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Tynemouth, perched high above the North Sea, was a supply port in the
time of Roman occupation and was used to supply the nearby Hadrian's
Wall with much needed provisions. The now ruined priory was built by
monks from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the 7th century. Much later
in Victorian times the area was filled by the new breed of holiday-makers
who arrived on the newly built railway to enjoy the areas sheltered
bathing and boating, but rest assured there was a policeman on duty
to ensure modesty was preserved.
Sea Life Aquarium
- more than 30 hi-tech displays provide encounters with dozens of sea
creatures. Journey 'beneath' the North Sea and discover thousands of
amazing sea creatures.
Black Middens
- once notorious rocks near the Tyne entrance which once in the 1860s
claimed 5 ships in 3 days
Tynemouth Castle and Priory
- dating from the 7th century this was the burial place for the Kings
of Northumbria but was later destroyed by the Danes. Later founded as
a Benedictine Priory and later still fortified but, now a picturesque
ruin.
The following Cafe has been recommended by Ian Sharp who rode the C2C
in June 2001. There is no name for the Cafe but in Ian's words...
Found an excellent café, just off the centre,
I think it was on Percy Park Road on the corner of Prudhoe Terrace.
The proprietor made us a lovely ham and cheese sandwich just as she
was closing, made us very welcome and let us sit and chat while they
cleared up round us. A good way to finish the C2C.
The Studio Tea-room is
a little Gem.
It is situated in Front Street in a Georgian terrace about
50 yards from the Priory. Wonderful atmosphere, home cooking scones
and Joan's
Leek and Potato soup. Souvenir post cards and local artists paintings
make for interesting presents to take home. Open Thursday to Sunday. Recommended
by Christopher Sinclair
Laverick's Cycles -
22 Station Road, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay Tel: 0191 2524491.
Tyne Cycles -
19/20 Rudyerd Street, North Shields,
Tyne and Wear Tel: 0191 2592266
Tyne cycles in North Shields are based at the eastern end of
the C2C. We sell, repair and hire cycles for all ages and will hire
luggage
if required.
The route from Consett to the edge of Newcastle follows the delightful,
wooded Derwent Walk which is a lovely flat/downhill section and an absolute
joy to cycle mainly because of the lack of barriers on the track. The
route hits Newcastle and at first it is a bit of a culture shock while
you travel through a short stretch of industrialised land but then you
have a nice ride to the finish with the option of using the north or
south bank of the Tyne. A lot of work has gone into the route to Tynemouth
and it has been recently resigned to make it easier to navigate. An
added attraction of finishing at Tynemouth is the chance to cycle over
the very impressive Millennium Bridge. A few riders have complained
in the past about getting totally lost in the section through Newcastle
but you can now use the route maps available on the Urban
Areas page of the site to help guide you through to the finish point.
The finish point has been complained about a bit in that some people
have said it is a bit of a disappointment and low key but the sense
of achievement at finishing the ride should compensate for that. Dip
your front wheel in the North Sea and congratulate yourself and start
planning your next ride.
If you have found a cafe, eating place, cycle shop or anywhere you might
like to recommend to other C2C'ers then send it in for inclusion into
The
C2C Guide.
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rooms .... 13 single - 20 double - 20 twin - 15 family - all en suite