Consett
a potted history
Before the early 1800s the Consett area was a wild and desolate place, then with the formation of the Derwent Iron Company came a degree of prosperity and a town built on industry. However with the dismantling of the steel works in 1980 the town went through a very desolate period, but with funding and a lot of work by the towns people and local and national assistance Consett is now building a better future.
places of interest
The Glass Gallery - a unique handmade range of gifts and crafts exhibited by over 60 artist's.
Terris Novalis - stainless steel surveying instruments depicted in 20ft high sculptures symbolising the areas economic regeneration.
Beamish Museum - just a short distance out of Consett lies this world famous outdoor museum. Try to budget for at least half a days visiting time, it is well worth it.
eating/drinking places
Joegios - Front Street, Consett. Italian restaurant recommended by Paul Hughes
The Grey Horse pub - a 'real' pub but with the added attraction of it's own on-site brewery.
The Demi - 2 minutes ride from the route on Albert Road, Consett.
The pub is the clubhouse for the local rugby club but is in the centre of the town. A lot of the rugby boys cycle and each year do their own coast to coast ride meaning that cyclists are always welcome. The management have no problem with bikes being taken in and bearing in mind it is a sporting club they have a good mix for anyone who wants a beer, or those who want lucozade for the final push to the coast! Food is also available. Recommended by John Paul L Heatherington
cycle shops
Consett Cycle Co. - 62, Medomsley Road, Consett Tel: 01207 581205
route features
click here for a map of Consett
The vast majority of the route is now on cycle paths and is downhill or level going which makes it a nice change from the previous days hills, a word of warning though, it is too easy to go fast and miss out lots so take it easy and enjoy the easy riding. Consett is the place where you choose between either Sunderland or Newcastle. The choice is yours with both routes offering something different, the Newcastle section takes you on the Derwent Walk which is a delightful wooded track almost all the way to Newcastle while the Sunderland route is again on a disused railway track but this time with a few more barriers to contend with. It is six of one and half a dozen of the other although I mainly pplump for Sunderland as it is the 'traditional' finish point. You can now download a route map for Consett from the Urban Areas page of the site.
The route leading up to Consett takes you over Hownsgill Viaduct which was constructed in 1857 to carry the Stanhope and Tyne Railway, if you suffer from vertigo then don't look down! Dominating the landscape above the old Consett steelworks site is the Terris Novalis sculpture, built from stainless steel, which was designed to symbolize the economic regeneration of the region. You will find a lot more sculptures on the route from hereon in particularly on the section of route near the Beamish Museum, my favourites being the steel cows.
Accommodation
On the Lydgetts Junction, between the wonderful Hownsgill Viaduct and the Consett section of the Stanhope to Tyne former rail track and Sculpture Trail. Patio & barbecue area available. Located on Lydgetts Junction, ideal for exploring NCN routes 7 & 14
Web : www.c2cstopoff.co.uk
Email : hownsgill_bunkhouse@hotmail.co.uk
B&B : from £16 (discounts for u-18s)
Rooms : 2 four bed bunks; 1 two bed bunk room; 1D.
Drying area : Wet room
Patio/barbecue area : Car parking
Kitchen diner seats up to 12 : Washing machine/tumble dryer etc
Eight miles beyond Consett on the Newcastle route. This is a comfortable and welcoming 4-star guest house. Burn View is situated just before the Derwent Road bridge, across from Rowlands Gill Viaduct opposite the car park - 100m from the route.
Website : www.burnview.co.uk
Email : burnviewbnb@googlemail.com
Rooms : 1D (can also accommodate children)
B&B : £33-£42
Evening meal : Restaurants and award winning fish and chip shop
Secure storage : Washing and drying facilities
Cleaning area for bikes :
There is a drying room, workshop for repairs, colour TV, bar and lounge, pool table, and even a gym if you have the energy left! Ideal for large groups, accommodating up to 45 people. Consett YMCA also organises lots of outdoor activities. Adventure Activities Programmes and holidays a speciality.
Web : www.consettymca.org
Email : ymca@derwentside.org.uk
Rooms : 10F
B&B : £15 (or £10 without breakfast)
Evening Meal : £5
Packed Lunch : £3
Front Street, Shotley Bridge, Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 0HU
Vibrant pub in the heart of the scenic village of Shotley Bridge, a short hop from the Consett- Rowlands Gill route. Public bar, lounge bar, restaurant and ten letting rooms. Private car park. Old fashioned and lovely, time has stood still at this hotel where real ale is a speciality.
fax : 01207 583111
rooms : 1S, 2D, 4T, 2F (4 en-suite)
months open : all year
B & B : from £25
evening meal : yes
packed lunch : yes but please book in advance
secure cycle parking : yes
distance from route : 500 metres
15 Front Street, Castleside, Consett,
Co. Durham, DH8 9AR
Superior B & B accommodation in Castleside village. Colour digital TV. Radio and Tea/Coffee making facilities. Only 25 yards from an excellent pub serving meals each day. 4 Diamond Award
e-mail : catherine@deneview.co.uk
home page : www.deneview.co.uk
B & B : £27.50 - £35 per person
evening meal : no, although public house is close by
packed lunch : £4
non-smoking : no
secure cycle parking : yes
distance from route : 0.5 miles
pub : 25 yards
grading : 4 star