Wylam to Ovingham Bridge


Mile
Guide Notes
153.0 Pass through two barriers and ahead on tarmac path passing Wylam car park (L)
This was once the site of Wylam North station & goods yard.
152.5

Ahead through two short tunnels and a long cutting to cross Hagg Bank Bridge


Hagg Bank Bridge also know as Points Bridge

This was the first wrought iron single span arch suspension bridge built for a
rail crossing in the UK and a fore runner of the Tyne & Sydney Harbour Bridges.
The bridge was restored in 1997.

152.4

Up a short steep climb - and cross a area of loose gravel and turn right onto road - ahead downhill passing houses (R) - through barrier and over two cattle grids to Hagg Bank Farm.


Beware of loose gravel surface at Hagg Bank
152.0 Pass through farm and up stoney track before descend again to join a wide tarmac path and pass the large white mounds of the Spetchells (L)
  The Spetchells are large chalk waste tips, from an ICI factory nearby that functioned until the 1960s. Although they are not natural they provide Northumberland's largest chalk habit. The wide range of nectar rich flowers attract many species of butterfly including Peacock, Red Admiral, Blues and Skipppers.
Further down river - on the far bank can be seen the chimney and buildings of an old steam pumping station for the then Newcastle Water Board which drew water from the river here, the remains of the river weir can be seen.
151.5 Continue ahead on wide track passing picnic areas to the Ovingham Bridges - pass under both bridges and follow wide track around into the car park and the Tyne Riverside Country Park visitors centre.
150.4 To continue on Hadrian's Cycleway to Corbridge and beyond leave car park and turn left and use Ovingham Bridge to cross the River Tyne

Ovingham to Haltwhistle section - panel 3 - (2/2)

Down river to Newcastle, South Shields and Tynemouth

 
Cross river link to Keelman's Way via Wylam Bridge

Turn left through car park onto Station Road and cross the River Tyne over Wylam Bridge.
At south side - before level crossing - turn left into Station car park to join Keelmman's Way

To follow Keelman's Way click sign to link to the
Cycle-Gateshead website which will open in a new window

The Tyne Crossings
 Ovingham Bridges
Hagg Bank Bridge
Wylam Bridge

Landmarks
Spetchells
Water Pumping Station