Here's my personal guide to transport, local businesses and amenities in the Wylam area. I stress that any opinions are based on my own experiences and prejudices, and probably differ to those of others. If I have omitted anything or you disagree with something feel free to let me know, I'll update things when I can.
Trains
The village of Wylam is situated on The Tyne Valley Line which runs from Newcastle to Hexham and Carlisle. Passenger services are operated by Northern Rail, they're good when they turn up- and if you can get a seat. On weekdays trains are approximately every hour the first train from Newcastle is about 06:30 and the last one about 21:00. At Weekends the service is reduced. For fuller details use The national rail journey planner. Currently the single fare from Wylam to Newcastle is £3.30 if you're in the unfortunate position of having to pay the supplement to travel to work. Trains are sometimes late or are cancelled without explanation and when they turn up may be just a single unit with insufficient room for all the passengers -especially at rush hours, Be especially wary if you are thinking of taking your bicycle on the train, they'll only carry a limited number and you might need to check with the train company before travelling.
Buses
There is a new bus service between Wylam and Newcastle. Route 684 operated by ARRIVA, it operates about once every 1.5 hours on weekdays and Saturday(there are no buses on Sunday), the first bus from Wylam puportedly runs at 07:45 and the last bus from Newcastle is about 6p.m. - it's a bit like living in the Third World really- apart from the prices. I guess if you live in the country nowadays you're either meant to be well-heeled enough to run a car or work as a servant for the local nobs/holiday home owners.
There are also a couple of buses a day to/from Hexham/Horsley and a bus service that runs to Crawcrook and Prudhoe but I can't comment on them as I've never had the opportunity to use them. The nexus website has a map and timetables that cover Crawcrook and Wylam
Taxis
From Newcastle to Wylam over £20(January 2009)(c.10 miles).
Airports
Newcastle airport is about 15 minutes away by car and the taxi fare is about the same as the fare from Newcastle.
Pubs
Shops
Copyright © 1999 Al
Last updated 8th September 2006.