We flew into Newcastle from London Stansted on Easy Jet, and then took a taxi to Corbridge. After settling into our very friendly B&B, Fellcroft, on the advice of our proprietor we walked back into town and followed an attractive riverside path along the Tyne to the site of an extensive Roman ruin (with museum). From here, we completed the short loop walk back through town. Corbridge is a very attractive and ancient market town, site of an early Roman settlement. St. Andrews’ Church was originally of Saxon origin, and was built around a Roman arch—not a feature one commonly finds in the village church! We were fortunate to meet a church docent during our visit, who pointed out the building’s many interesting features. For example, an early patron, Josephine Butler (b. 1828, d. 1906), who was married in Corbridge Church, was an advocate of women’s rights and very active in the community on both women’s and human rights issues. The lovely East Window was a gift from her daughters and granddaughters, and depicts many charitable acts performed by women. The church is also notable for its peel tower; such towers were built as small fortifications and included living quarters upstairs for the residents and stabling on the ground floor for cattle. Peel towers were built on both sides of the border between England and Scotland to protect inhabitants from the frequent raids by “Border Reivers,” though few are as well preserved as the two in Corbridge.

Corbridge also houses an excellent bookshop, tearooms, several pubs, and a good Indian restaurant. The town is serviced by rail for those connecting through Newcastle or other towns by train rather than by air. Our B&B was located just outside town near the old railway station and Dyvels pub, well situated for a celebratory “pre-walk” pint. After poking around town and indulging in tea and cakes, we located the “official” starting point of the Reivers Way.

Walking into Corbridge from Station Road

The River Tyne, looking west from the bridge

Another view of the bridge from the riverside path

Getting acquainted with our map, and checking the GPS accuracy

Well preserved ruins at Corbridge's Roman fort

Peel tower in St. Andrew's churchyard

St. Andrew's Church

The church was built around a Roman arch, originally by the Saxons

A good sign...we found the starting point for our walk!

on to Day 2
return to Introduction

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