Newburn To Wylam

If hills aren't your thing then why not have a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Tyne from Newburn to Wylam and back.

There is plenty of parking along the riverside at Newburn and for this walk I chose to cross the bridge onto the south side and then return via the north bank.

As you follow Keelman's Way along to Wylam you will pass through a nature reserve called Ryton Willows so keep your eyes peeled for toads, Nuthatches, Buzzards and many other species of bird.

The path hugs the Tyne all the way and is pretty much flat all the way.

Once you arrive at Wylam simply cross over the bridge and start your return journey.

There used to be a path that hugged the river, however as some parts collapsed, this is currently closed. So walk past the garden centre and then look for the waggonway which is Cycle Route 72.

There are some lovely decorated benches along the wagonway depicting the history of the area.

This building is where the civil and mechanical engineer George Stephenson was born and grew up here until he was 8 years old. The building is owned by the National Trust, but has been closed the last few times we have been along this way.

You can choose to stay on the wagonway or pick one of the number of paths that lead into the forest area nearer the river.

And there is the bridge we initially crossed so we're nearly back.

Just before you head back to the car, have a visit to the Newburn Ford Battlefield Monument to read about a skirmish that eventually led to the English Civil War.

Then it's just a few minutes stroll back to the car or to the nearby cafe if you need a post-walk refreshment.