The Allen is a classic ww run in the NE of England and is a tributary of the River South Tyne. It lies just west of the market town of Hexham. The Allen is a short run from Cupola Bridge on the A686 to Alston. However it also provides a number of interesting park and play spots when in medium to high water levels.

The Allen can be ran in most water levels despite indications at Cupola Bridge. However the best water levels are medium to high and can be judged from the amount of water flowing under the bridge and the amount of the rock shelf that is covered. The water generally flows through the river right arch at only lower levels, two arches at medium levels and all arches at high level.

The river has a very alpine feel to it as the banks are often high with tall trees for almost it’s full length.

A few hundred yards upstream from Planky Mill is a series of two rock shelves. Both of which provide excellent waves with hard defined shoulders and glassy green faces.The water level must be quite high but a few days of rain easily puts enough water into the river. Most wave moves can be pulled off including blunts in both directions, flat spins and grinds. Eddy service isn’t great but if you do get washed off its easy to pick up an eddy (river right) down stream and simply walk back up along the river side path.

Getting there – from the A69 take the A689 (just east of Haydon Bridge) just after the only left hand turning (sign posted Langley) there is a right hand turn. Follow this narrow road for approximatley 1/2 a mile, you find a left hand turn (signposted Planky Mill). This is a narrow steep road that will take you down to Planky Mill where you’ll find a basic campsite, farm and the river. A small contibution for parking goes along way to keep the owner happy and foster the good relationship he has with paddlers.