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Start: The Black Gate, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne, (NE1 1RQ) Grid ref. NZ 249 639
(S/E) Start by visiting the Black Gate and Newcastle Castle. After visiting the castle, cross the road into Queen's Street and bear left under the railway bridge. Walk down the Long Stairs to the Quayside, turn right into Close. There are many of these staircases leading from the city down to the River Tyne. Continue along the Close until you reach the Copthorne Hotel.
Pause at the blue plaque for "Close Gate", then continue along the Close and then turn right into Hanover Street. There are information boards here.
Cross Hanover Street into the car park which runs alongside the first well-maintained section of the city walls. Continue alongside the walls until you reach Forth Street.
Alternative Route: To avoid the stairs and steep climb from the quayside, after your visit to the castle return to the Black Gate and cross the road into Westgate Road. Take the first left into Forth Street passing under the railway bridge then turn right until you reach the city walls at (1).
(1) Turn left into Forth Street then cross the road and turn right into Orchard Street passing under the railway bridge and car park until you emerge onto Neville Street, in front of you will be the Stephenson Monument.
(2) Turn left passing the Royal Station Hotel and Newcastle Central Station. Cross the road using the pedestrian crossing outside the main station entrance and continue North-West along Pink Lane. Cross Clayton Street and Continue along Pink Lane until you reach Westgate Road. Cross the road into Cross Street and turn immediately to your left up an alleyway called West Walls. Go through the gap on your left onto the footpath along the grassed area.
(3) Continue walking until you see Durham Tower against the town walls. Continue following the path northwest crossing Stowell Street until you reach the Heber Tower. At the Heber Tower, bear right along the back of Stowell Street passing the Black Friar's Postern Plaque and the Morden Tower until you reach the Ever Tower.
(4) After the Ever Tower, cross St Andrew's street and turn left. Admire the Chinese Gate here signalling the start of China Town along Stowell Street. Turn right into Gallowgate, this is the continuing route of the wall. Cross Newgate Street, walk underneath Eldon Square into Blackett Street. Old Eldon Square will be on your left if you wish to take a break. Continue along Blackett Street past Grey's Monument. Cross Pilgrim Street and continue to John Dobson Street, the Laing Art Gallery will be on the other side of the road.
(5) Turn right into John Dobson Street, then turn left into Market Street East and right into Croft Street. Here you will see the Plummer Tower and a short section of wall. Turn back to Market Street East and turn right. Follow the road underneath the building and bear left still on Market Street East. Take the ramp up to the footbridge over the Central Motorway. At the other side of the bridge, take the steps to your right down to Trafalgar Street.
Alternative Route: To avoid the steps, continue ahead and take the ramp to your right down to Manors Metro Station. Continue past the metro station into Kings Manor, when you reach Manors Rail Staton, bear right around the building into Trafalgar Street.
Follow Trafalgar Street South under the railway bridge and turn right onto Melbourne Street. Walk Westwards until you reach Holy Jesus Hospital just underneath the next railway bridge.
(6) Cross City Road and walk back underneath the railway bridge keeping right to follow City Road South-East. Cross City Road by the zebra crossing so you are walking down the northern (upper) side of the street. Look up to your left and you should see the Sallyport Tower above the white building. Just around the corner you should see steps to your left to allow a better view. Just around the corner you will see the Keelmen's Hospital. Just beyond the Keelmen's Hospital, cross City Road using the pedestrian crossing and turn right along City Road. Turn left into Milk Market.
(7) Cross the road and take the footpath down to your left to the Quayside by the Glass and Mermaid Statue. At the bottom, you will see the River God Statue by the Millenium Bridge. Turn right and walk along the Quayside passing the Law Courts. Continue along Quayside and then bear right into Sandhill. Continue along Sandhill and look to your left after the entrance to the Swing Bridge for the Castle Stairs. At the top of the steps, turn left into Castle Garth by the Castle Keep (S/E).
Alternative Route: At the start of Sandhill, next to the Guild Hall, bear right up Sandhill and into the Side. Follow the Side bearing left at the roundabout until you reach the Black Gate (S/E).
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