Get Walking. Your guide to walking in Gateshead.

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1 For further information on anything in this booklet contact the Get Walking Team on: Tel: Get Walking Your guide to walking in Gateshead

2 hello and welcome to Get Walking, your guide to getting out and about on foot in Gateshead. Inside you ll find all you ll need to know about walking in the borough, including led walks throughout the year which you can take part in. You ll also find information on how to become a walk leader yourself and contact details for organisations near you who regularly hold led walks. Walking is a fantastic way to increase your activity levels and regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer. As well as the health benefits walking is free and you don t need any specialist equipment to do it! Every step counts, so whether you can walk half a mile or 10, join in one of our group walks with a trained leader or pick a walking route from the selection on our website and get walking! Getting started Not only is walking a fantastic way to get active and improve your overall health, your mood will improve and you ll discover parts of your local area you never knew existed! How long should I walk for? When you first start walking you should be aiming for 30 minutes a day, but you don t have to do them all in one go to start with! You could walk for 10 minutes three times a day or 15 minutes twice a day. Every step counts so even a quick trip to the shops or the postbox all adds up! The most important thing is that you build up walking gradually, and at your own pace. What should I wear? A good pair of shoes is the only equipment you need. Go for shoes that are comfortable, provide good support and don t cause blisters. Wear thin layers rather than heavy, chunky clothing as if you get too hot or too cold you can always remove or add a layer as you go! If it s hot outside make sure you take a bottle of water, a sun hat and sun cream. If it s dark make sure you wear reflective items of clothing so drivers are able to see you. All walks included in this booklet have been organised by groups across Gateshead. For further information on the Get Walking programme contact or getwalking@gateshead.gov.uk Correct at time of print, subject to change. Contact walk organiser to confirm details.

3 All of the following walks are taken by trained walk leaders and will take place regardless of weather conditions so suitable clothing and footwear must be worn. April Every day 1 April 30 September 12noon & 2pm Gibside, Burnopfield, NE16 6BG - meet at Discovering Gibside s History - Discover the rise and fall of Gibside s families. Normal admission applies. This historic walk has fantastic views across the River Tyne, walk from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge onto the quayside and get to know its rich history. 50p 1 or (depending on ability of group) Saturday 16 1pm 2pm Norwood Nature Park, off Lobley Hill Road, NE11 9TG. Meet at entrance gates A very short, family friendly walk including wildlife activities for the kids. - Under 8 s to be accompanied by an adult For further info contact Gateshead Council s Natural Environment Team on Wednesdays 20 & 27 Baltic & Sage - starting and finishing at Gateshead Civic Centre, this walk includes Gateshead Old Town Hall, Quayside, Gateshead St Marys and The Sage. Thursday 21 This is a gentle stroll around the village streets and is for those with limited ability and mobility. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk. Book in advance. ½ mile 2pm Low Fell Library, NE9 6HT A short stroll past some of Low Fell s historic houses For further info contact Gateshead Council s Library Team on three four

4 May This 40 minute walk takes in a steep climb, and includes the war memorial, Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead Central Library and Gateshead Leisure Centre. Starting and finishing at Brandling Community Centre the route passes by Bill Quay Farm, leisure boats on the riverside, swan hunters shipyard and the old quarry redevelopment. There are good views of the picnic area and the riverside. 50p 3 miles Sunday 1 5am Dawn Chorus Walk - Discover early morning wildlife and birdsong as the sun rises over Gibside. 6 per person, refreshments included. Wednesday am This route will take you past St Chad s allotment which the community use to grow their own vegetables and herbs. For further info contact pm 2pm Elgin Centre, Carr Hill, NE9 5PA Help celebrate local history month with a visit to Saltwell Towers and explore its history while you re there! For further info contact Gateshead Council on Thursdays 5 & 19 This is a gentle stroll around the village streets and is for those with limited ability and mobility. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk.. Book in advance. ½ mile 10.30am This route follows the gently ascending Bowes railway path with views across rolling countryside. The surface is good for walking when dry, but can be soft in some places at times of inclement weather. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk. Dogs on leads welcome.. Book in advance. Saturday am Saltwell Park, Training Centre, East Park Rd, NE9 5AX A short walk around the park with the chance to take pictures, creating a photo mosaic with Community Chaplin Jim Craig. For further info visit friendsofsaltwellpark Sunday 8 Meet at Wylam Railway Station, NE41 8JA Search for the signs of Spring on this circular walk over moderate terrain. 1 Book in advance. 6pm Yorkshire Dales meet at Heworth Metro Station at or Bede House Office Block, Sunderland Rd at 10.05am to be collected by coach. Join the Radio Ramblers as they celebrate their 40th anniversary on this free walk in the Yorkshire Dales. Everyone is welcome.. Book in advance. 8 miles Radio Ramblers on five six

