On this Trail: you board a Metro Train and travel through South Tyneside to spend a day at South Shields, then return by train.
[Info. maps:routes see Metro on 'links' page of this site]
Choose one of these 3 (Metro) Stations most suited to you to board:-
(1)Callerton Parkway. (To South Shields 42 mins) Arrive by car. Leave A1 Road. take B696 Jedburgh Rd, for Airport. 1 mile leave at Callerton 'M' sign. From West on A696. next slip road after Airport. 'M' Car Park.
(2)Central Metro Station (Main Line Rail Link)-(Main bus routes).
(3)Gateshead (Main bus concourse directly above)
Or Board at a Station which suits your own convenience.
Metro Map.
Purchase return tickets. Green Line, to South Shields Metro Station. Stations have a system map and audio 'help' facilities.
The first part of your journey takes you (depending where you boarded) from the North of Newcastle via Haymarket, Monument and Central Stations. (Views from the train are looking forward in the direction of travel)
Central Station...continuing your journey, next stop Gateshead. On your left as you cross the river by The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, take in magnificent views of The High Level, Swing, Tyne and Millennium Bridges. On the right The King Edward VII rail Bridge. (see Bridges on this site)
Gateshead after leaving, in daylight, see the many redundant multi coloured cranes reminding us of a once thriving industrious river Tyne.
Gateshead Stadium Station (left) see the stands and lights of the International Athletic Stadium.
You are now in South Tyneside
Hebburn Station (left) in front see 2 concrete cones spaced about 1 mile apart. These are the main ventilator shafts of The Tyne Road Tunnel.
Bede Station far to your left: the first signs of the funnels of Ocean liners berthed in the river and the large Oil Refineries of North Shields.
Tyne Dock difficult to imagine a bygone era in an area where day and night coal trains thundered to and fro to waiting ships anchored in the docks...an era/area that inspired many of Catherine Cookson's novels from her personal childhood experiences here.
South Shields Station take the stairs continue all the way down exiting left at The Travel Centre onto Kepple Street / Take the lift exit to the left to the Travel Centre and turn left onto Kepple Street.
South Shields
Local Information
South Shields (pop.100,000) lies at the mouth of the River Tyne with beautiful beaches bordering the North Sea. There are several theories as to how the name originated.
The first: a Shiel was a place used by shepherds as a high ground shelter. Here was the South Shiel.
The second: A Prince Bishop stated he had visited North St. Hild then crossing the river he visited South St. Hild pronunciation through the years changed/developed.
The third: The name was given by the Prior and Convent of Durham.
The Town's abridged history shows early associations with the Brigantee Tribe (see NW History), then later as a Fort Roman at ARBEIA which was also a supply station (by river) to Hadrian's Wall.
After the Romans followed the visits of Saxons, Picts and Norsemen. The Norsemen, like the Romans built a Fort, however they were less friendly, they killed many of the areas inhabitants. All used the towns strategic position, both as a port and shipbuilding centre. The Towns achievements include designing/building the World's first purpose built Lifeboat. Throughout both World Wars the Town's position attracted enemy bombing which caused substantial damage and loss of life.
There are 5 major points to visit in the order set out during your stay.
The Museum. (Walking time from Station--5mins)
Arbeia Roman Fort. (Time from Museum 15-20 mins)
The Sea Front. (Time from The Fort 5 mins)
St.Hilda's Church (Walking from Sea Front to St. Hild Church. Market Sq. 30-40 mins.
The Market Square (Mon & Sat)
Begin your Visit Turn left out of the station onto Kepple Street. You will see a Mac Donalds on your left. Walk to the next junction, turn left onto Fowler St. At the next crossroad turn right onto Ocean Rd. On your right you will see The Museum and Art Gallery.
Museum. Free. (Mon-Sat.10-5:30) (Sun 1-5)
Elegant Grade II listed building housing the Land, Sea and River gallery which charts the industrial and environmental history of the area. Also houses the magnificent Catherine Cookson gallery illustrating the life and times of the author and people of the area.
