Swalwell - Dunstan - Gateshead - Bill Quay

The walk starts at the entrance to the Derwent Walk Country Park and although we are not following this route, it is a good meeting place and is well-known by the locals. The plan is to follow the River Derwent to its confluence with the River Tyne, then to follow the Tyne in an easterly direction with the river never very far away, although sometimes out of sight. This early part of the walk takes you past the now famous Metro Centre, though I hasten to add, not too close. The short walk through Dunstan reveals some very interesting buildings. At one time it was one of the main coal-loading terminals. The Co-op used to have its soap factory located here. The River Teams runs through Dunstan, making its way to the Tyne. This is the last river to run into the Tyne on the south side before you reach the sea, some 15 miles downriver. All the bridges begin to make their appearance, not to mention the new Millennium Bridge, which has become an instant tourist attraction.

As you make your way through the Riverside Park, search the hillside to pick out the numerous sculptures that are located in the most surprising places. These pieces are made up from all sorts of scrap metal which has weathered to give them a natural appearance. We shall walk under the Tyne Bridge and then you see the new footbridge in all its glory. Without a doubt this is the side of the river to view from, with the backdrop of the Newcastle Quayside, the castle, cathedral and All Saints' Church and the Law Courts.

We are now in the Gateshead Quays development area, where many interesting projects are under way. Part of this is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge (The Blinking Eye). Lots of small factory units occupy this area of the riverside. Across the river, landmarks too numerous to mention are everywhere. Trying to identify some of these makes one realise how disorientated you can become when looking from this unusual direction. You will pass through another riverside park area with great views downriver. Vast open spaces are to be seen on both sides and this highlights the demise of heavy industry on the banks of the river. There are still signs of shipbuilding yards, as old cranes and slipways can still be picked out. Bill Quay sees the end of our walk. You climb up from the riverside and through the town.

England - North England - Tyne and Wear - Coast

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Walk id: 449

Walk grade

Easy Walk

Length

9 Miles

Height gain

50 Metres

Duration

3 Hours 43 Mins

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