Hadrians Cycleway : Wylam

Wylam

Steam makes way for pedal power

The loss of the Scotswood, Newburn and Wylam Railway was the cyclist's gain: the HCW follow its course before taking you through this picturesque Tyneside community, with its own splendid little brewery. Wylam was the home of George Stephenson, 'father of the railway', and his cottage is now a bijou museum. The old line, needless to say, ran past its doorway. On the opposite side of the river the Tyne Valley Railway still operates between Newcastle and Carlisle. Wylam has also been home to the novelists Margaret Drabble, Lady Antonia (A.S.) Byatt, not to mention the former BBC boss Greg Dyke. Charles Algernon Parsons, inventor of the steam turbine, lived here, as did rail pioneers William Hedley and Timothy Hackworth. It has benefited - as has the entire Tyne Valley - from the recent prosperity of Newcastle.

Places of interest

Wylam Railway Museum, Falcon Centre, Falcon Tce, Wylam, NE41 8EE. Tues & Thurs 1400-1930; Sat 0900-1200. 01661 852174 George Stephenson's Birthplace, Wylam NE41 8BP. 19/3/09 - 1/11/09 1200-1700 Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun plus Bank Holiday Mondays. £2 adults £1 children. 01661 853457

Accommodation

Ovington House, Ovington, Prudhoe, NE42 6DH
Run by: Lynne Moffitt Georgian house set in five acres of land with stunning views across the Tyne Valley. Built in the 1730s with original features, such as shutters and fireplaces, there is an orchard, courtyard and also a converted barn with open plan accommodation. Cycle friendly with secure lock-up drying facilities.
01661 832442 stay@ovingtonhouse.co.uk www.ovingtonhouse.co.uk	Rooms : 2T, 3D. B&B: £35-£40. Evening meal : restaurant near by Pk lunch : please give notice.
Have you stayed here? Let us know! Be the first to write a review.

Wormald House & local shop,

Tel: : 01661 852529 Web: www.wormaldhouse.co.uk
Have you stayed here? Let us know! Be the first to write a review.

Bistro-en-Glaze,
Restaurant with rooms
Tel: 01661 852185
Have you stayed here? Let us know! Be the first to write a review.

Ovingham - Corbridge

Never mind that Hadrian's Wall is a few miles to the north at this point. Roman troops would not have had anything like as good a view of the Tyne. Cross over Ovingham Bridge and hang a left into River View, going past the local school. You are now on the country lane that takes you north of Bywell, just past mile marker 148, going under the A68 near Riding Mill. There is a mile long climb here taking you from Styford Bridge past High Barns. The lane then takes you to a T-junction, where you head left and descend into Corbridge.