The Outer West

Newburn Lemington Sugley Bell’s Close

A Heritage Trail

St James’ Heritage & Environment Group West End Heritage Guides OUTER WEST CIRCULAR WALK

This walk: This is a circular walk route, highlighting sites of historical interest. It is an easy walk, mainly on good paths and without any steep climbs. 4 C The route has been designed as one continuous walk, but it is divided into several sections to allow you to choose a different starting point for the full circular walk or to walk just part of the route. The map on the opposite page shows the starting point and approximate distance for each section.

Starting point:

Newburn Activity Centre at the Tyne Riverside Country Park, Newburn. walks for short heritage points Starting Trail Heritage A. Village Newburn and Beyond Park Country Riverside B. Tyne Trail and Lemington C. Bell's Close, Sugley Your Walk at a Glance Walk Your 5 Length of walk : Five miles: Time: About two hours including short break

How to get there: By car: suggestions for car parking are given at the beginning of each section. By public transport: there are frequent bus services along the A6085 riverside road to Newburn from which this walk can be accessed.

Extend your walk: Our companion booklet The Outer West: A Heritage Guide contains three 3 short circular walks which connect with this circular walk. You can add these to your walk if you want to visit particular places of interest adjacent to the main route:  Newburn Village Heritage Trail takes you round the historic heart of the village of Newburn, starting at the War Memorial in the main street  Tyne Riverside Country Park and beyond goes west from the Country Park to visit sites associated with the area’s coalmining legacy  Bell’s Close, Sugley and Lemington Trail takes a closer look at these villages and the former industrial area of Low Lemington to the south, starting at Bell’s Close

The Heritage Guide also has introductions to the history of the four villages. A Starting points for circular walk sections for circular points Starting 0.7 miles) (approx. Bridge Newburn to Park Country Riverside 1. Tyne 0.7 miles) Haugh (approx. Newburn to Bridge 2. Newburn 1.8 miles) Bell's Close (approx. Haugh to 3. Newburn 0.4 miles) (approx. Village Lemington 4. Bell's Close to 1.3 miles) (approx. Park Country Riverside Tyne to Village 5. Lemington pages in the centre guide. Comparison with the 1899 OS map extract be used as a route to map and is not intended Survey This plan is based on the 1974-78 Ordnance NOTE: Survey and www.old-maps.co.uk © Ordnance 80 years. over changed the area how shows Copies can be obtained from St James’ Heritage & Environment Group – 2 contact details on the back cover.

The map on the next page shows the starting points for these short walks. KEY 1 B 1 2

