GUIDE TO OUSE BURN

NAME OF RIVER: Ouse Burn

WHERE IS IT?: Jesmond Dean, Central Newcastle

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Put In: Wherever is nearest your house if you are local, the higher the better though. Don't bother above S. Gosforth (NZ256681).

Take Out: Before you reach Heaton. Probably not worth going on past the Armstrong Bridge (large black and white old bridge near the petting zoo, NZ263661). Absolutely must get out before the river disappears into a tunnel in Heaton, if the banks start getting far above you head, start climbing.

APPROX LENGTH: 2km

TIME NEEDED: Straight down 15mins, entertaining the crowds 3 hrs.

ACCESS HASSLES: Unknown, it is in a public park so can't be bad.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Needs loads of water, if it isn't flooded don't do it.

GRADING: 3(4)

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: One waterfall of note, absolutely must get out before the river goes into a tunnel. Also beware that it is dirty and stinks, particularly in flood.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is a short section with a few weirs and one waterfall of note it is entirely flat in between. Its main attraction is that it runs through a park in central Newcastle and therefore can attract quite a crowd.

OTHER NOTES: It stinks.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Tom Hollis, Newcastle Uni, www.tomhollis.co.uk