Leave museum and turn right. Walk along Ocean Rd across the mini roundabout junc. and on your left you will see Baring St. and a sign to Arbeia Roman Fort. Turn left up Baring St. This is an uphill climb, possibly around 1/2 ml. The fort is over the brow of the hill. As you reach the brow you will see far in front of you a white building. This is situated at North Shields and is the High Light once used to guide ships into the river.
Arbeia Roman Fort Free. (Mon-Sat. 10-5:30) (Sun 1-5)
Built in AD 160 and situated some distance East of the East end of Hadrian's 'Roman Wall' and on the opposite side of the river, was in a strategic defensive position on a hill at the mouth of The River Tyne. Walk around the excavated remains of the Granaries then stand back and appreciate the magnificent reconstruction of The West Gate of the Fort and then visit the reconstructed Commanders quarters. Finally visit the museum and time quest centre.
Leave the Fort and turn left. At the next junction (red Post Office) turn left onto Fort Street. Walk to the end of Fort St. jnct. Lawe Rd. and stop to take in the view. Looking out over the North Sea you will see the North and South Piers defending the Mouth of the river from the North Sea. To your left, near to the land end of the North Pier, you will see the ruins of Tynemouth Priory. In front you, you will see the entrance (complete with Roman wording) to North Marine Park. Cross over the road and walk into the park. Follow the path until you reach a set of stairs. Near to them is an information plaque. Lookout over Littlehaven Beach. On the left you will see the Groin Pier with the red building situated on it. At the land end of the Groin is The Little Haven Hotel. On the beach you will see The Conversational Piece. 22 life-size human-like figures each weighing a quarter of a ton. Created by Spanish artist Juan Munoz.
Continue walking past the stairs you will see a warning beacon to your left (large wooden pole with a basket on top). Far in front of you, you will see the houses of the Marsden area, with The Souter Lighthouse (1871) on the horizon. As you walk on you will see the beautiful bowling greens below.
Follow the red line on the path as it drops left down the sloping path into the park...passing the Adventure playground on your left.
When you reach the light in the middle of the path turn right and walk to the exit of the park. As you do you will see on your left a full size model of the first purpose built lifeboat. At the exit turn right onto Ocean Road. Walk along Ocean Road passing The Museum (you visited earlier). At the end of Ocean Rd. continue straight across onto King's St.
King's St.
See an array of High Street shops. At the end of the street, at the Market Square, you will see the old 18th Century Town Hall overlooking the Market. On your left you will see St. Hilda's Church.
St.Hilda's Church Free. Mon & Sat. Facilities. Refreshments. Snacks and visitors centre.
A Church has stood on this spot since 647 AD. Rebuilt in 1100 by the Normans. Extended in 1784. In 1812 the church was dilapidated. It was then rebuilt. 1941 extensive damage was caused by bombing. 1998 awarded a Heritage Grant. Have a rest in the friendly cafe. Take in the atmosphere of the magnificent Church. Look for the 200 year old wooden carved model boat hanging above you and the beautiful stain glass windows. Out of the Church, the Market is in front of you, go and find yourself a bargain!
The Market Square (Mon & Sat, traditional mkt.)
After your Market visit return to Kings Street and walk back to the Metro Station which is on your right near the other end of the street.
Walk up or take the lift to the platform, get on any train, as they are all Green Line. Your day at South Shields is now over. Thank you for once again walking with Newcastle Walks.
Thank You
NW.
Please note that Newcastle Walks does not accept liability, for the condition of the walks which can change on a daily basis, or for any injury, fatality, loss or damages incurred by any person. Newcastle Walks are not inviting the public to walk on any of the walks, but are providing information about specific routes, that are available in the North East of England. Therefore any person who decides to walk any of the walks within this website does so of their own choice and at their own risk.
