08/05/2026
Isaac's Tea Trail Poems
This trail runs from Isaac's monument in St Cuthberts Church, through the Market square to Higher ground, and then on to the School and Denholme woods. It then follows the River Allen to Catton, where it passes through Catton arboretum, leading to Catton Village green and then ending at Catton Methodist Church.
It has been included as part of the Allendale Folk festival program, which is now the focus for its completion and publishing.
The trail starts at the Churchyard and Isacs memorial which will be voiced by the Irish yew trees......piece as discussed.... It then moves into the Market square where one of the Lime trees planted to celebrate Queen Victorias Golden Jubilee will discuss the changes this square has seen since then. From there to Higher ground and then the recreation ground...... content is being provided by the School.
The second spot I suggested you might provide some content is our next stop the Beech ring/circle in Deneholme woods, this has also been referred to in more recent times as the Witches circle although the Allen valley historical society are keen to not promote or perpetuate this title however it has to be said there is definitely a magical feel...... ripe for imaginary writings!
From here the trail heads down to the river with our next tree discussing the bridge and Blacket level, There is a mythical head on the footbridge here and there have been stories of Faries at the well here also. Another story at this point is the Allendale Wolf which is a documented historical event but now of course local legend....... anything around these could be useful!
Our path now follows the River East Allen on a trail where once sat a railway line that took the lead ore from the Blacket level to be processed further down river at Allen Mill. The railway line was replaced in the early 1900s with a path which was promoted to attract City dwellers (Newcastle) to walk and reap the benefits of the clean country air "Spar Town"..... I am writing some natural history pieces around the veteran Alders here and the range of epiphytic plants associated with them...... Any contributions with a nature theme gratefully considered!
The trail crosses the road near Allen Mill and the bridge, continuing its journey towards Catton until it reaches "The Guardian of the Sheep" a glorious old willow., At this point it turns and heads to my friend Georges "Catton Arboretum and his purposely created "Cattonhenge", .......A piece here would be worthy of consideration perhaps.
Our next stop is "The Green at Catton" where "A Cherry and friend " talk of the Villages history...... a piece here as we discussed would be good
Our final tree is close to the old Catton methodist church, a wonderful pollarded Beech and a quirky Ash literally growing in a wall. I will be discussing aspects of history here as well as natures amazing adaptive strategies..... maybe a piece?
I know a few of you were interested in contributing. Please send your poems to me asap 🌳🌳🌳