1: Tyne1: Tyne Riverside Riverside Country Country Park Park to Newburn to Newburn Bridge Bridge BatBtalet tolef Nofe wNbeuwrnbu rn The Battle of Newburn took place on 28th August The Battle of Newburn took place on 28th August Travelling by car: 1640. Here a 20,000-strong Scottish army defeated Travelling by car: 1640. Here a 20,000-strong Scottish army defeated Follow the signs out of Newburn to the Country Park and Activity Centre. As an English army of 5,000. England was at that time Follow the signs out of Newburn to the Country Park and Activity Centre. As an English army of 5,000. England was at that time the road curves around you will see the centre on your left. On your right, ruled by Charles 1st, and the battle was a significant the road curves around you will see the centre on your left. On your right, ruled by Charles 1st, and the battle was a significant directly opposite the centre, is a convenient car park. Alternative parking is event in the process that led to the Civil War and directly opposite the centre, is a convenient car park. Alternative parking is event in the process that led to the Civil War and available elsewhere in the Park. Your walk starts on the eastern edge of the available elsewhere in the Park. Your walk starts on the eastern edge of the ultimately to Charles’ execution. ultimately to Charles’ execution. Park. Park. The Scottish forces planned to cross the river at The Scottish forces planned to cross the river at Newburn on the way to attacking Newcastle from its Start your walk Newburn on the way to attacking Newcastle from its Start your walk more vulnerable southern side. They camped on the more vulnerable southern side. They camped on the Leaving the Activity Centre, walk in the direction of the visitors centre, passing north side of the river and watched as the English Leaving the Activity Centre, walk in the direction of the visitors centre, passing north side of the river and watched as the English the Big Lamp Brewery on your right. Instead of heading straight for the visitors army approached. As well as heavily outnumbering the Big Lamp Brewery on your right. Instead of heading straight for the visitors army approached. As well as heavily outnumbering centre, turn left where a road leads to the riverside. You will see a small area the English, the Scots had a much better position on centre, turn left where a road leads to the riverside. You will see a small area the English, the Scots had a much better position on containing a stone memorial and several interpretation boards. These the higher ground. They set up cannons further up the slopes, including in the containing a stone memorial and several interpretation boards. These the higher ground. They set up cannons further up the slopes, including in the commemorate the Battle of Newburn. You can sit on one of the benches steeple of the Church of St Michael and All Angels. The English army set up commemorate the Battle of Newburn. You can sit on one of the benches steeple of the Church of St Michael and All Angels. The English army set up looking towards Ryton Willows on the opposite banks of the Tyne and imagine camp on the meadows of Ryton Willows, hastily putting up earth defences in looking towards Ryton Willows on the opposite banks of the Tyne and imagine camp on the meadows of Ryton Willows, hastily putting up earth defences in the English and Scottish armies gathering for one of the most decisive battles full view of the opposing army. the English and Scottish armies gathering for one of the most decisive battles full view of the opposing army. of the Civil War. of the Civil War. When the battle began, the hastily prepared English defences collapsed When the battle began, the hastily prepared English defences collapsed Leaving this site, walk eastwards towards Newcastle along a path signposted quickly, and the troops retreated. When the Scottish army then moved on Leaving this site, walk eastwards towards Newcastle along a path signposted quickly, and the troops retreated. When the Scottish army then moved on by one of the brown Hadrian’s Way signs. Cross a wooden bridge across a Newcastle, they found it undefended. Charles was forced to make peace. by one of the brown Hadrian’s Way signs. Cross a wooden bridge across a Newcastle, they found it undefended. Charles was forced to make peace. stream and continue to follow Hadrian’s Way. stream and continue to follow Hadrian’s Way.

This stretch of the river is the lowest fording point on the River Tyne. It was This stretch of the river is the lowest fording point on the River Tyne. It was used as a ford from Roman times. Newburn Bridge used as a ford from Roman times. Newburn Bridge In the second half of the 19th Walk past the slipway and buildings of the Tyne Rowing Club, and then on to In the second half of the 19th Walk past the slipway and buildings of the Tyne Rowing Club, and then on to century, major dredging Water Row, site of a pit of the same name. A plaque on the Boathouse pub at century, major dredging Water Row, site of a pit of the same name. A plaque on the Boathouse pub at operations were carried out the end Water Row tells you that George Stephenson worked as an engineer operations were carried out the end Water Row tells you that George Stephenson worked as an engineer by the Tyne Improvement at this pit early in his career. by the Tyne Improvement at this pit early in his career. Commission to make the river Commission to make the river Beyond the Boathouse you come to Newburn Bridge. The village of Newburn more easily navigable. This Beyond the Boathouse you come to Newburn Bridge. The village of Newburn more easily navigable. This lies to the north, but this walk route does not go there. If you want to explore meant that the ford could no lies to the north, but this walk route does not go there. If you want to explore meant that the ford could no some of Newburn’s interesting historical features, including the 12th century longer be used as a crossing point. The bridge was opened in 1893, connecting some of Newburn’s interesting historical features, including the 12th century longer be used as a crossing point. The bridge was opened in 1893, connecting St Michael and All Angels Church, try our Newburn Village Heritage Trail. Newburn to the south. It operated as a toll bridge until 1947, the last bridge St Michael and All Angels Church, try our Newburn Village Heritage Trail. Newburn to the south. It operated as a toll bridge until 1947, the last bridge on the Tyne to charge. This 1903 photograph shows a young girl carrying milk on the Tyne to charge. This 1903 photograph shows a young girl carrying milk Turn the page to continue your walk pails across the bridge. Turn the page to continue your walk pails across the bridge.