5 Monday 9 A short circular walk starting at the farm taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Tuesday 10 Deckham Children s Centre, Elgin Rd, NE9 5PA A short family walk from Deckham Children s Centre on Elgin Road up to Gateshead Central Library for storytime and light refreshments. Suitable for families with children under 5 yrs For further info contact Deckham Children s Centre on Thursday 12 1pm Rowlands Gill Library, Norman Rd, NE39 1JT Find out more about the history of Rowlands Gill and Highfield on this local history walk and share your memories of the area. - Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further info contact Living Streets on Saturday 14 11am Longacre Wood Meet at Ravensworth Arms car park, Lamesley, NE11 0ER Enjoy a Spring flower walk around Gateshead s best Bluebell wood. 1 Book in advance. Adults and children aged 8 yrs am 12.30pm Chopwell Woods, High Spen, NE39 1LT Spring Photography - Starting and finishing at the forest classroom, bring your camera and join the guide to find the best location in the woodland for that perfect photograph. 3 per person. Book in advance. 16 yrs + (10 15 yrs welcome if accompanied by an adult) Friends of Chopwell Woods on Tuesday 24 2pm Birtley Library, Durham Rd, DH3 1LE Join Birtley Heritage Group on this Spring stroll and find out about Birtley's Industrial history. 3 miles For further info contact Gateshead Council's Library Team on seven

6 June Starting and finishing at Gateshead Civic Centre, this historic 40 minute walk includes breathtaking views across the River Tyne. Starting and finishing at Brandling Community Centre this walk passes the cycle path. 50p Wednesday am This short walk takes in Saltwell Park towards The Dene and captures the beautiful scenes of this Victorian park. 11am Get active at Gibside! - Explore Gibside on this wander around the parkland with one of our tour guides. Thursdays 2, 16 & 30 This gentle stroll is for those with limited ability and mobility. Free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk.. Book in advance. ½ mile Thursdays 2, 16 & am This route follows the gently ascending Bowes railway path with views across rolling countryside. The surface is good for walking when dry, but can be soft in some places at times of inclement weather. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk. Dogs on leads welcome.. Book in advance. Saturday 4 1pm Saltmeadows - Meet at Riverside Park car park, NE8 3AF Enjoy a short, summer stroll on this circular route along an attractive stretch of the River Tyne looking out for wildlife such as Kittiwakes at the Kittiwake Tower. For further info contact Gateshead Council s Natural Environment Team on Monday 13 A short circular walk starting at the farm taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Tuesday 14 Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, NE8 4LN Join us for a leisurely walk to Saltwell Park, where we ll feed the ducks before settling down for a teddy bear s picnic. Don t forget your teddy and your picnic! For further info contact Gateshead Central Library on Saturday 18 12noon Derwent Walk Country Park - Meet at Winlaton Mill car park off the A694. A walk taking in the summer sights. Steps included. 1 Adults and children 8 yrs + Wednesday 22 1pm 2pm Elgin Centre, Carr Hill, NE9 5PA Invite a friend to mark Gateshead Together Week. The route will include the lake in Saltwell Park. For further info contact Gateshead Council on pm Highfield Community Primary School, Rowlands Gill, NE39 2JE Help us celebrate Gateshead Together Week. - Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further info contact Living Streets on nine ten

7 July This walk will take you through the allotments and past the new housing estate. 50p This walk takes in views across Newcastle and North Tyneside including Gateshead International Stadium, The Byker Wall and the Wills Building. Tuesday 5 Oliver Henderson Park, Felling, NE10 8JJ meet at the play area This walk through the park will be over mostly flat surfaces. Remember to bring a snack for the ducks! For further info contact Gateshead Council Library Staff on Wednesday am Get active with this short stroll to Saltwell Park s children s play area and back. For further info contact pm 2pm Elgin Centre, Carr Hill, NE9 5PA This family walk takes you in and around Saltwell Park. For further info contact Gateshead Council on Saturday 9 Watergate Forest Park, NE9 7EQ Meet at the car park Burdon Moor and Back - A moderate to hard walk from Watergate Forest Park to Burdon Moor looking at local history and wildlife. Includes a tea stop at the Tanfield Railway. Expect steps and stiles and some short sections which may be wet or muddy. Adults and children aged 8 yrs + 8 Miles For further info contact Gateshead Council s Natural Environment Team on Monday 11 A short circular walk starting at the farm taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Tuesday 12 Bensham Children s Centre, Liddle Terrace, NE8 1YN A short family walk from Bensham Children s Centre up to Gateshead Central Library for storytime and light refreshments. Suitable for families with children under 5 yrs For further info contact Gateshead Central Library on eleven twelve

