Three Rivers Cycleway - NCN 14 Landmarks

Along NCN 14 between Consett and Blaydon
there are several important Places of Interest and Landmarks
which are close to or on the cycleway

Click here for bridges along the River Derwent

Ebchester Roman Fort

At Ebchester the line of the Vindomora Fort can be
seen on the north side of the A694 and in St. Ebba's Churchyard. The angle turret and curve of the
rampart are visible at the north-west, north-east
and south-west corners of the fort site.

A number of Roman inscribed stones, including an altar to the Roman God Jupiter can also been seen inside St Ebba's Church.

Approx 3/4 mile west of NCN 14

Derwentcote Cementation Furnace

Once at the centre of the British Steel Industry, 18th Century Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete authentic steel making furnace to have survived. It dates from about 1720 and was one of a number of steel manufacturing works along the banks of the R. Derwent. This area, along with neighbouring Tyneside, produced nearly half of Britain’s steel output in the 18th Century.

‘Newcastle Steel’ as it became known, enjoyed an international reputation for excellent quality. Production ceased in the 1870’s and the furnace soon fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 1985 it was taken into the care of English Heritage and carefully restored

Approx 3/4 mile west from NCN 14

Gibside Chapel

Approx 3/4 mile east from NCN 14

Gibside Chapel and Grounds - NT

From the Derwent Walk - NCN 14 -
near Rowlands Gill there are splendid views across
the valley to the Gibside Estate.

The ruined hall was built in 1620 but the estate was not landscaped until the 18th century.

The statue to British Liberty, Banqueting Hall and Chapel were all built during this period.

Now owned by the National Trust
and open to the public.

Click link for more pictures and information

NT link with opening times etc.

Liberty Column

The Column of British Liberty which stands within the
Gibside Estate can be seen for very many miles around
and from NCN 14 along the Derwent Walk.

Begun in 1750 it was completed in 1759 by James Paine, who took over from Daniel Garrett in 1753. The statue, 12ft high and originally gilt, was carved by Christopher Richardson in situ 1756-7, the figure holds the staff of maintenance and cap of liberty.

The column is Roman Doric and is 140ft high, making it a little taller than Nelson's Column which stands in London.

Built 1998

NCN 14 passes over this bridge
at Clockburn Lake and continues
through the park on a multi-user path

Derwenthaugh Country Park

Until 1986, Derwenthaugh Park was the site of the Derwenthaugh Coke Works. Opened in 1928 it took coal from the Chopwell colliery and the resulting coke was shipped from the staithes on the River Tyne at Derwenthaugh.

In the 18th and 19th centuries Crowley's Ironworks dominated the site. These were the largest ironworks in Europe at the time.

Gateshead Council has transformed the former cokeworks and spoil heaps into parkland with cycle tracks and footpaths, a fishing lake, a golf course, and a link into the Derwent Country Park with its 300 acres of woodlands, diverse wildlife and habitats.

Before reclaimation with coke plant in
background - note the industrial smog !!

The same area today with Multi-user
track replacing the rail tracks

Old Postcard of the Lady Steps

Dam Head

This weir also known as "The Lady's Steps", was a popular picnic spot in Victorian times.

This dam was constructed to provide a head of water
to the Crowley Ironworks to power the water wheels
and forges, which manufacture anchors
and chains for the Navy.

The Iron works were founded in 1691
by Ambrose Crowley

The Swalwell Visitor Centre now occupies the site

NCN 14 passes this dam along the west bank
of the River Derwent.