3 4 2: Newburn Bridge to Newburn Haugh 2: Newburn Bridge to Newburn Haugh Spencer’s Steelworks Spencer’s Steelworks Travelling by car: Spencer’s Steelworks, pictured here in 1910, expanded rapidly during the 19th TravellingThere by is car:limited parking on Water Row. If you are starting your walk here, your Spencer’s Steel works, pictured here in 1910, expanded rapidly during the 19th There is limited parking on Water Row. If you are starting your walk here, your century. Originally making products from steel, it soon moved into best option is to walk down from Newburn Village to the bridge. century. Originally making products from steel, it soon moved into best option is to walk down from Newburn Village to the bridge. manufacturing steel with its own steel furnaces. Steel was in great demand for manufacturingthe expansion steel of with the its railways own steel as well furnaces. as the burgeoningSteel was in shipbuildinggreat demand and for other the expansionindustries of in the the railways north east. as well Business as the boomed burgeoning for Spencer’s,shipbuilding and and the other Start your walk industries in the north east. Business boomed for Spencer’s, and the Start your walk steelworks became probably the most important of its kind in the North East. steelworks became probably the most important of its kind in the North East. Leaving Water Row and the Boathouse pub, cross the road in front of Newburn Newburn acquired the name of “New Sheffield”. In 1904 Spencer’s produced Newburn acquired the name of “New Sheffield”. In 1904 Spencer’s produced LeavingBridge Water and Row take and the the path Boathouse marked Hadrian’s pub, cross Way the Path.road in There front is of a Newburnblue signpost the plate for the world’s largest ship, the ocean liner Mauretania. the plate for the world’s largest ship, the ocean liner Mauretania. Bridgetelling and take you thethat path you aremarked five milesHadrian’s from Way Newcastle. Path. T hereContinue is a blue along signpost a pleasant tellingpath you with that treesyou are on fiveeither miles side, from until Newcastle. you reach Ca ontinuepoint where along two a pleasant paths By this time the firm By this time the firm path withdiverge. trees Leaving on either Hadrian’s side, until Way you here, reach take a pointthe narrower where two path paths branching off to employed some employed some diverge.the right.Leaving This Hadrian’s path used Way to here, be signposted take the narrower to “Newcastle path branchingQuayside” off but to the 1,800 people. It had 1,800 people. It had the right.sign has This been path removed, used to be leaving signposted only the to “Newcastle white metal Quayside” stump here. but the transformed the sign has been removed, leaving only the white metal stump here. transformedcharacter the of the Follow this path until you reach a road, then turn left and walk along the characterrural ofvillage the of Follow this path until you reach a road, then turn left and walk along the pavement. You are now in Newburn Industrial Estate, the former site of the rural Newburnvillage of and pavement. You are now in Newburn Industrial Estate, the former site of the steel works. There are about 30 businesses on this site now including a large Newburncontributed and to the steelworks. There are about 30 businesses on this site now including a large Warburton’s Bakery, as well as areas of derelict land. This is not the most contributedgrowth to of the the Warburton’s Bakery, as well as areas of derelict land. This is not the most attractive part of the walk, but you soon leave the industrial estate to join a growthadjacent of the riverside attractive part of the walk, but you soon leave the industrial estate to join a pleasant riverside path that follows the shores of Newburn Haugh. adjacentcommunities. riverside pleasant riverside path that follows the shores of Newburn Haugh. communities. This area has historical significance. It used to be occupied by a huge This areasteelworks. has historical This was significance. originally establishedIt used to be in occupied 1811 in an by old a huge water mill north of steelworks.Newburn, This but was by originally the end ofestablished the 19th century in 1811 its in site an oldextended water millall the north way of down th Newburn,to the but riverside, by the endcovering of the an 19 area century of some its 60site acres, extended serviced all the by wayits own down railway Newburn Hall to the riverside, covering an area of some 60 acres, serviced by its own railway Newburn Hall system. The steelworks was a victim of the recession in the 1920s, closing for Newburn Hall predated the system. The steelworks was a victim of the recession in the 1920s, closing for a period. It was later revived on a smaller scale, but closed for good in the Newburnsteelworks Hall predated on this site.the a period. It was later revived on a smaller scale, but closed for good in the 1960s. Derelict buildings lingered on here for more than 20 years. steelworksIt had onbegun this insite. the 15th century 1960s. Derelict buildings lingered on here for more than 20 years. th It hadas begun a pele in tower, the 15 and century was later This was also the site of one of the oldest buildings in this area: Newburn Hall. as a pele tower, and was later This was also the site of one of the oldest buildings in this area: Newburn Hall. extended to create a grand hall. Continue to walk through the industrial estate until you reach a point at the extendedIt features to create on thea grand 1864 hall. Ordnance Continueend ofto thewalk road through (just thepast industrial a small snack estate bar until on youryou reach left and a point the Routeat the 72 Café It featuresSurvey on map, the 1864but had Ordnance soon been end ofon the the road right) (just where past you a small meet snack the Tynebar on again. your Youleft andare atthe Newburn Route 72 Haugh. Café Surveyswallowed map, but uphad by soon the growingbeen on the right) where you meet the Tyne again. You are at Newburn Haugh. swallowedsteelworks. up by theBy thegrowing 1980s all steelworks. By the 1980s all Turn two pages to continue your walk remains of the hall had disappeared without trace. Turn two pages to continue your walk remains of the hall had disappeared without trace.

