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 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 22:30. At Weekends the service is reduced and the last train from Newcastle is about 21:00. For fuller details use The national rail journey planner. Currently the single fare from Wylam to Newcastle is £2.70. 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 an hour on weekdays but goes via Crawcrook, Ryton and the Metro centre, the first bus through Wylam is after 9 - there are now no buses from Wylam down the North side of the river so if you want to be environmentally friendy and use public transport to work you either use the train or walk to Crawcrook or up towards the A69 and catch a bus from there, of course it does mean that there is another option for going shopping, although the journey is much faster by train.
Taxis
From Newcastle to Wylam about £19(January 2005)(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.