterfall.

Meanwhile, a breathtaking trail through the valleys, forests and fells charts the North East's religious history. Beginning at the site of a battle victory for Oswald of Northumbria that led to the Christianisation of the region and ending at the imposing Durham Cathedral, the Way of Light tells the story of the dawn of Christianity, illustrated by abbeys, seminaries and chapels.

Alongside these natural and religious wonders, the North Pennines have a rich industrial history due to the prevalence of lead mining since medieval times. This history is best explored at Killhope Lead Mining Museum and Ashes Quarry.

At night, the North Pennines are just as beautiful. Away from the hustle, bustle and light pollution of big cities, the North Pennines have some of the darkest skies in the country. Wrap up warm and set up camp on a clear night, and you'll be rewarded with the sight of thousands of stars blinking down at you. Maybe you'll be inspired to write a poem or two of your own. 

I HAVE LIVED in the North Pennines for 16 years. I'm originally from York-I came to the area to work at a stables in the summer holidays and never left. I heard of a job at Eggleston Hall Gardens, knowing nothing about plants, went for it and have been here for 13 years now.