5 6

The Outer West in 1899: This map gives an overview of the area at the end of the 19th century. The huge steelworks have extended down the east side of Newburn as far as the riverside while, on the other side of the village, rows of terraced housing have recently appeared. Newburn Bridge has been open for six years. Lemington is still a small village, but the map shows evidence of the significant housing development to come. The Scotswood- Newburn-Wylam railway line can be seen running across the area. To the north of the line there are signs of coalmining, with Percy Pit between Newburn and Lemington (marked as Walbottle Colliery) and Scotswood Colliery between Bell’s Close and Scotswood. South of the railway line at Lemington and Bell’s Close a variety of industries, intermixed with housing, cluster around Lemington Gut, which has now been cut off from the main river. Newburn Haugh is undeveloped. Extract from the 1899 Ordnance Survey map: courtesy of Ordnance Survey and www.old-maps.co.uk

7 8 3: Newburn Haugh to Bell’s Close 3: Newburn Haugh to Bell’s Close BlayBdloaynd Rona cResa ces As you walk around the edge of Newburn Haugh, you might like to Travelling by car As you walk around the edge of Newburn Haugh, you might like to Travelling by car recallrecall that forthat several for several years years the real the Blaydon real Blaydon Races Races took placetook place on on You canYou park can at park the at east the end east of end the of Newburn the Newburn Industrial Industrial Estate. Estate. This is This signposted is signposted the oppositethe opposite side ofside the of river the riverfrom fromhere. here. The song The songby the by former the former southsouth off the off A 6the085. A1085. Turn intoTurn the into estate the estate and continue and continue along along Keats Keats Road Roadto a to a junction junction with a red postbox on the corner. Turn left onto Shelley Road. Park near the minerminer Geordie Geordie Ridley Ridley is set isin set 1862 in 1862when when the races the races were wereactually actually with a red postbox on the corner. Turn left onto Shelley Road. Park near the end of on an island in the Tyne. Later they moved to Stella Haugh. end ofShelley Shelley Road Road and and walk walk a ashort short distance distance east east to to where where the the road road ends. ends. on an island in the Tyne. Later they moved to Stella Haugh.

