Fatfield to Sunderland

 9^th July 2013 Fatfield to Sunderland 10.5 mls (Camino – 77days)
It was a very convenient start for our walk today – home, and public transport back so not only feeling fine after a walk we also had the satisfaction of knowing we had on this occasion reduced our carbon footprint making it a good day. Heading down towards Fatfield we crossed the bridge and joined the River Wear Trail passing under the impressive Victoria Viaduct to Cox Green.

 This tidal stretch of river was at low ebb making it a popular feeding ground for black headed gulls, ducks, herons and oyster catchers. From here we took the top path up and around Washington Waterfowl Centre where the dominant sound was of young children having fun on their summer school trip. Having visited the centre previously I can recommend it for a fun and interesting day out. It was back into the woods following the river and again we were disappointed by the poor state of the footpaths. They were overgrown and many of the wooden steps breaking up but we were enchanted by a “chime” of wrens

The family name Troglodytidae is derived from troglodyte, meaning “cave-dweller", and the wrens get their scientific name from the tendency of some species to forage in dark crevices. The wren is also known as “kinglet”, a name associated with the fable of the election of the "king of birds". The bird that could fly to the highest altitude would be made king. The eagle out flew all other birds, but he was beaten by a small bird who had hidden in his plumage, and is apparently motivated by the yellow "crown" sported by these birds. Although they are insect eaters they still left plenty to feast on us, and to prove it we still have the marks days later!

Arriving at the half way mark we went under the busy A19 looking forward to lunch at the Shipwright Arms only to discover it opened at 4pm each day. Disappointed we went down to the riverside and ate what little food we had before continuing  on. From here the character of the walk changed quite dramatically from fields and woods to urban modern industrial developments and evidence of the historic industry of Wearside could be seen particularly near the Stadium of Light. Information about mining, ship building and the lime kilns were all displayed. Very soon we arrived in the busy centre of Sunderland and after a “pick me up coffee” we found the bus station and headed for home.