'When you are travelling along the Keelman's Way you are following in the wake of the Keelmen who sailed along the Tyne in flat-bottomed boats called keels. The keels were used to carry coal to ships at the mouth of the Tyne which were too large to navigate the shallow water further upstream. The coal was then loaded by hand into these ships.

The 14-mile route follows the south bank of the River Tyne from Wylam to Bill Quay. It takes you through a varied landscape, with fine riverside views. It's an off-road route for cyclists and is signposted along its length. With the help of this guide you will discover interesting wildlife and local history along the route'.