We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Brian S.
South Shields (Via SS ferry to NS) to Seaton Sluice - Return By Bus and Ferry.
An easy 7.5 mile walk with a few steps thrown in commencing at the North Shields Ferry Terminal.
We meet as normal at the CLS car park and then travel to South Shields, where we again meet up at the Mill Dam car park. A two minute walk will see us at the departure point at the ferry terminal. The ferry departs at 1045hrs and the cost is £3.90 return. After a pleasant 10 minute trip across the Tyne which provides some wonderful views, we commence our ramble on the north side of the river.
Heading towards the coast we pass the historic quayside area where a multitude of trawlers offload fish, freshly caught. Heading along the coastal path we then pass the Admiral Collinwood Statue on the left and the Black Middens reef on the right. The Black Middens are noted for the danger to shipping. The views of two piers at this point are superb. On reaching Tynemouth we are rewarded with a fabulous side view of the Priory. We then head north towards Long Sands and walk along the beach to Cullercoats. Encountering a rocky outcrop on route we may then stop for a spot of early lunch in a most picturesque and wind free setting. On departure we then have a mixture of both promenade and beach walking to Whitley Bay passing the Spanish City building. From thereon we follow the King Charles 111 Coastal Path towards St Marys Island. The lighthouse has just been recently refurbished and was glistening in the sun at the time of the recce. Watch out for seals in this area.
From thereon we continue north along excellent footpaths to reach Seaton Sluice area.
Overall I have run out of adjectives to describe the breathtaking beauty of this route which from start to finish shows how lucky we are to live with such beautiful locations on our doorstep.
On conclusion we catch the bus back to the ferry point. The inconvenience of catching busses and ferry are well worth the effort.
0950hrs for 1000hrs departure leaving the Civic Centre Car Park , Chester Le Street, DH3 3UA.
Parking: Mill Dam, South Shields. Parking is free. Postcode NE33 1EQ. What 3Words ///copies.social.packet. Directions to the start point: Head along the A1M north and just past Washington Services take the A194M towards South Shields. At the end of the motorway roundabout continue along the A194 to the Tyne Dock Port entrance roundabout. At the second roundabout at Kennedys pub turn left along Temple Town Road and follow the road all the way to South Shields Town Centre. On reaching the outskirts at the Asda roundabout there is a tourist brown sign indicating the Mill Dam area. Parking is behind the Customs House. Please note the following: Ferry Fare is by card only. For those that qualify please bring your bus pass. For those ordinarily paying the cost is £4.30. The busses from Seaton Sluice operate every half hour. We change at Tyneside Hospital for a connection direct to the ferry. Similarly the ferry operates every half hour which connects to the bus timings. There will also be a five mile ramble for anyone wishing break off but this will be a self guided return. The bus departs the Spanish City every half hour and is on the same bus route.
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