Walk the Line - Wylam and George Stephenson's Birthplace - April 2025
Created by Wylam Parish Council with the National Trust, Walk the Line gives a glimpse of Wylam’s industrial past and includes a visit to George Stephenson’s Birthplace.
- Booking essential
Wylam is famous for its railway pioneers, including William Hedley, Timothy Hackworth and Jonathan Forster. Learn why their work was so significant in the early development of railways.
As you walk in the footsteps of these famous local railwaymen, your guide will also share stories of three important railway lines: the old waggonway that enabled coal to be transported from Wylam to the staithes further down the River Tyne, the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway, on which Wylam station is one of the oldest stations in the world to be still in use, and the former North Wylam line which closed in 1968.
The walk begins in Wylam car park and the first part of the walk is from 10.30am to 11.30am. On your return to the car park, you will be met by our second guide who will take you Wylam Railway Museum followed by a walk to George Stephenson's Birthplace. Here you will discover how Wylam's most famous son spent his early life and was inspired to become a world-famous railway engineer.
Walks will take place on: Sunday 23 Feb Monday 24 Mar Sunday 27 Apr Monday 19 May Sunday 29 June Monday 28 July Sunday 31 Aug Monday 29 Sept Sunday 26 Oct
Tickets will be released approximately four weeks before the event.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £5.00 |
| Child | £0.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Children go free
- Meeting point
Meet in the car park at Wylam at 10.30am. Main Road, Wylam, Northumberland, NE41 8AB. Please note the walk will leave promptly at 10.30am and will go ahead whatever the weather.
- What to bring and wear
Please bring evidence of your booking and dress for the weather with sturdy, comfortable footwear. This is an outdoor event with no food and beverage facilities. You may wish to bring a water bottle.
- Accessibility
There are steps and uneven ground during this walk, including over fields as well as through limited width gateways. Unfortunately, this means that the walk may not be suitable for some wheelchair users and may require an alternative route. Our group leaders are unable to accompany you, so please note essential companions/carers need to be able to push the wheelchair if required.
- Other
Maximum number in the group is 12. Please note the length of the tour may vary slightly. Toilets are available at the Railway Museum. The walk is approximately two to three miles with frequent stops and starts. Please note conditions underfoot vary, from paths, grassed areas, some could be wet and slippy, please come prepared. Terrain also varies from flat to slight inclines. The car park in Wylam is free. Accessible parking available. Any cash donations will be gratefully received and will benefit the Wylam Museum. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the walk and in the Railway museum but are not allowed inside George Stephenson's Birthplace (service dogs welcome). Please also note the walk crosses a field which does not allow dogs - an alternative route can be taken, after which you can re-join the group.