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We have been to Wylam walking before, but it was well worth a return.
On our last visit, we headed east along the old railway line to George Stephenson’s birthplace. I’m sure I don’t need to go over the history of the railways and the pivotal role the Stephensons played in the founding of the modern railway. It’s nice to visit a place which has played a part in world history.
We parked to the south of the river and walked into the town. This takes you first over the level crossing at Wylam train station. The station is one of the earliest still in use in the world. Of note are the footbridge, the signal box over the line and the station master’s house. I’m sure people pass through here every day not recognising it’s significance.
We then crossed over Wylam bridge over they Tyne. The river was in full flow, but not as swollen as the Coquet a couple of weeks ago.
The old railway line again took us west over the Wylam railway bridge, a possible inspiration for the much later Tyne bridge, further downstream at Newcastle.
At this point we took a trail leading along the south bank of the Tyne. The trail opened out into a large field where some very friendly horses were happily munching away at the lush green grass. This trail leads all the way to Ovingham, a walk to be done in the spring no doubt, as it was very chilly today.
W walk well worth doing, and a must for any railway enthusiast.