Itinerary Planner

The Angel's Way - Bitesize Walk Two

A Hidden Gem Art Gallery, a Victorian Park and Iconic Artwork.

Distance: 2-4 miles

Start: Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead (via public bus, car or bike)

Route: Shipley Art Gallery – Edendale Terrace – Avenue Road - Saltwell Park – Saltwell Road – Gold Medal pub – Hertford Road - Angel of the North –

Finish: Angel of the North

In a nutshell:   

Joseph Shipley (d.1909), local solicitor, self-made businessman and lover of law and art generously provided Gateshead with its Shipley Art Gallery. A Contemporary Craft Gallery and the famous “Blaydon Races” painting are just some of its treats. And look out for a goat’s head (you weren’t expecting that, were you?).    

Onetime Sculling Champion of the World James Renforth’s dramatic death in 1871 in the arms of his race companion Henry Kelly is depicted in a sculpture outside the Gallery.

An ancient “salt well” and its healing properties provided the name for a new “People’s Park” opened in 1876.   Tasty refreshments are on offer in the flamboyantly designed Saltwell Towers built as the private mansion of respected Victorian stained glass manufacturer, William Wailes.

Anthony Gormley’s powerful “Angel of the North” quickly became a potent symbol of regeneration, optimism and energy acting as a catalyst for the revitalisation of the surrounding area.

Why not visit:

• St Helen’s church, Low Fell
• St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead Quays