My Favourite Pub Walks .com
Dedicated to Pub Walkers across the UK
Wheatsheaf Hotel
St. Helens St, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5BE
Tel. 01434 632020
Walk Details
Minimum Time: 0.5 hours
Distance: 1.0 miles
Level/grade: Easy
Paths: Tarmac pavement,
paths and towpath
Landscape: Village walk
inckuding riverside
Overview
A short pub walk around Corbridge village including many interesting and
historical facts. Stopping off at the 15th Century Wheatsheaf Hotel on the
way.
The Wheatsheaf Hotel was originally a 15th Century farmhouse with stables at
the rear.By walking to the right of the building down the narrow alley you will
see a lintel on the outbuildings with two beautifully carved stone heads. The
heads are believed to have come from one of the Churches destroyed in the
14th Century.
The mediaeval surroundings and reputation for excellent food make this a great choice for your pub stop.
Corbridge is an interesting village with many elements unchanged from mediaeval times. It is centred on its
church and market place and has attractive views from its 17th century bridge. The walk includes many
fascinating facts about the village.
Choice of Pubs: This route features a choice of pubs so the same route is listed under each pub highlighted
below. When adding a review please go to the entry for the pub that you visited and "write a review" there.
Contributor: This is one of a number of walks contributed by Newcastle Walks who include interesting
historical information with their route directions.
Directions to Start
Arrive By bus / rail from Newcastle, Carlisle, Hexham.
From West on A69.B6529. From East A69.B6530. From South A695.B6529.
Situated on Tyne River approx. 16 miles West of Newcastle. Pop.3,500: Early closing Thurs.
OS MAPS really enhance enjoyment of pub walks and taking one with you is highly recommended and gives
you scope to adapt or extend the walk if you wish. Either the 1:25,000 laminated Newcastle Upon Tyne (OS
Explorer Map Active) or the 1:50:000 Hexham & Haltwhistle (OS Landranger Map) are ideal for this walk.
The Walk
Park or walk to the Market Place.
1. Market Place - Standing in the Market Place absorb the atmosphere of the old centre of the village with
it's stone Pant (1816) with it's carved stone ball with cross placed neatly on top. Water was provided here
for all from the Spout Well. Close by next to the pant, replacing the Old Market Cross is a metal cross
(1814) - see plaque. Today's cross bears the Duke of Northumberland's 'Percy' family cest and was
presented to Corbridge by the him. Hence its local name of, 'Percy's Cross'.
Turn now and look toward St. Andrew's Church
2. St. Andrew's Church - The inner 7C Saxon Tower and Nave were substantially added to by the addition
of isles, transepts, and a 14C Vicar's Pele. Built mostly with stone from the nearby Roman camp at
Corstopitum. Enter by the main entrance and take time to browse the neat church yard and the
headstones bearing Northumbrian names. Then enter and enjoy a beautiful church full of atmosphere.
My Favourite Pub Walks .com
Dedicated to Pub Walkers across the UK
Leaving by the main entrance turn right and walk around to the left until you reach a gate and a higher
stone wall. You are now at the South end of Watling St. Here you will see the Kings Oven
3. Kings Oven (see plaque) - Near to which is the old Saxon entrance to the Church which was in the West
wall of the Tower. Continue on and you will see in front of you the Wheatsheaf Pub. Walk on up to the
pub passing on your right a coffee shop worthy of a visit, also take in the other shops on the other side of
the street. Cross over to the Pub.
4. The Wheatsheaf Pub - Originally a 17C farmhouse with a Thatched Roof and stables at the rear.
By walking to the right of the building down the narrow alley you will see a lintel on the outbuildings with
two beautifully carved stone heads. The heads are believed to have come from one of the Churches
destroyed in the 14C.
5. Out of the pub or alley turn right. On your right you will see another of the village's 'Pants'. Now 'carefully'
cross over the road and walk down the path in front of you. Next is a short relaxing walk in the country.
6. Continue down the path with Georgian buildings either side at the end of them turn left following the path.
7. Riverside - At the next junction turn left. You are now on the old Corbridge to Hexham Rd, 'Carlegate' in
an area called St. Andrew's Well. You may see cars parked on your right or the clearing in the trees /
grassed area. Walk over turning right across the grass towards the riverside path. Walking over the grass
(or stop for a picnic!), go left, joining the riverside path. Follow the path until you reach the bridge.
8. Bridge (1674).
9. Ascend up to the roadway and turn left. Walk past on your left the Old Smithy.
Continue walking up the bank toward Main Street, passing Front St. on your left.
10. Main Street - Cross over the road and follow the road around to the right onto Main Street. This area of
was once known as Smithygate due to the amount of Blacksmiths shops. Walking on you will see another
of the Pants-or original drinking fountains. Cross the road at the Pant and turn left toward The Angel Inn.
11. The Angel Inn was originally a Coaching house on the Newcastle to Carlisle Road it has accommodated
for travellers needs for over 500yrs. As well as once accommodating the Court Leet - dealing with civil
disputes. The rather large road junction outside the Inn was once locally known as The Coigns. Here was
a gathering place for locals to receive and discuss news from 'outside' the village given to them by the
mail-coach driver or passengers. The area was also busy at harvest time when farmers would bargain at
harvest time to get a price for their goods.
12. Having walked past (or visited) The Angel, on your right at the next junction, turn right up a narrow road
on your right, over on the road you will see a newly paved and seating area. An ideal place to stop and
eat your sandwiches. Walk further up the narrow road and on your left you will see Public Toilets.
13. Hill Street
14. Walking on to the next junction on your left is The Tourist Information Office and adjoining Library formally
a Chapel. In front of you is The Golden Lion Pub (see plaque). The buildings on the right containing the
Post Office was once The Town Hall (1887).
At the corner turn left into Hill Street. Cross over to the Golden Lion and turn left. Walk past the small
supermarket and continue on to a shop selling fresh farm produce. This building once known as Heron
house was named after the first family to live there. Above the door you will see the letters A R L a
'marriage' mark which represents the Aynsley Family.
15. Crossing back over the road you should now see a small alley bordering the Church Yard. Turn left and
walk down the alley. on your left you will see the Methodist Chapel (1867). Tucked in a corner opposite
standing against the Cemetery wall is the old market cross which was moved from the Market Place in
1807.
My Favourite Pub Walks .com
Dedicated to Pub Walkers across the UK
Finally the tall stone cube shaped building next to the cross is the Vicar's Pele 1300 (see plaque) used in
more turbulent times as a place refuge for the resident clergy of the Church.
16. Now walk on back into the Market Place where the walk ends.
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