Description
Newburn and Wylam
This circular walk takes in the areas of Newburn and Wylam and begins at the car park in the Tyne Riverside Country Park by the River Tyne. From here, we will walk along the river and the disused railway line, to Wylam. Before we cross the old railway bridge we will head up to the main street to The Coffee Tree for refreshments and then continue back along the river towards Ryton. Just after Ryton we will cross the River Tyne, for the second time, finishing the walk back at Newburn.
With any luck, we will arrive back in time to visit the coffee shop in the Country Park and enjoy some well deserved refreshments.
Places
Tyne Riverside Country Park at Newburn
This is a pleasant area of parkland on the banks of the River Tyne at Newburn. In the summer this area is popular with families and picnickers. Located in the visitor’s centre, Hedleys Riverside Coffee Shop is a convenient place for refreshments. It is also close to the car park and is dog friendly. The toilets in the coffee shop are for public use but are only accessible during cafe opening hours.
In 1640 the English and the Scots fought the Battle of Newburn Ford at the ford, which was close to the current bridge. The Scots prevailed in this battle and, soon after, Newcastle was surrendered.
http://hedleysriversidecoffeeshop.co.uk/phone/index.html
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/civil-war/battleview.asp?BattleFieldId=29
George Stephenson’s birthplace
George Stephenson was born in a small house, next to the disused railway line, in Wylam. The National Trust own this property. Parts of it were open to the public and a tea room in the back garden was also part of the attraction. Unfortunately, both the house and the tea room have been closed, while the National Trust plan the future of the property.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/george-stephensons-birthplace
Wylam
Wylam is pretty little village to the west of Newcastle with connections to the early railway pioneers. It is particularly famous as being the village in which George Stephenson was born. One of the features of Wylam is the old railway bridge, providing beautiful views of the River Tyne.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wylam
http://www.bridgesonthetyne.co.uk/wylamrly.html