Ayle

Settlement in Northumberland

England

Ayle

South Tynedale Railway south of Kirkhaugh Station The path alongside is the South Tyne Trail to Haltwhistle. — South Tynedale Railway south of Kirkhaugh Station Credit: Clive Nicholson

Ayle is a small village located in the county of Northumberland, in the northeast of England. Situated near the River Coquet, it is nestled amidst picturesque countryside, offering residents and visitors a tranquil and idyllic setting.

The village is characterized by its charming and traditional architecture, with many of the houses and buildings dating back several centuries. The local stone, often used in construction, gives the village a distinctive and timeless appearance. Ayle's population is small, with just a few hundred residents, contributing to its close-knit community and friendly atmosphere.

Ayle benefits from its proximity to the Northumberland National Park, which is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The park offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching, attracting nature enthusiasts from far and wide.

Despite its small size, Ayle has a few amenities to cater to the needs of its residents. These include a local pub, providing a cozy spot for socializing and enjoying a drink or a meal. Neighboring towns and villages offer additional services, including shops, schools, and healthcare facilities, ensuring that residents have access to necessary amenities within a short distance.

Overall, Ayle is a charming and peaceful village that offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its stunning natural surroundings and tight-knit community make it an appealing place to live or visit for those seeking a quieter and more rural lifestyle.

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Ayle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.838008/-2.441218 or Grid Reference NY7149. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

South Tynedale Railway south of Kirkhaugh Station

The path alongside is the South Tyne Trail to Haltwhistle.

Clive Nicholson

Lort Burn Crossing, South Tynedale Railway

1 mile, 78.86 chains from Alston on the South Tynedale Railway. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill

Low Row

Low Row Farm on the side of Ayle Common.

Peter McDermott

Ayle Common

A view over the South Tyne Valley from Ayle Common looking back on a section of Isaac's Tea Trail going back to Alston from near Kirkhaugh. Open air revivalist camp meetings were held by the Primitive Methodists at this place.

Roger Morris

Low Row bastle (Knaresdale with Kirkhaugh)

Low Row is a bastle-like house, built in the 18th century. The old farmhouse is a three storeyed building, facing west and fronting onto the road; attached to the south end is a later farm building. Link

Les Hull

Low Row Farmhouse (disused)

Les Hull

Gated road at Low Row

Oliver Dixon

Pasture, Kirkhaugh

A view along the South Tyne valley from Low Row.

Andrew Smith

Road junction at Low Row Farm

David Purchase

Wall crossing moorland on Ayle Common

Ayle Common is another of those upland areas only vaguely defined by names printed on OS maps. The location here lies to the south-west of the minor rise of Kip Law where the vegetation is largely grassy moorland but with areas of heather, currently at its peak of flowering. In the distance is the moorland hill, Grey Nag; it lies beyond the valley of the River South Tyne.

Trevor Littlewood

Hill track rising on Ayle Common

The image was recorded from a gate at which OS maps show the hill road / track ending but it clearly continues, rising to the high point ahead, Kip Law. The number 2, painted crudely on the wall indicates a gun stance when a grouse-shoot is taking place.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland of Ayle Common

Ayle Common is one of those upland areas only vaguely defined by names printed on OS maps. The location here lies between the more certain features of Kip Law and Tarn Rigg. The vegetation is largely grassy moorland but with areas of heather, (currently at its peak of flowering), and rushes. The valley of the River South Tyne lies beyond with Cold Fell being the highest hill in that direction.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland slope descending towards valley of Ayle Burn

The slope descends from a local high point at 524 m. named as Tarn Rigg. The Ayle Burn flows out of view below the sunlit trees at the centre of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Cairn atop wall at Kip Law

Unusually, the cairn marking the summit of the moorland hill, Kip Law is perched on top of the junction of dry stone walls meeting there. Grey Nag is the hill in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Underbank Farm viewed from bridleway on hillside below Old School House

Bridleway in foreground is a well drained grass track, deeply cut into lower half of the hillside. Possibly corresponds to route of the Roman road 'RR840(x)', described by Hugh Toller and Mike Haken, 'Epiacum (Whitley Chapel) to Coria (Corbridge).' in Roman Roads Research Association Newsletter No. 6 Autumn 2017. Taken 5th Dec 2021 at 12:55 GMT. Temperature approx. 3C; light wind; snow on higher ground but not here (altitude approx. 225m).

ross maxwell

The River Tyne Trail adjacent to South Tynedale Railway

The South Tynedale Railway runs for 5 miles in this magnificent valley and is run by the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society. The valley also has other famous walking trails, The Pennine Way, A Pennine Journey and Isaac's Tea Trail.

Clive Nicholson