Start Startyour yourwalk walk

You are about to join the cycle and walk path around the southern perimeter You are about to join the cycle and walk path around the southern perimeter Montagu Pit of Newburnof Newburn Haugh. Haugh. The local The localword word “haugh” “haugh” refers refers to an to area an ofarea flat of land flat nextland next Montagu Pit to a river,to a river, and this and path this offerspath offers a pleasant, a pleasant, easy walkeasy alongwalk along the riverside. the riverside. As youAs near you thenear end the of end the of path the patharound around NewburnNewburn Haugh, Haugh, you will you see will the see the Beware: the area where the road out of the industrial estate meets the river is Beware: the area where the road out of the industrial estate meets the river is ScotswoodScotswood Road RoadB&Q B&Qstore storeahead ahead of you of you often flooded, and the signage is confusing. At the end of the road is a row of often flooded, and the signage is confusing. At the end of the road is a row of acrossacross the water. the water. This store This store is on isthe on site the of site of short metal posts and a sign telling you that the path is liable to flooding. short metal posts and a sign telling you that the path is liable to flooding. the Lowthe MontaguLow Montagu Pit where Pit where a major a major Ignore the signs offering you a choice of turning left or right. Instead take the Ignore the signs offering you a choice of turning left or right. Instead take the disasterdisaster happened happened in 1925 in 1925when when the mine the mine narrow mud path on the right, its entrance marked by a row of wooden posts. narrow mud path on the right, its entrance marked by a row of wooden posts. flooded.flooded. Most Most of the of 38 the men 38 andmen boys and boyswho who died had lived in Scotswood or Bell’s Close. This narrowThis narrow path willpath bring will bringyou onto you ontothe wide the widecycle cycleand walk and walkpath patharound around the the died had lived in Scotswood or Bell’s Close. edge edgeof Newburn of Newburn Haugh. Haugh. Turn Turnright righthere. here. After Aftera short a short distance distance through through a a woodedwooded area, area,you come you come out onto out ontothe riverside. the riverside. It can It be can disorientating be disorientating at this at this point.point. To get To your get bearings,your bearings, remember remember that thethat new the housesnew houses on the on other the other side side Lemington Gut of the water are on the south bank of the Tyne west of Blaydon. Soon you will Lemington Gut of the water are on the south bank of the Tyne west of Blaydon. Soon you will As you leave Newburn Haugh along the dual carriageway, you will see a be able to see upriver to your right, with Newburn Bridge in the distance to the As you leave Newburn Haugh along the dual carriageway, you will see a be able to see upriver to your right, with Newburn Bridge in the distance to the narrow stretch of water on your left. This is the Lemington Gut, part of the west of you. At first the path follows the river closely. Follow the blue railings narrow stretch of water on your left. This is the Lemington Gut, part of the west of you. At first the path follows the river closely. Follow the blue railings course of the Tyne until the 1870s when it was bypassed by the creation of a and you come to a large metal sign with the words “Newburn Riverside” course of the Tyne until the 1870s when it was bypassed by the creation of a and you come to a large metal sign with the words “Newburn Riverside” new channel in the river. The carved into it. Here the path veers away from the river, passing through an new channel in the river. The carved into it. Here the path veers away from the river, passing through an aim of this major dredging area of grass and trees, but you will soon meet the river again aim of this major dredging area of grass and trees, but you will soon meet the river again operation by the Tyne operation by the Tyne Improvement Commission was ContinueContinue along along the path the untilpath youuntil meet you meet a dual a carriagewaydual carriageway and a and large a largesign sign Improvement Commission was to reduce the distance between sayingsaying “Newburn “Newburn Riverside”. Riverside”. This is This the is access the access route route to the to Newburn the Newburn Haugh Haugh to reduce the distance between Scotswood and Newburn and industrialindustrial area. area. Cross Cross the dual the carriageway,dual carriageway, then thenturn rightturn rightand walk and walkalong along the the Scotswood and Newburn and allow passage for bigger boats. pavementpavement in the in opposite the opposite direction direction from fromthe Haugh, the Haugh, passing passing Lemington Lemington Gut on Gut on allow passage for bigger boats. The cone of the Lemington your left.your Turnleft. Turnleft at left the at roundabout. the roundabout. Cross Cross the road the roadat a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing crossing The cone of the Lemington glassworks is visible in the a littlea waylittle along,way along, and walk and northwalk north up Neptune up Neptune Road. Road. Look Lookout for out the for sign the on sign on glassworks is visible in the distance from the dual the leftthe pointing left pointing to Hadrian’s to Hadrian’s Way. Way. This leads This leads you into you Ottringham into Ottringham Close. Close. distance from the dual carriageway. Turn Turnthe page the pageto continue to continue your yourwalk walk carriageway.

