Because of the urban nature of this section along the south bank of the River Tyne it follows a
convoluted route in places and can be difficult to follow. Some sections are subject to
change as new housing and the Centre Link bus route projects are developed.

The route is well signed through Gateshead to the boundary with South Tyneside.
After this the signing becomes more sparse and then virtually non existant.

Therefore full guide notes with sketch maps are provided. These have been split into five pages
and also contain information about landmarks, river crossings and Places of Interest etc.

Cross river links to NCN 72 are also include with links to the Hadrian Cycleway website where appropriate.

NCN 14 to South Shields

The section between the mouth of the River Derwent to the Swing Bridge will be improved over
the next few years with the cycleway eventually running along the bank of the River Tyne.

After crossing the River Derwent continue alongside rail line (L) on wide gritstone track - pass under a concrete road bridge where the surface changes to tarmac.

Follow this path - which lies in a cutting between the Railway (L) and the Metro Centre ring road (R) - under a large red footbridge (Metro Centre link to Rail station) and new concrete flyover (bus only link into Metro Centre) and through a narrow path between the railway embankment (L) and the Tank Storage Depot (R) (site is presently being cleared) to junction with road.

This road can be very busy with traffic to and from the Metro Shopping Centre
especially at weekends.

Turn left and under low rail bridge - (note the footpath is extremely narrow here) and at Tjcn. turn left on SUP and use the safe crossing point to cross over to north side.

Turn right and follow the off road cycle track then shared use pathway (SUP) along Hardy Drive.

The first phase of improvements are in progress from just west of the mouth of the
River Team to the Swing Bridge here NCN 14 will run along a new riverside promenade.

Bear right and follow SUP alongside River Team - under large footbridge (out of use) and bear left on SUP along Team Street.

The footbridge will eventually form part of a new local cycle route linking with NCN 14

Pass the 3 large gas holders (R) and ahead to mini roundabout.

At present the section between Team St. Roundabout to the Swing Bridge is CLOSED
and you will have to follow the yellow detour signs taking you via Gateshead Town Centre.

This is to allow for the construction of a Bus Only road for the CityLink to the Metro Centre.
At the same time the riverside promenade is being constructed along which NCN 14 will use.

At roundabout turn left - through new housing - towards the River Tyne. Turn right and join the new riverside cycleway down river passing under the four high level bridges in succession - (Redheugh / King Edward VII / QEII Metro / High Leve).

Look out for the sculputes located bewteen the the Redheugh and Swing Bridges - see link below.

Continue on road - passing between night clubs (L+R) towards junction with the Swing Bridge approach road.

Cross river link to NCN 72 via Swing Bridge

The Swing Bridge approach road can be very busy and difficult to cross.
Use shared use pathway (SUP) and the Toucan crossing.

Just before T-jcn - turn right onto the shared use path (SUP) up to traffic lights - and cross over at Toucan Crossing.

Bear right on SUP then left into South Shore Road and continue on road passing under the Tyne Bridge.

Continue down river to South Shields

Up river to Blaydon Blaydon

Back to cross river link to NCN 72 via Scotswood Bridge

Places of Interest

The Tyne Crossings
Redheugh Road Bridge
King Edward VII Rail Bridge
QE II Metro Rail Bridge
High Level Road / Rail Bridge
Swing Bridge

Landmarks
Dunston Staithes

Doug on the Tyne 2004