8 Thursdays 14 & 28 This is a gentle stroll around the village streets and is for those with limited ability and mobility. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk.. Book in advance. ½ mile 10.30am This route follows the gently ascending Bowes railway path with views across rolling countryside. The surface is good for walking when dry, but can be soft in some places at times of inclement weather. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk. Dogs on leads welcome.. Book in advance. Saturday pm Discover what s new in the garden this month and the latest progress on restoring our shrubbery. Normal admission applies. Thursday 21 2pm Whickham Library, St Mary's Green, NE16 4DN Enjoy a sunshine stroll around Whickham Village. 3 miles For further info contact Gateshead Council s Library Team on Monday 25 Highfield Community Centre, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1EH Come along to a fun family walk to help you get the summer holidays started. - Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further info contact Living Streets on Thursday 28 1pm 2pm Saltwell Park, East Park Rd, NE9 5AX - Meet at gate adjacent to the Little Theatre Tree Tales - A guided walk looking at some of the mythology and folklore associated with trees. 1 Book in advance thirteen fourteen

9 August This urban walk takes you through the winding streets of Saltwell and Bensham. The route takes you via Felling high street to Windy Nook Nature Reserve. 50p Wednesday am This walk leads to the picnic area in Saltwell Park. Enjoy the summer weather and the scenic views! For further info contact pm 2pm Elgin Centre, Carr Hill, NE9 5PA This pleasant walk to Saltwell Park s play and picnic areas is one for all the family. For further info contact Gateshead Council on Monday 8 A short circular walk taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Tuesday 9 Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, NE8 4LN Storytime in the library followed by a brisk walk to Saltwell Park. Enjoy a stroll around the park followed by lots of time playing on the slides! Suitable for families with children under 8 yrs For further info contact Gateshead Central Library on Thursdays 11 & 25 This is a gentle stroll around the village streets and is for those with limited ability and mobility. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk.. Book in advance. ½ mile 10.30am This route follows the gently ascending Bowes railway path with views across rolling countryside. The surface is good for walking when dry, but can be soft in some places at times of inclement weather. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk. Dogs on leads welcome.. Book in advance. Thursday 11 11am 12.30pm Thornley Woodlands Centre, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1AU Summer Stroll - A guided walk for all the family around the Derwent Valley with activities for children along the way. Steps included in this walk. 1 Book in advance Friday 12 Bowes Valley Nature Reserve, NE11 0XN Meet at Kibblesworth Millennium Centre car park and see how many dragonflies you can spot! 1 Book in advance, Thursday pm 10.30pm Saltwell Park, Training Centre, East Park Rd, NE9 5AX Join us for an insight into the world of Bats with a talk by expert Peter Shield. Bring a torch. 2 Book in advance Adults and children aged 8 yrs + 1/4 mile Friday 26 8pm 10pm River Derwent Meet at Lintzford lay-by, A694 about west of Rowlands Gill An evening walk with expert Joe Shipley to look for bats and learn more about these elusive mammals. Bring a torch. Adults 3, Children 1 Book in advance. 16 yrs and under must be accompanied by an adult Friends of Chopwell Woods on Monday 29 1pm & 3pm Gruesome Gibside Tours.Normal admission applies. fifteen sixteen

