Between Keswick And Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Is England's High-Elevation Market Town With Quaint Shops And Trails

England has its fair share of adorable market towns, yet few are perched in the North Pennines' hilltop range surrounded by mountains and scenic hiking trails. The historic market district of Alston is a pleasing escape rife with outdoor adventures and a multitude of charming shopping options. Wear comfortable shoes, as the town and its surroundings beckon for hours of strolling, shopping, and hiking.

The stone pavilion, or market cross, in the middle of the town is a holdover from Alston's early days as a market town. Built in 1764, it's now among England's list of historic buildings. The marker and town are perched at an elevation of around 1,000 feet – higher than any other English market town. While it's not at nosebleed level, its elevated position affords great breaths of pristine mountain air. Georgian structures exude historic charm while Victorian mansions bring a touch of class and style. Wandering the town is like taking a trip through the centuries while enjoying the conveniences of modern life.

Keswick is about an hour's drive west of Alston through the Cumbrian countryside. If you're arriving by air, Newcastle International Airport (NCL) in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne is an hour's drive east. You can also take a combination of buses, trains, and taxis to arrive. Whichever way you get there, hills and farms will make for great viewing along the way.

Alston has the good fortune to be a stop on England's first National Trail, the 270-mile Pennine Way. The stretch between Alston and Greenhead, which is nearly 17 miles long, has rolling, green hills, heather-clad moors, and quite a bit of uphill trekking, as it rises over 1,870 feet in elevation. It's more of an intentional, serious journey than a spur-of-the-moment ramble, but if you're already an avid hiker with quality hiking gear, the moors will prove rather moreish.

For something less strenuous, yet still rewarding, the Alston to Epiacum Fort Circular takes about 6 miles through a UNESCO Global Geopark known as the North Pennines National Landscape. For a portion of the way, the park straddles the River South Tyne, with its soothing waters and wooded banks. Eventually, you'll find the remains of the Roman fort Epiacum (aka Whitley Castle) which was under construction along with Hadrian's Wall around the second century, per History Hit. It was the tallest of its kind in its time, and it remained manned for at least 200 years.

For an easy stroll with excellent moor scenery, there's a portion of the South Tyne Trail that runs for about 2 miles that's open to hikers and cyclists. From Alston, take the seasonal South Tynedale Railway as per AllTrails to Kirkhaugh then walk back. Cyclists may want to take a longer route by heading northward for about 7 miles to Lambley Viaduct, an impressive stone structure built in 1852.

As an age-old market town, Alston beckons shoppers. Purchase a piece of the past at Swan's Head, which sells timeless copper and bronze kitchenware, retro clothing, and antique knick-knacks. Its 4.7-star rating on Google Maps tells of its selection of quality, vintage items.

If you've decided you'd like to brave part of the Pennine Way, stock up on sturdy boots, knitted hats, and all sorts of backpacking gear at the Hi-Pennine Outdoor Shop. Mellow Yellow, meanwhile, is full of intriguing, crafted items and charming adornments to add a touch of artsy flair to your home. Stop at Market Cross Alston, too, to take home treasured souvenirs.

Perk up your tired feet with a well-earned cup of coffee and generous portions of comfort food at Walter's Café & Bar, which also offers a roomy and classy loft stay in a lovely, old-fashioned building. If you seek less heavy fare, Saddlers Bakery offers sandwiches, soups, and rustic, baked goods such as scones and loaves of bread. If you have more time in the area, pack a picnic and visit England's largest lake, Lake Windermere, which is less than two hours drive south. Alternatively, explore the trails and lakes in the idyllic Kielder Forest, about 50 miles north.