9 10 4: Bell’s4: Bell’s Close Close to Lemington to Lemington Village Village CoalC oaanld aInrdo nI ron

TravellingTravelling by car: by car: From Fromthe A 6the085 A1085 take thetake turning the turning signposted signposted to Dumpling to Dumpling Hall. Hall.Travelling Travelling west, west, this isthis the is second the second turning turning on the on right the afterright afterthe Newburn the Newburn Haugh Haugh roundabout. roundabout. Drive Drivea short a shortdistance distance up Neptune up Neptune Road, Road, then takethen atake left aturn left intoturn Ottringham into Ottringham Close Closewhere where you can you park. can park.

Start Startyour walkyour walk

EnteringEntering Ottringham Ottringham Close, Close, you will you see will an see interpretation an interpretation board board and a and sign a sign pointingpointing you to you the to Hadrian’s the Hadrian’s Way path.Way path. The sign The is sign slightly is slightly misleading. misleading. Don’t Don’t go downgo down the slope the slopeon the on left! the Takeleft! theTake tarmac the tarmac path straightpath straight ahead ahead of you. of you.

From Fromhere youhere cannot you cannot go wrong go wrong as long as aslong you as keep you keepto the to Hadrian’s the Hadrian’s Way Way path. This is marked by frequent blue signs for the cycleway and brown signs path. This is marked by frequent blue signs for the cycleway and brown signs The areaThe toarea the to south the south here hashere long has beenlong beenhome home to a variety to a variety of industries. of industries. for the walk route. This is the official Hadrian’s Wall National Path – although, th for the walk route. This is the official Hadrian’s Wall National Path – although, ThereThere were wereseveral several coal staithes coal staithes around around the Gut, the theGut, first the dating first dating from fromthe 17 the 17th of course, it does not follow the route of the Roman Wall which ran further of course, it does not follow the route of the Roman Wall which ran further century.century. In 1797 In 1797an ironworks an ironworks was set was up set here up onhere a siteon a later site splitlater bysplit the by main the main north along the line of what is now the main A69 road. north along the line of what is now the main A69 road. road. road. It became It became the first the integrated first integrated ironworks ironworks on Tyneside, on Tyneside, smelting smelting iron ores iron ores and converting them into wrought iron. This photograph, taken about 1905, The pathThe followspath follows the track-bed the track-bed of a railway of a railway line which line which connected connected this area this witharea with and converting them into wrought iron. This photograph, taken about 1905, shows the buildings of the ironworks, which had ceased operation by then. the Newcastle-Carlislethe Newcastle-Carlisle railway railway via a loopvia a fromloop fromScotswood Scotswood Bridge Bridge to Wylam. to Wylam. shows the buildings of the ironworks, which had ceased operation by then. The glassworksThe glassworks cones cones can be can seen be behindseen behind it, and, it, toand, the to left, the the left, power the power station. station. As youAs walk you west,walk west, you pass you thepass village the village of Bell’s of Bell’sClose Close on your on left,your and left, then and then cross over Sugley Dene. Much of the route feels rural as it passes through cross over Sugley Dene. Much of the route feels rural as it passes through woodlandwoodland and grassed and grassed areas, areas, but this but area this hasarea an has important an important industrial industrial history. history. To theTo north the north there there were wereseveral several coalmines, coalmines, while while to the to south the south there there was a was a LemLinemgtionng tGonla sGswlaossrwkso rks cluster of important industries in an area known as Low Lemington, along the cluster of important industries in an area known as Low Lemington, along the The glassworks opened here in side of Lemington Gut. The industries have long since closed but remnants The glassworks opened here in side of Lemington Gut. The industries have long since closed but remnants 1787. It was characterised by its remainremain on the on semi-derelict the semi-derelict site, including site, including the huge the hugecone coneof Lemington of Lemington 1787. It was characterised by its large,large, cone-shaped cone-shaped glasshouses glasshouses GlassworksGlassworks which which can be can seen be fromseen fromHadrian’s Hadrian’s Way path.Way path. in whichin which glass glasscould could be fired be tofired a to a This sectionThis section of the of walk the iswalk short, is short, so keep so keepyour eyesyour openeyes openfor Lemington for Lemington Village Village temperaturetemperature of about of about 2,000C. 2,000C. on youron right.your right. A brown A brown signpost signpost for the for Lemington the Lemington Centre Centre points points to the to small the small TheseThese were weredemolished demolished when when ornateornate gateposts gateposts leading leading to Tyne to TyneView, View, the main the mainstreet street of the of Victorian the Victorian village. village. the glassworksthe glassworks closed closed in 1997, in 1997, with thewith exception the exception of one of of one the of the If you want to explore these villages and their industries, try our Bell’s Close, th If you want to explore these villages and their industries, try our Bell’s Close, originaloriginal 18 century 18th century cones cones which which has been has beenrefurbished refurbished and listed. and listed. The The Sugley and Lemington Trail which starts at Ottringham Close. Sugley and Lemington Trail which starts at Ottringham Close. glassworksglassworks was a was major a major employer, employer, and many and many of its ofworkers its workers lived livedin cramped in cramped homeshomes adjacent adjacent to the to factory. the factory. This picture This picture dates dates from from1915. 1915. Turn theTurn page the pageto continue to continue your walkyour walk 11 12 5: Lemington5: Lemington Village Village to Tyne to Tyne Riverside Riverside Country Country Park Park ScoStscwotosowdo otdo tWoy lWamyl aRma ilRwaaiylw ay

