Jarsou one

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I walked from South Shields to Jarrow. I think it would have been nicer to start the walk straight down the pedestrianised King Street and through the Old Town Hall in the Market Place. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Shields_Town_Hall. However, the route still passed The Word, the excellent new library with café, toilets and exhibitions. Then there was a pretty landscaped walk close to the river with views across to the piers at North Shields, where there were two ships.
Unfortunately, the path to the road included steps which could only be avoided by staying on the road and missing this landscaped section. The road section from here was, I think, unavoidable, but the first part allowed a few glimpses of the river and docks.
On reaching the A roads this became more of a pavement pace with no views. This section felt safe from cars, but was well used by cyclists, so it’s well worth keeping to the side and staying aware. The only thing along here that appealed to me was the nicely weathered sandstone block wall!
There are a couple of petrol stations along here if you are desperate, but it is much nicer to wait until Jarrow Hall.
It was a great relief to turn off the busy roads for the delightful Don riverside walk (accessed by three or four steps, but I think they can be avoided from the path a few metres to the north) past the old Jarrow Bridge, the Monastery and Jarrow Hall, where a short diversion from the car park took me to The Hive Coffee Company café which is open daily 9-4. They had a fabulous range of really tasty healthy food and drinks, with many vegan and gluten-free options. Very highly recommended. There were also benches by the river.
After this the path took me round the corner and past the oil terminal with some quite interesting views, smells, and graffiti.
The road walk after this passed the Tyne Tunnels with access to the lovely 1950s pedestrian and cycling tunnels. I was soon in the heart of Jarrow, with the route requiring me to go over a stepped footbridge to the other side of the Metro Station. (There is ramped access available from the A185 flyover which would need to be accessed from the bus station.)
All in all, a pretty good route, the only long tedious bit being unavoidable.

Walked from South Shields to Jarrow in October 2023 … a journey I have made by car many times !
Streets of South Shields led along to the river and the Customs House passing interesting houses on the way . After more Road walking the path followed the River Don around St Paul’s church ( Venerable Bede) and Bede’s World ( there is a nice cafe .)
Headed into the shopping area of Jarrow itself … I went to the Jarrow Grammar School over 50 years ago and the shops were new then ! While a lot of this route is housing / industry there is always something of interest .

To be honest I wasn't expecting much from this walk because I knew there was a significant section of walking beside roads through industrial areas but I was pleasantly suprised. The route starts out in the town centre and goes along streets out of town past shops, houses and industrial units. Then it was a short stretch of Bridleway with some interesting artwork leading to the River Don. What a wonderful suprise! This short stretch along the river to St Paul's Church and monastery was beautiful. The church and associated museum and monastery ruins is well worth a visit. Then it was onto a short stretch of grass verge to the main road past the Port of Tyne. The walking was fine and there were separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. The views weren't great but then there is no realistic alternative between Jarrow and South Shields.
There was some artwork as I walked into Southn Shields. Further along the road there were some steps leading down to the river. I wasn't sure about this diversion from the more direct route but once again I was suprised how attractive this area was. Yet more artwork beside the river togtehr with seating and an attractive fountain. You also pass The Customs House theatre. It was a short walk from there up the bank to the town centre.

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