Derwent Valley - Tyne & Wear

Location: The Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead

Grid Reference: NZ 198619

Nearest town:  Gateshead (5 miles)

To the Watchpoint: From the A1 take the A694 towards Consett (signposted the National Trust Gibside). Follow the road to Winlaton Mill village, at the traffic lights (opposite the JB petrol station ) turn left into the car park. From here follow the arrows to the kite watchpoint on the nine arches viaduct (approx. 25 minute walk). The walk is wheelchair friendly, mostly on a flat, smooth surface with a slight incline towards the end.

To Swalwell Visitor Centre: From the A1 take the A694 towards Consett (signposted the National Trust Gibside). The visitor centre is on the B6317 beside Blaydon Rugby Club. There is a bus stop beside the access road to the Centre. Motorscooters are available for hire from the centre ( advance booking is essential - see below).

Facilities:

Swalwell Visitor Centre - Car Park by Visitor Centre

Visitor Centre with disabled toilets (opening hours only)

2 Rascal 600 motor scooters

Contacts:

Manager: Stephen Rutherford 

Reserve Tel No: 0191 414 2106 

Website: www.gateshead.gov.uk 

Opening hours/Admission

The Visitor Centre is open 10am - 5pm daily with free admission 

Description of Kite Watchpoint

Northern Kites  is one of the northeast of England's most high profile wildlife initiatives. It aims to return breeding red kites to the region whilst providing its communities and people with an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate one of the most spectacular elements of our wild heritage.

The Northern Kites Partners are working together to re-introduce red kites to their former breeding range in the north of England, after an absence of 150 years, and to provide opportunities for people to see these spectacular birds. This project is a world first in re-introducing kites into a semi-urban environment centred on Gateshead's Derwent Valley.

They have two red kite chicks in the lower Derwent Valley - the first for nearly 200 years!

The Viewing Point on the Viaduct runs until 30th July and is manned by Gateshead/Northern Kites Staff and volunteers.

It is two miles to the Viaduct from where the parents can be seen flying at close quarters to the nest.

For anyone who cannot walk the distances involved, Gateshead Shop Mobility   have based two Rascal 600 motor scooters at the Swalwell Visitor Centre.  They are for hire - for insurance purposes, one has to pay £3 a year, plus £1 per hiring for up to a day 10a.m - 3.30p.m. Please contact Gateshead Shopmobility to book : 0191 477 9888