Secrets of Jarrow Slake

[@1258-Eckhart]

A beautifully made review of this small river, thanks. The title had me click immediately, because I grew up on the River Don, but the one 150 km as the crow flies further south. It's the Don in Doncaster.

[@JordanReeve]

Doing the research for this river made me realise this is the less well known river don.

[@sharonstuart5262]

It looks like you missed out a huge section of the River Don that runs between Lukes Lane Parade and the Primrose area, running on through "The Horseshoe Bridge" (at least that's what we called it - it's obvious why when you see it) into Valley View Park. This is the part I played around as a kid - visited a couple of years ago and it's still quite scenic. It's not all spoiled. :)

[@mmrrbbllaa]

you should go up the river Derwent, some lovely stretches of river contrasted with industrial decay, and really good cycle routes

[@Vince_uk]

I think I said somewhere before, when I was a kid living in South Shields the River Don used to stink like an open sewer. The area could be beautiful but it is both neglected and abused. I have a brother who lives not far from the Bede Monastery. If I am correct the Bede Monastery predates Durham. More needs to be done to make this and places like it more accessible and they need preserving. Everywhere is has it fascinating history. It is sad really and I think you felt that while making your video Jordan.

[@JordanReeve]

Thanks Vince, i remember you saying that on the patreon. The whole area needs some thought. It’s really a part of history just buried away in industrial hinterlands.

[@martynridley513]

I am curious as to borders. You said the Don was the dividing line between Gateshead and South Shields. Could you elaborate further on old/traditional and current borders?

[@impact8728]

Historically, Low Simonside was part of Fulwell which indicates how borders have changed over time. If you Google tithe maps and the National Archives, you can now see some of them online. I have an old Monkton map which raises the question do you measure a boundary line from the width of the hedge or the base. Wey, that was my interpretation. It's a long time since I took an active interest but the spark is being rekindled.

[@MBrady1970]

Never heard of the Jarrow slake before, very interesting, another great video Jordan 👍

[@JordanReeve]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@impact8728]

My understanding was there was a farm there at one point, it became timber ponds and then industrial times suvked the life force out of it. I'm starting to read up on was there a Roman site af Jarrow and it's said At. Paul's was built on something that already existed. It's evolved sort of. Jordan might also like to include the gibbet there.

[@popualitymusic3786]

Thank you for your fascinating documentaries 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@georgeedwardscott8161]

you did a good job. we love you

[@sonofjak1971]

The area the river flows through Boldon by what was Boldon Comprehensive school we always referred to as The Burn and we used to jump over it during lunch breaks. Digger jumping! We didn't invent those names, the people of the area always called that part of the river The Burn. I ruined my uniform with mud and sludge more than once. This was the mid 1980's. Great video, nostalgic for me personally.

[@nicks3607]

I think the word you're searching for at 8.50 is "exuded" 👍 like "gave off", "emitted"

[@JordanReeve]

After cycling I had completely lost my train of thought. But that’s the word I was looking for

[@hudsini1479]

Large portions of accessible biking routes that run alongside the river missed but still a good film.

[@geoffreycodling8071]

I don't live that far from the source of this river. Tried following this route over two days by the walking method and it was not easy. To be honest I probably ended up trespassing a couple of times if I remember rightly, but no harm done. Frustrating at times but an interesting and enjoyable experience.

[@andrewwatson3576]

Are you going to walk the route of the other river that used to flow into the Jarrow Slake from the South Shields side. The river is still there but is culverted along its entire length, it starts next to Marsden, just off Lizard Lane, then some where near Marsden Road, Harton Lane to Temple Park Road, then West Way, where it used to run into a lake then towards Barehirst Street, the under Slake Terrace and into the reclaimed land of Tyne Dock

[@stevenwilson816]

Would have been good to do a short bit on Jarrow Bridge, which is near the end of the river Don approx 100-150 meters from your Slake bit. It was subject to an attack by the IRA in 1921 and you can still see where the Bridge was repaired

[@JordanReeve]

I didn’t know that fact, thanks for sharing. I had intended to include it in my route but ran out of time

[@hexusG4Z]

Ah used to live in Boldon, know this river well as it runs right past the school. Not much of a story to tell about it really other than my mate broke his leg jumping across it one lunchtime. Also, looks like you may have missed out on seeing the Vulcan bomber at the air Museum next to Nissan and the A19, last time I drove past it was just visible above the treeline.

[@JordanReeve]

I didn’t know about the Vulcan bomber, that’s a shame. There’s always next time

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

Liking the vintage road bike.

[@JordanReeve]

Thanks!

[@PureLeeful]

I've cycled this route before. Parts of it aren't great as you mentioned. Are you olanning on discovering the Wagonways in North Tyneside?

[@JordanReeve]

I do need to explore the waggonways. I’ve somehow managed to not go down a single one so far.

[@PureLeeful]

@@JordanReeve Loads of them to explore, although some might not be appropriate for a road bike. Also worth discovering Hadrian's way and Keelmans way. Really enjoying your videos btw. 👍👍

[@impact8728]

Wincomblee would be another I'd love to see, particularly overlooking Hebburn.

[@robertely686]

Interesting that the construction company didn't get fined and no one jailed for the pollution but were instead told to make a donation that makes them look philanthropic!

[@impact8728]

The same ones who brought industry or attention here also spent or contributed to the towns development. If only they knew then, what we know now.

[@simonrawle7885]

the part next to the tunnel is known as buckets bridge

[@wawrestlenk]

Slake is pronounced locally as "Slack", i.e. the Jarra Slack

[@churchcrawling]

Really enjoyed this psychogeography cycle! Makes me want to get back out.

[@JordanReeve]

Thanks mate!

[@Lolacourse]

Proud lover of the north east

[@richardsharpe2966]

You see Sheffield's River Don

[@RalphHeron-d6w]

You would've had a fair walk...the burn (Don) starts in Washington, goes through Boldon colliery where I was from, the don was allowed to fill up with plants etc to encourage wildlife etcetc, back in the 1960s we would play in it, paddle tin baths down it.....many moons ago. 😢

[@leeharwood9624]

Im from jarra its not all that scary mate haha

[@sneakybonobo4404]

Where the Don runs by Boldon School its know as the burn. People used to try and jump it with varying degrees of success on break time and occasionally bullies would push someone in. The video really highlights how neglected areas like this become when there's no easy or inviting pedestrians/cycle access.

[@impact8728]

Thirty years ago I'd take my son on the back of my bike to that part of the burn up beyond Brockley Whins and it left a lot to be desired back then sadly.

[@Lolacourse]

It’s giving wrong