10 September This walk explores one of Britain s finest Victorian parks, Saltwell Park. This historic walk has fantastic views across the River Tyne. Walk from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge onto the quayside and get to know its rich history. 50p 1 or (depending on ability of group) Wednesday am The route takes you to Saltwell Towers and offers fantastic views of Saltwell Park. For further info contact pm 2pm Elgin Centre, Carr Hill, NE9 5PA Explore and enjoy the maze created by William Wales. For further info contact Gateshead Council on Thursdays 8 & 22 This is a gentle stroll around the village streets and is for those with limited ability and mobility. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk.. Book in advance. ½ mile 10.30am This route follows the Bowes railway path with views across rolling countryside. The surface can be soft in some places at times of inclement weather. Free bowl of soup and a bread bun at the end of the walk. Dogs on leads welcome.. Book in advance. Sunday 11 2pm 4.30pm Chopwell Woods, High Spen, NE39 1LT Meet at car park As part of the Year of Forests event activities include a treasure trail, woodcraft taster sessions and the Features of Chopwell Wood walk, discovering some of the sculptures and heritage features of Chopwell Woods.. Book in advance. 3 miles Friends of Chopwell Woods on Monday 12 A short circular walk starting at the farm taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Tuesday 13 Bandstand at Saltwell Park A short family walk from Saltwell Park to Gateshead Central Library for Autumn crafts. Suitable for families with children under 5 yrs For further info contact Gateshead Central Library on Saturday 17 12noon Meet at Sunniside car park, Burnt House Lane, NE16 5PJ Join us for this short walk exploring Sunniside. The route has rough and uneven ground at times, steps included. 1 Adults and children aged 8 yrs + 5 miles Thursday 22 Meet at Gateshead Leisure Centre for bus 10.30am Meet at Souter Lighthouse car park Souter Lighthouse, Coast Road SR6 7NH This 3 mile walk to the promenade, taking in the beautiful coastal scenery, is mostly flat with some steps. - if you would like transport to and from the start and finish points a bus will be leaving Gateshead Leisure Centre at and returning at approximately 3pm, cost of the journey is 3.50 per person and tickets can be bought at Gateshead Leisure Centre reception from Monday 8 August. 3 miles For further info contact Gateshead Council s Weight & Activity Management Team on Saturday 24 11am Fungi Foray and Feast - Join a fungi expert on a ramble round Gibside s fungi hot spots, learn what s edible and what s not before a tasting session at a fantastic feast of your fungi findings! seventeen eighteen

11 October This walk takes you right into the heart of Gateshead giving panoramic views across the River Tyne. The route passes by Bill Quay Farm, leisure boats on the riverside, swan hunters shipyard and the old quarry redevelopment. 50p 3 miles Wednesday am This short walk to Butterfly Park includes bug hunting and butterfly watching for the kids. For further info contact Thursdays 6 & 20 This is a gentle stroll around the village streets and is for those with limited ability and mobility. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk.. Book in advance. ½ mile 10.30am This route follows the gently ascending Bowes railway path with views across rolling countryside. The surface is good for walking when dry, but can be soft in some places at times of inclement weather. A free bowl of homemade soup and a bread bun is available at the end of the walk. Dogs on leads welcome.. Book in advance. Sunday am Watergate Forest Park, near Central Nursery, Lobley Hill, NE11 9RQ Meet at the main car park Enjoy a relaxed walk around Watergate lake. 1 1,5 miles 2pm 4pm Chopwell Woods, High Spen, NE39 1LT Meet at car park Fungal Foray - An easy stroll with expert forest fun-guy Gordon Simpson to discover more about the fascinating world of marvellous mushrooms and terrific toadstools with over 160 species of fungi to find! Adults 3, Children 1. Book in advance. Friends of Chopwell Woods on Monday 10 A short circular walk starting at the farm taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Tuesday 11 Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, NE8 4LN Calling all miniature witches and ghosts! Dress up and join us on a Halloween walk from Gateshead Central Library down to Gateshead St Mary s for some spooky Halloween fun. Suitable for families with children under 5 yrs For further info contact Gateshead Central Library on Sunday am 12.30pm Chopwell Woods, High Spen, NE39 1LT Autumn Photography - Starting and finishing at the forest classroom, bring your camera and join the guide to find the best location in the woodland for that perfect photograph. 3 per person. Book in advance. 16 yrs + (10 15 yrs welcome if accompanied by an adult) Friends of Chopwell Woods on Saturday 29 9am 12noon Gibside Paranormal Investigation - North East Paranormal Investigations host a night time walk around Gibside in search of spirits from the estate s past and other unexplained phenomenon. 25 per person. 3 miles nineteen twenty