TravellingTravelling by car: by car: The Newcastle-CarlisleThe Newcastle-Carlisle If youIf are you starting are starting here, here, you can you park can parkon Tyne on TyneView, View, Lemington. Lemington. Join Hadrian’sJoin Hadrian’s railway,railway, opened opened in the in the Way Waywalk walkand cycle and cycle path pathby passing by passing through through the through the through ornate ornate black black gates gates 1830s,1830s, crossed crossed the river the riverat at oppositeopposite the Lemington the Lemington Centre. Centre. Turn Turnright rightto walk to walkwest westtowards towards Newburn. Newburn. ScotswoodScotswood to continue to continue along along the souththe south bank. bank. In 1871 In 1871 a a new loopnew loopline was line builtwas builtto to StartStart your your walk walk link thelink outer the outer west westvillages villages to theto main the main line. line.Stations Stations ContinueContinue to walk to walkwest westalong along Hadrian’s Hadrian’s Way, Way, ignoring ignoring any paths any paths splitting splitting off in off in werewere built builtat Lemington at Lemington and and otherother directions. directions. Newburn.Newburn. This photograph,This photograph, taken in 1956, shows a train You will come to an open landscaped area to your right. This is the site of taken in 1956, shows a train You will come to an open landscaped area to your right. This is the site of passing the Percy Pitheap on Percy Pit, named after the Duke of Northumberland who used to own the land. passing the Percy Pitheap on Percy Pit, named after the Duke of Northumberland who used to own the land. its way from Wylam to Lemington. The site was cleared and landscaped in the 1970s - the last pitheap to be its way from Wylam to Lemington. The site was cleared and landscaped in the 1970s - the last pitheap to be cleared in Newcastle. The pit was part of Walbottle Colliery, one of several cleared in Newcastle. The pit was part of Walbottle Colliery, one of several across the area. A branch waggonway used to run north from here, bringing across the area. A branch waggonway used to run north from here, bringing coal downcoal down from fromWalbottle Walbottle to join to the join main the main waggonway. waggonway. IsabIesallba eCllao llCieorlyli e ry ContinuingContinuing along along Hadrian’s Hadrian’s Way, Way, you will you reach will reach a point a point where where the path the pathforks. forks.

