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Section 8

Washington Old Hall to Roker Pier

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The route of an old waggonway leads down to the banks of the River Wear.  Follow the river towards Sunderland, then use quiet tracks through the town.  After crossing the river, pass the National Glass Centre and continue to the sea at Roker.

Since the construction of the Spire Bridge, the latter part of this section of the Heritage Way has been rerouted to follow the north bank of the river Wear. 

Before the construction of the Spire Bridge, the latter part of this section followed the south bank of the river Wear to the Wearmouth Bridge (see outline map top left on this page). If you wish to follow this route, click on the following link. 
Route updates: 
1. Route diversion near Wearmouth Bridge:
Where the route is blocked, a cobbled lane directs you up to the Stadium of Light. With the Stadium on your left, keep straight ahead along Millenium Way, over a stone bridge to a main road with the Wheatsheaf Pub opposite. Turn R, go past Monkwearmouth Fans Museum then, at the lights, cross the A1018, then diagonally over a slip road. Continue towards the bridge, taking the first turn L
(Bonner’s Field) back down to the river.
2. A temporary road closure means Direction 10 (south route) cannot be used.  After Direction 9,  do not cross over the road.  Turn R and follow the A183 down to Wearmouth Bridge.  Continue on Direction 11.

Refreshments

  • The Oddfellows at Cox Green (open weekday evenings only. Open all day Sunday but booking advised).

  • The New Plough Coffee Trailer at Cox Green.

  • Golden Lion (0191 534 2282) beside the River Wear just past the A19 bridge.

  • Café at the National Glass Museum.

  • Snow Goose Café (0191 567 5681) at Sunderland Marina.

How Do I Get There?

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To the start:  
Bus X1 from Gateshead Interchange to Washington Galleries then Bus 84 to Washington Village. Or Metro to Heworth Metro Station, then Bus 4 or 82 to Washington Village.
 

Return:  
E1 on Roker Avenue will take you to Fawcett Street in Sunderland city centre. Bus 18 or 19 to Sunderland Park Lane then Metro or rail or Bus 56 to Gateshead/Newcastle.

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