12 November Baltic & Sage - This walk includes Gateshead Old Town Hall, Quayside, Gateshead St Marys and The Sage. Starting and finishing at Brandling Community Centre this walk passes the cycle path. 50p Wednesday am This refreshing and colourful walk takes you to the rose garden in Saltwell Park. For further info contact Tuesday 8 Matov Children s Centre, 233 Alexandra Rd, NE8 1RB Join us for a gentle walk through the terraces up to Gateshead Central Library for storytime. Suitable for families with children under 5 yrs For further info contact Gateshead Central Library on Saturday 12 12noon Derwent Walk Country Park - Meet at Derwenthaugh Park car park, Winlaton Mill off the A694 A short walk to Derwent Walk Country Park including the lake. 1 Monday 14 A short circular walk starting at the farm taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Saturday 19 11am Red Kite Ramble - Discover more about Gateshead's most famous birds of prey on a fascinating guided walk with the Friends of Red Kites. Normal admission applies. Monday am Meet at Gateshead Metro Interchange Washington - The Old Hall to the Oval Office. Enjoy this historical walk taking in the sights and sounds of Washington Village and the surrounding area. Includes steep incline. - travel costs not included. 4 miles For further info contact Age Concern on twentyone twentytwo

13 December This walk takes in a steep climb. The route includes the war memorial, Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead Central Library and Gateshead Leisure Centre. Starting and finishing at Brandling Community Centre this walk passes the cycle path. 50p Wednesday 2 Starting and finishing at Brandling Community Centre this walk will take you through the allotments and past the new housing estate. 50p Sunday 4 11am Ryton Willows - Meet at the bottom of River Lane before you cross the railway line, Old Ryton Village, NE40 3QF Join us for a walk around the new Ryton Willows Nature Trail. 1 Wednesday am This walk takes you around the lake in Saltwell Park where you can watch the wildlife and feed the ducks. For further info contact Monday 12 A short circular walk starting at the farm taking you between pigs and paddocks, then along a stretch of riverside noted for its diverse bird life. The paths are surfaced with some sloped sections. Tuesday 13 Gateshead Old Town Hall, West Street, NE8 1HE Join us at Gateshead Old Town Hall for a walk up to Gateshead Central Library, taking in lots of Victorian sights along the way. Followed by a Victorian Christmas craft session. Light refreshments available. Suitable for families with children under 5 yrs For further info contact Gateshead Central Library on Monday am Meet at Gateshead Metro Interchange Tinsel in Tynemouth. Starting from the Victorian railway station and taking in the town centre this historical walk takes you to Tynemouth Priory and beyond. Includes travel on the ferry. - travel costs not included. 4 miles For further info contact Age Concern on Monday 26 11am Boxing Day Breather - Work off the turkey and stuffing on a relaxing stroll around Gibside s winter wonderland. Normal admission applies. 3.5 miles twentythree twentyfour

14 DIY Walks! If you d like more information about walks in your area which you can do yourself then visit where you can download routes and get walking! or The following groups lead regular walks throughout Gateshead, contact them for further information on a walk near you Age Concern Local history walks for the over 50 s Tel: ageing.well@ageconcerngateshead.org.uk Community Links A Gateshead Council volunteer supported service for adults with learning disabilities. Tel: Friends of Chopwell Woods Local voluntary group who s aim is to help develop the educational and recreational uses of Chopwell Woods, whilst still conserving the wildlife and habitat. Tel: info@friendsofchopwellwood.org.uk Friends of Red Kites Local group who regularly hold walks in Gateshead s countryside and who provide information on the reintroduction of the Red Kite to the North East. Tel: Friends of Saltwell Park Regularly hold walks for members in the park. Gateshead College Hold walks for employees and employee partnerships. Tel: Janice.spall@gateshead.ac.uk Get Moving Get active with these walks for women, adults only. Tel: nicolasanders@gateshead.gov.uk Gibside National Trust property near Rowlands Gill, have a year long calendar of events. Tel: ed.jagger@nationaltrust.org.uk Interface Project Based at Brandling Community Centre, this long established group work with family groups, older people and youth clubs to develop educational opportunities. Tel: 0191 Low Fell Walks Walks taking place throughout the year around Low Fell Library. Tel: chrismyhill@gateshead.gov.uk Radio Ramblers Walking club based in Newcastle. Tel: St Chad s Community Project Based in Bensham, this group work in partnership with families to build a better community. Tel: Team Valley Links Organise walks for employees and students working or studying on Team Valley. Become a Volunteer Walk Leader! If you re interested in leading walks yourself then why not sign up to be a Volunteer Walk Leader! Walking for Health offers free training get you set up for leading walks in your area. You ll receive: A day s training covering risk assessments, benefits of and barriers to exercise, information on specific medical conditions, benefits of the natural environment and more Follow up training A one day first aid course Volunteer Walk Leader Manual and certificate All training and resources are free! For further information on how to become a Volunteer Walk Leader contact the Community Health Development Team on or sportdevelopment@gateshead.gov.uk twentyfive twentysix