Take Takethe left the fork, left fork,following following the brown the brown sign forsign Hadrian’s for Hadrian’s Way. Way. This bringsThis brings you you to Newburnto Newburn Bridge. Bridge. Do not Do cross not cross the river. the river. Cross Cross the road the roadto the to Boathouse the Boathouse pub onpub the on opposite the opposite side, side,and follow and follow the Hadrian’s the Hadrian’s Way Waysigns signs to continue to continue along along the norththe north bank bankof the of river, the river, passing passing along along Water Water Row. Row.

ContinueContinue along along this path, this path, passing passing the slipway the slipway and buildings and buildings of the of Tyne the TyneRowing Rowing Club.Club. You will You cross will cross a small a small wooden wooden bridge bridge over overa stream a stream to reach to reach a grassy a grassy area areaoverlooking overlooking the river. the river. There There are benches are benches to sit to on sit here, on here, next nextto the to the memorialmemorial and interpretation and interpretation boards boards commemorating commemorating the Battle the Battle of Newburn. of Newburn.

LeavingLeaving the river the riverbehind behind you, crossyou, cross the grassy the grassy area areato reach to reach the Activity the Activity Centre. Centre.

You Youare noware now back back to the to startingthe starting point point of the of mainthe main circular circular walk. walk. The TyneThe TyneRiverside Riverside Country Country Park Parkstands stands on part on ofpart the of site the of site the of Isabella the Isabella Colliery. This was opened in the 1860s to the west of Newburn. As well as a If you started at a different point, go to page 3 to continue your walk. Colliery. This was opened in the 1860s to the west of Newburn. As well as a If you started at a different point, go to page 3 to continue your walk. coalmine, there were coke and brickworks. The steel manufacturing company coalmine, there were coke and brickworks. The steel manufacturing company of Spencer’s in Newburn was joint owner of the colliery, and its steelworks was WhileWhile you are you here are herewhy notwhy explore not explore this area this areafurther further with withour short our short circular circular of Spencer’s in Newburn was joint owner of the colliery, and its steelworks was the main customer for the coke. There was a dedicated railway line to walk walkTyne TyneRiverside Riverside Country Country Park Parkand Beyond and Beyond which which includes includes the remains the remains of of the main customer for the coke. There was a dedicated railway line to transport it to the works at Newburn riverside. the oldthe coke old cokeovens ovens of Isabella of Isabella Colliery Colliery and former and former miners’ miners’ houses. houses. transport it to the works at Newburn riverside. 13 14 A Circular Walk around the Outer West

This heritage trail takes you on a five-mile walk around Newcastle’s outer west. Starting at the Tyne Riverside Country Park at Newburn, which was once colliery land, the route follows the riverside through former industrial sites and around Newburn Haugh to join the track-bed of an old railway at Bell’s Close, following this path past Sugley Dene and Lemington village to return to the country park at Newburn. As well as a pleasant walk through a largely rural environment, this is a journey through the fascinating heritage of this area. Join us to explore your local history.

St James’ Heritage & Environment Group St James’ Heritage & Environment Group is an independent volunteer-run organisation and registered charity providing activities and resources for people of all ages to explore and celebrate the history of the west end of Newcastle.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://stjamesheritage.com Write: St James’ Heritage & Environment Group, c/o Sunnybank Centre, 12/14 Sunnybank Avenue, Newcastle, NE15 6SD

Acknowledgments Images courtesy of West Newcastle Picture History Collection, Newcastle Libraries and Information Service, Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne, and Les Turnbull. . Permission to use map extracts courtesy of the copyright holders: Ordnance Survey and www.old-maps.co.uk. Cover photograph: View east along the river from Tyne Riverside Country Park, 2020.