New trail 'connects area's historic sites'

The Tyne Derwent Way passes along the Nine Arches Viaduct

A nine-mile (14km) trail connecting historic sites along the River Tyne has been launched.

The Tyne Derwent Way starts in the centre of Gateshead at St Mary's Heritage Centre and makes its way to the National Trust's Gibside estate in the Derwent Valley.

Other key destinations include the Land of Oak and Iron Heritage Centre and the Nine Arches Viaduct.

National Trust volunteer and community manager Stewart Turnbull said the trail was on the "urban doorstep" of Gateshead for the entire region to "enjoy".

'Beautiful green space'

The organisation's Lucy Zwolinska added: "The Tyne Derwent Way project is all about celebrating the heritage, the nature and the culture alongside Gateshead's rivers.

"Gateshead communities really need access to beautiful green spaces and this project provides that and invites people from all over to come and be in Gateshead's beautiful riversides."

Lucy Zwolinska, from the National Trust, said the trail showcased many beautiful areas

The trust said improvements to pathways, signage and artwork had been completed to highlight key nature, culture and heritage areas.

Funding for the route, totalling £1.5m, was given to the Gateshead Riverside Partnership by the UK Skills and Partnership Fund.

'Huge cultural significance'

The launch also marked the reopening of the Grade II-listed Dunston Staiths, which had been closed to the public following arson attacks in 2019 and 2020.

Mr Turnbull said the wooden structure, constructed in the 1890s and originally used to load coal on to ships, was of "huge cultural significance for the area" as it had "a very strong connection with the community".

• A symbol of the past fighting for its future

Kari Vickers, from the Friends of the Staiths group, said the structure was one of 30 that once stood on the river.

"We are working very hard to restore it, but it's not a cheap project so we are looking for volunteers to come and support stewarding to help us open," she explained.

"People love it. It puts Dunston on the map, it puts Gateshead on the map."

The Grade II-listed Dunston Staiths, damaged by several arson attacks, will now be open on certain days through the year