A new series of five walking routes in our region aims to uncover the hidden history beneath our feet.
Routes Of Social Change, developed by WEA (Workers' Educational Association) North East, takes us through locations on Tyneside, County Durham and Wearside that helped shape our region's rich back story and have themselves changed over time. The five routes are as follows:
A section of the Sustrans C2C route from Beamish to Consett – which highlights how sites along a former railway line that symbolised the exploitation of people and resources have gradually moved towards recreational use. Newcastle ’s West Road from Central Station to the Town Moor – exploring Newcastle’s past as a centre where radical and original thinkers, as well as migrants from all over the world, found a home. Dunston Staiths to Byker – this tells a story of the river Tyne as a thoroughfare, and of how former slums and industrial wastelands can suddenly become gentrified and cool. Sunderland – from Roker Pier to Washington – again using part of the Sustrans C2C route as a focal point, this series of joined-up circular routes looks at the significance of people and places along the River Wear, with a strong emphasis on biographies and song. Newcastle City Centre Human Rights Walk – tracing the stories of those who campaigned for and defended social justice. It is envisaged that more routes will be added in the future.
