Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Blaydon Burn Local Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
5.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.5A short woodland-and-waterside circuit with industrial remnants along the way, including the ruins of Massey’s Forge, an old pit entrance and firebrick ovens.
The appeal here is the combination of a close-to-town nature walk and visible industrial archaeology. The reported loop is short, but its rougher sections need care, particularly after rain.
Atmospheric · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapBlaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear
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The experience
Allow around an hour for the reported loop, with extra time to look at the industrial ruins. The route is described as easy, but rough sections can be more challenging in wet conditions; wear suitable footwear.
Things to do
Walk the reserve loop
Follow the reported 2.1-mile circular woodland-and-waterside trail. The route is described as easy, with rougher sections where care and appropriate footwear are advised.
0.5–1 hour
Find the industrial ruins
The route lists Massey’s Forge, the Edward Pit entrance and firebrick ovens as sights. Treat these as route-listed points of interest; their precise condition and access are not specified.
Watch for birds and butterflies
The trail description suggests watching for birds and butterflies between the trees and along the river. No species list is provided for this reserve.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 0.5–1 hour
Quick loop and industrial remains
- 01
Follow the reported 2.1-mile circular route through woodland and beside the water.
- 02
Pause at the route’s listed industrial remains: Massey’s Forge, the Edward Pit entrance and the firebrick ovens.
- 03
Take care on rougher sections, particularly when conditions are wet.
Verified history
The supplied route listing identifies several industrial remnants as sights: Massey’s Forge, the Edward Pit entrance and firebrick ovens. The available evidence does not establish their dates or fuller history.
Hidden details
Firebrick ovens — Listed as a ruin and a top sight on the route. The supplied source does not provide further details about their use or history.
Massey’s Forge and Edward Pit entrance — Both are identified as ruins along the route. Their precise locations and historical context are not established by the supplied evidence.
When to go
· Check before visiting; no verified guidance supplied.
No reserve-specific seasonal information is established by the supplied sources.
The route has rougher sections that may require extra care in wet conditions; suitable footwear is advised.
The route
- ascent
- 229 ft
- surface
- Rough sections; exact surface not specified
- distance
- 2.1 miles
- duration
- 0.5–1 hour
- difficulty
- Easy, according to the route listing
- route shape
- Loop
- start point
- Check before visiting; a verified start point is not supplied.
- parking start
- Check before visiting; parking information is not supplied.
- Woodland and waterside trail
- Massey’s Forge ruins
- Edward Pit entrance
- Firebrick ovens
What to look for
Look out for the ruins identified along the route: Massey’s Forge, the Edward Pit entrance and the firebrick ovens.
The story
Industrial heritage
Best time to go
Check before visiting; no reliable seasonal guidance is supplied.
No verified best time of day is supplied. Check conditions before setting out, especially after wet weather.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers · Dogs
Practical information
Opening & access
A nature reserve with a reported 2.1-mile circular trail. Check current access and route conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting; parking information is not verified.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
The source row marks the location as dog-friendly; check current rules and signage before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The reported route includes rough sections. Accessibility details are not provided; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Burn and waterside sections; swimming or paddling permission is not established.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Blaydon Burn Local Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph5.2Derwenthaugh Riverside Park
Derwenthaugh, Gateshead, on the River Derwent
2.5 km away
Source image5.8Thornley Woods Sculpture Trail
Thornley Woods, near Rowlands Gill, County Durham
3.1 km away
Place photograph5.2Hebburn Riverside Park
Hebburn, south bank of the River Tyne, Tyne and Wear
12.0 km away
Place photograph7.6St Paul’s Monastery, Jarrow
Church Bank, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, NE32 3DY
15.9 km away
