Transporter Bridge to the Tees Barrage Cycle Ride

Starting at the Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre the mainly off-road route follows the banks of the River Tees to Stockton's Tees Barrage. The Transporter Bridge, consructed in 1911, spans the River Tees and is a significant piece of engerneering of the industrial heritage of the area. Standing 160ft above the Tees, it carries its load of upto 600 persons or 9 vehicles by a suspended gondola taking just 2 minutes to make the journey. The riverbanks, once the scene of heavy engineering and iron works of the industrial revolution, are now a peaceful haven for meditative cycling. The Tees Barrage offers a watersports centre for the adventurous!
THE ROUTE - OUTWARD JOURNEY:
Starting at the Transporter Visitor Centre, follow the on-road cycle lanes along Ferry Road and turn right onto the off-road cycle route along Vulcan Street. Continue along Vulcan Street straight over the roundabout to Depot Road for half a mile turning right to Teessaurus Park, where you can view the interesting dinosaur sculptures. The cycleway travels towards the river edge. At the river edge follow the route to hte left and enjoy the peaceful journey along the edge of the riverside passing under Newport Bridge, another icon of Middlesbroughs industrial past. The route continues along the riverside passing a spacial nature reserve where rare butterflies can be found. The route eventually emerges at the Tees Barrage. Take a moment to soak up the atmosphere and have a rest before your return journey.