Tynemouth and North Shields

Along the mouth of the River Tyne from a ruined abbey to a fishing quay

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Statistics and Files
Start: Tynemouth Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km) Climbing: 120 metres
Grid Ref: NZ 37120 69503 Time: 2 hours Rating: Easy
GPX Route File Google Earth File About Tynemouth
Statistics
Start: Tynemouth Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km)
Climbing: 120 metres Grid Ref: NZ 37120 69503
Time: 2 hours Rating: Easy
GPX Route File Google Earth File
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk: The walk begins at the headland where the River Tyne meets the North Sea. It follows the harbour entrance round to North Shields Fish Quay and then returns the same way. On the headland are the ruins of Tynemouth Priory, the burial place of the ancient Northumbrian kings. The monks from the priory took boats out from North Shields to catch fish, and so began Tyneside's fishing industry. Tynemouth Castle was built to defend the priory and, below it, the North Pier stretches out to protect the harbour entrance.

TynemouthTynemouth
Tynemouth PrioryTynemouth Priory

Prior's Haven, sheltered by the headland, is home to a sailing club. A path leads away from Prior's Haven to the Collingwood Monument, dedicated to the honour of Admiral Lord Collingwood, and erected in 1845. A local man, Collingwood took over from the mortally wounded Lord Nelson at Trafalgar and went on to win the battle.

The promenade below the monument leads to the Fish Quay at North Shields. The tall white building, topped by beacons are the 'leading lights' to guide boats into harbour. By lining up the 'high light' and the 'low light', the safe channels can be followed. As you walk along the cobbled streets, you pass the low light, marked by a plaque. Soon afterwards, you pass Clifford's Fort, built in 1672 to defend the river against the Dutch.

Steps lead up above the quay to the Wooden Doll pub, named after the succession of 'wooden dolls' - ships figureheads and statues of fishwives - which have stood in North Shields. Along the top is the Old High Light', erected when the safe channel shifted position.

North Shields Fish QuayNorth Shields Fish Quay
Collingwood MonumentCollingwood Monument

Also above North Shields Fish quay, look out for the architectural details in the railings. The finials, ornamental features at the tips, have nautical themes, for example, Jonah and the Whale, and a plate of fish and chips. From here, steps lead down past a mosaic of fish to the Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen.

The return route follows the river, passing the notorious Black Middens, rocks that have wrecked many ships. Prompted by this, the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade was formed in the 19th century as the world's first ship to shore rescue group. In their watch house, you can see an interesting collection, including artefacts from the wrecks of ships that perished off the shore.


Acknowledgments: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

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