Directions
The Footprint map has three large-scale sections showing the best route out of Tynemouth, which I reproduce with their kind permission. There is an alternative route out via Whitley Bay, but the main recommendation is as follows.
1 Start from the car park off Pier Road, facing the Castle and Priory, and take the path along the estuary. Turn left into Cliffords Fort and immediately right into Union Road, then left through the fish quays of North Shields. There may not be so many fishing boats now, but there are many quality fish and chip shops. Union Quay becomes Bell Street, Liddle Street and finally Clive Street.
2 Go right at the Chain Locker and up the cycle ramp and steps to Tennyson Tce. Follow the signs to Lowson St, going left into an alley and left onto Addison St. At the end of Lowson St go left and then right at the T-junction into Prince Regent Way. At the end of Chirton Dene Way you need to skirt round to the right of the Wet n'Wild tropical indoor water park, with its giant water chutes.
3 Follow the path to the right, along the cycle path parallel with Coble Dene, opposite the huge shopping centre at Royal Quays. This is where the Fjordline and DFDS ferries come in. You now cross Howdon Rd (A187). This brings you to St John's Green. Turn right past Percy Main Station. You will shortly be on the Waggonways, a disused railway line which passes the Stephenson Railway Museum. The famous family hailed from near Wylam, west of Newcastle on the Tyne and the museum has some original locomotives (0191 200 7145).