Gosforth’s Wild Web is full of nature walks—there’s no shortage of green spaces to explore. Even in Newcastle’s city centre, the heart of urban life, nature is always close by. Whether it’s Kittiwakes soaring above or butterflies flitting between flowers, there’s always something to see.
I moved to Newcastle six years ago for university, but my love for the city started even earlier. I have a vivid memory of visiting an open day at Newcastle University when I was 17, walking through Leazes Park with my dad. The sight of cows grazing in the middle of the city felt surreal, and in that moment, I knew Newcastle was the place for me. The easy access to green spaces was a dream come true—whether it was Kittiwakes on the Baltic or swans on Exhibition Lake, nature was never far away. Now, I want to share some of my favourite nature walks in the Gosforth Wild Web grid.
What is a Nature Walk?
A nature walk is whatever you want it to be. You could bring along a field guide and try to identify every bird, plant, and insect you see, or simply take a moment to listen to birdsong and breathe in the scent of wildflowers (or, if you’re on the Town Moor, perhaps a hint of manure!). Whether it lasts for hours or just a few minutes, a nature walk is all about taking the time to notice the natural world around you.
Exhibition Park & the Town Moor
I’ve walked through Exhibition Park more times than I can count. When I used to commute along Great North Road, I would often take a small detour just to visit the lake and see the birds—especially the swans in spring when they had cygnets. In winter, my walk home was often graced by stunning sunsets over the Town Moor, painting the sky behind Wylam Brewery in shades of pink and orange. Being from Manchester originally, I can confidently say that Newcastle sunsets are in a league of their own.
The Quayside & the River Tyne
To an untrained eye, the Quayside might not seem like a typical nature spot, but if you take a moment to look, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife. This walk is wonderfully flexible—you can go all the way to the coast or stay near the city centre, admiring the Millennium Bridge, watching kittiwakes nesting on the Baltic, and, if you’re lucky, spotting a seal bobbing in the river.
Gosforth Nature Reserve
Finally, one of my absolute favourite spots: Gosforth Nature Reserve. I might be a little biased, but this place is pure magic. It’s astonishing to find such tranquility so close to the city centre. As you enter the reserve, the hum of traffic and the smell of jam doughnuts from the Greggs factory quickly fade, replaced by birdsong and the earthy scent of woodland. There are several walking routes of varying lengths, but a stop at one of the bird hides overlooking the lake is a must. On a good day, you might spot ducks, swans, geese, and—if you’re incredibly lucky—an otter (I’ve only seen them twice!). But for me, the best part is simply sitting in the hide, listening to the wind rustling through the reeds and appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful stroll, Gosforth’s Wild Web has something to offer. Next time you’re out for a walk, take a moment to notice the wildlife around you—you might be surprised by what you find!
