Summer Walk No 2, Fish Quay to Collingwood Monument - Tuesday 14th June 2016.

            

Walk No 2 on the Summer Programme of visits to places of local interest saw club members meet at the Fish Quay at North
Shields on Tuesday 14th June 2016. Each season at least one of the walks includes a fish supper and having tasted the fare
at Seaton Sluice and Amble in previous years, it was the turn of the traders on Union Quay to provide our sustenance.
Walking east along the quayside members photographed a number of fishing boats moored in The Gut, before resting to eat
our fish and chips next to the cannons and gun embrasures of Clifford's Fort. Originally built in the 17th century as a coastal
defence against the Dutch, the fort has a long history of military use, including playing a role during the Napoleonic Wars.
In more recent times it has been a submarine mining depot and during the WW2 two twelve-pounder guns and searchlights
were again installed, these being dismantled in 1944.
On a warm and sunny evening we then made our way round the Low Light lighthouse and joined the North Groyne promenade
leading to Tynemouth. Continuing east we viewed the Black Middens, a notorious stretch of rocks hidden underwater at high
tide and responsible for many shipwrecks and subsequent loss of life just a few yards from the shore.
A short climb then saw the group arrive at The Collingwood Monument that celebrates the life and achievements of Admiral
Lord Collingwood. Born the son of a Newcastle merchant in 1748, Cuthbert Collingwood first went to sea in 1761 and rose
through the naval ranks as first the American War of Independence and then the Napoleonic War pitched him into a number
of victorious encounters. His connection with Lord Nelson began in the 1770's and it was as Nelson's second in command at
the Battle of Trafalgar that Collingwood achieved his greatest notoriety, both of master of his ship the Royal Sovereign and
by taking command of the battle on the death of Nelson. This statue was sculpted by John Graham Lough and stands on a
pedestal designed by John Dobson. The four cannon on the walls flanking the steps at its base came from his flagship and
were added to the monument in 1849, four years after its original completion.
Our return wander saw us pass another landmark The Knott Memorial Flats. This six story building was completed in 1938
and is named after James Knott, who was a local shipping magnate. His name lives on in various buildings and through the
Sir James Knott Trust. The Knotts Flats also has an unusual feature of a large clock with a face over twelve feet in diameter
that overlooks the local area and can be seen by mariners on the river.
A short downhill stretch saw the group return to the quayside to end an enjoyable circular walk and photographic evening.

Davy Bolam.