Whilst Northumberland may not be renowned for its commercial day-ticket coarse fisheries, the same cannot be said about its trout and salmon venues with excellent sport combining with some of the country's finest scenery to offer anglers river and stillwater game fishing second to none.
The opportunity to take advantage of this has been laid on a plate for anglers by image consultant Gill Valentine who opened The Reading Rooms at Haydon Bridge, between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Carlisle, in July 2006. She now provides accommodation and angling packages and holidays for anglers and their partners, whatever their area interests in the sport.
Designed to appeal to both experts and novices, Gill's angling packages range from straightforward Bed and Breakfast accommodation through to complete organised breaks and holidays where everything is taken care of for the angler. She can even arrange a day with the Hardys of Alnwick fishing tutor.
For those who would rather travel to Haydon Bridge by rail or air, the packages can include collection from Newcastle or Carlisle railway stations, or Newcastle Airport; the cost of day tickets; transport to individual fisheries and rivers; the provision of packed lunches and Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Prices for angling breaks with a difference at The Reading Rooms start from just £189.00 per person for two nights accommodation and two days fishing.
Ideally situated for fishing the local rivers and reservoirs, walking, cycling and site seeing, The Reading Rooms was built around 1850 to provide a centre where local men could take their rest and read the newspapers and the Bible.
The later arrival of a snooker table led the building to take on the role of a men's club - although gambling, alcohol and women were strictly forbidden!
In the late 1960s the property was divided into two homes before being bought by Gill, who has carried out a major programme of refurbishment to create a warm and welcoming three-bedroomed Bed and Breakfast style small hotel where discerning anglers have the opportunity to take an angling break or holiday where as much or as little as they want is arranged for them.
With bedrooms overlooking Church Street or the South Tyne, where at the right time of year salmon can be seen leaping the local weir as they make their way upstream for spawning, Gill has created a home-from-home environment were guests can unwind and enjoy all that Northumberland has to offer.
Perhaps amongst Northumberland's least known attractions is some fantastic angling - The Reading Rooms is on the doorstep of some stunningly beautiful rivers which offer both salmon and trout fishing whilst nearby stillwater trout fishing is available on a selection of nationally-acclaimed reservoirs.
A limited amount of coarse fishing is also available locally.
The nearby Sweethope Lough is a renowned stillwater located between the villages of Knowesgate, Kirkwhelpington and Redesdale in the Northumberland hills. It is justifiably famous for it's stock of large hard-fighting rainbow trout to over 15lbs which offer every angler, from novice to expert, a chance to hook into a true fish of a lifetime at every visit.
The headwater of the Wansbeck river, which cuts its scenic way to the North Sea through some of Northumberland's prettiest scenery, Sweethope also boasts good access to those anglers with disabilities, an easy-access boat is available on request and the venue annually host The Viscount Devonport Sweethope Challenge for Disabled Anglers.
Rob Tait, the warden at Sweethope, is always on hand to provide help and advice to ensure visitors get the best from their day's fishing.
Another well-known stillwater trout fishery nearby is Langley Dam, a 14-acre lake set in beautiful countryside which lies eight miles west of Hexham. The fish are stocked weekly from 2lbs upwards and have a reputation for being hard fight-fighting fish. Anglers who don't hire a boat will need waders for most part.
Langley has a new lodge with car park and toilet facilities, all tidily kept, and rods and tackle can be hired. In addition, the fishery lodge sells a limited amount of tackle.
For non-angling guests there is lots to see and do with local attractions including Hadrian’s Wall, a selection of National Trust properties, the vibrant Newcastle City Centre and the Gateshead Metro Centre.
Other attractions include Alnwick Gardens; the Beamish Museum; Sunderland Museum, Art Gallery and Winter Gardens; and the historic City of Durham - all of which are within an hour's drive, making Haydon Bridge the ideal venue for a short break.
The accommodation
Easy parking for those who travel by car, a secure shed for tackle and cycles, a drying room for boots and outdoor clothing, a laundry service, the arrangement of all the necessary angling licences and permits, the provision of packed lunches and transport to and from anglers' chosen venues are just some of the extras that are provided for guests.
The Reading Rooms is conveniently situated for those travelling by air, rail and road and because of its history as a local meeting place, it has large rooms equipped with their own en-suite bathrooms and decorated to a high standard.
The upstairs twin and double rooms have fabulous views over South Tyne and hills beyond, whilst the ground floor double has been designed with ease of access for those with impaired mobility.
All three bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, each with a large shower and heated towel rails, whilst every bedroom has a colour television and well-equipped hospitality tray.
A selection of breakfasts are served in the downstairs dining room between 7.30am and 9.30am and at other times by prior arrangement. Guests can choose from a selection which includes Full English, Continental, vegetarian or healthy options.
Haydon Bridge village has an excellent choice of restaurants, pubs and take-aways, all within easy walking distance. For those who want to travel a little further afield there is a local taxi service whilst car hire can be arranged from the airport or station.
Guests are advised that smoking is not permitted inside The Reading Rooms and that the only pets allowed are guide dogs.
The Reading Rooms has a drying room, storage for equipment and even fish gutting facilities, a large sink and very sharp knives - although Gill probably won't volunteer to gut the fish for you although she will provide freezer space.
In addition, there is a fish and game smokery nearby where fish can be dropped of without being gutted and left for a few days to be smoked or cured to anglers' own taste. The smokery is unique in that it blends Northumbrian Oak with finer oak chips to produce a wonderfully flavoured and finely coloured product. The smokery does not use dyes, artificial preservatives or additives.
For those who are leaving before the process is complete, the smokery will send customers' fish to anywhere in the UK.
The fishing package...
The angling packages offered by The Reading Rooms can be tailored to suit every need, from straightforward Bed and Breakfast accommodation through to a completely organised angling break - you don't even need to take a car.
For those who prefer to travel by air or rail, anglers will be met at Newcastle Airport or Newcastle or Carlisle railway stations and transfered to Haydon Bridge. After their first night at The Reading Rooms, breakfast will be provided and guests provided with a packed lunch and driven to the first fishing venue of their choice.
After fishing, anglers will be collected at a pre-arranged time and taken back to The Reading Rooms. The process is repeated the following day with anglers being driven to another fishery of their choice, collected and given the oportunity if they wish to freshen up before being driven to the airport or railway station for their homeward trip.
Prices for a two night/two day stay at The Reading Rooms including fishing start from as little as £189 per person, although reductions are available for group bookings. The price includes all airport/station collections; transport and collection from fisheries plus day permits and boat hire where appropriate; packed lunches; plus accommodation and breakfasts at The Reading Rooms.
How to get there...
Whether travelling north on the M6 or up the A1M, follow the directions for the main A69 east-west trunk road, leaving the M6 at Junction 43 or following the A1M to its end and then taking the A1 west around Gateshead and Newcastle until it meets the A69.
From the M6, travel east towards Brampton, Haltwhistle and then on to Haydon Bridge where Church Street is the last turning on the left before the road bridge signed B6319 Chollerford.
From the A1M and A1, head west through Rudchester, Horsley and Corbridge to Haydon Bridge. Go over the road bridge and Church Street is the first turning on the right, again signed B6319 Chollerford.
The Reading Rooms is the first house on the right in Church Street opposite the Railway Hotel.
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The Reading Rooms