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Northumberland-Walks.co.uk - photographic walks in Northumberland.Berwick Pier, Walls, Bridges and Town Walk.Introduction This walk can be started at any point around it's route depending upon where you park or whether you arrive in Berwick by bus or train. We started at the pier and walked along the pier first. Total distance is just under 4 miles.
Walk From the parking place at the end of Pier Road walk along the pier pausing at the corner to take in the superb view down the Northumberland Coast. Bamburgh and Lindisfarne Castles can be seen on a clear day. There is no handrail along this pier so it pays to keep clear of the edge and avoid it completely in stormy weather. Continue on to the lighthouse where the views to the north and south are both superb. Walking back along the pier provides a great view along the River Tweed and along the next part of the walk, Pier Road and the Quay Walls.
Pier Road is a lovely place, with many of the old buildings being restored into new homes - they have views that are hard to rival. Walk along the road as far as the walls, which the road passes under. Turn left and up onto the path behind the Quay Walls.
Follow the path passing an old cannon and when you reach the corner, be sure to walk up the steps to take in the views in all directions. From here follow the path past a row of fine Georgian Terraced Houses and from there, continue along the narrower path along the walls, a place which retains it's olde worlde charm.
When you reach the Old Bridge it is worth making a detour down the steps onto the quayside for views across the River Tweed and back up to the walls. Only a few small boats are moored here now but at one time this was a busy quay.
From the quayside walk back up to the bridge and turn left onto the bridge There is a "one way" system on the bridge footpaths which are on either side of the road. Look back for a view to a very old narrow street to the town centre.
Berwick Old Bridge was built between 1610 and 1624 and still carries road traffic. It is one of the finest old stone bridges in the country. On the way across, the parapets provide good viewpoints and photography opportunities. On your right is the impressive Royal Tweed road bridge which you will cross on the way back across the River Tweed.
At the end of the Old Bridge, turn right past Tweedmouth War Memorial and along the road towards a grassed area between the bridges. This is a favourite place where people feed the swans and a nice place to stop for views back across the River Tweed.
From here, walk across the road and underneath the Royal Tweed Bridge. Follow a footpath up the side of the bridge, emerging at the south end of the bridge. The Royal Tweed Bridge was built between 1925 and 1928. It was the largest concrete arch bridge in Britain when it was built. Walking across the bridge to Berwick the views are tremendous. On the left is the historic Royal Border Rail Viaduct that carries the main East Coast Railway. On the left, look down on the Old Bridge you just crossed and beyond down the River Tweed. Ahead is the view to Berwick Town Centre with the Town Hall clock which is a landmark from every direction.
When you reach the north end of the bridge turn immediately left and walk up to the Town Walls. Pass through an entry gate and follow the path up onto the top of the walls. From here you have views over the rooftops of Berwick, over the River Tweed and to the coast.
As you continue along the walls the main street passes beneath you giving a fine view down Marygate to the Town Hall. Ahead are views to the coast. At this point you could continue along the walls back to where you joined them or take a detour to Berwick Barracks (well worth visiting). We took the route down the High Street to visit the shops.
As you walk down the High street go to the left of the Town Hall where tucked up against the wall are Berwick Stocks. Continue and turn right past the Town Hall then immediately left. On the opposite corner is an excellent Butchers Shop which we always visit when in Berwick. Turn immediately right down Sandgate with it's white buildings and at the bottom of the hill some steps take you back onto the Quay Walls.
From here retrace your route back along the walls to Pier Road. Depending on your timing the views will look different as the tide covers the rocks and mudflats in the River Tweed.
Notes
To see larger photos please visit Northumberland Cam
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