Rides around the Transporter

The area around the Transporter Bridge in Middlebrough is rich in relics of an earlier Industrial age.

The bridge itself was opened in 1911 and replaced earlier ferries which used to take workers across the Tees to the shipyards and tar plants on the north bank. A tramway system was operated from here to Linthorpe village via Albert Road and Linthorpe Road

Leaving the Transporter behind you turn left into Vulcan Street, almost immediately you come across part of this industrial heritage.

There is a very ornate wall that was once part of Bolcow Vaughan iron works, the apertures in the wall are very unusual and in fact the remains are now have “listed” status





Riding down Vulcan Street, you pass the remains of later industrial enterprises, the Oderbreck site, which produced rig modules in the 1980s and 90s


At the end of Vulcan Street, there is a tower that ears a clock, it was within the dock complex that was operated by the North Eastern Railway from the 18 80s


The area is now under re-development and is known as Middlehaven. A lot of government money has been spent preparing the site for new office and leisure activities.


There is a new swing bridge over the dock entrance, there are fine views down stream from here and the Riverside Stadium is a major landmark.




After crossing the swing bridge, there is a viewing area and the floating nightclub Tuxedo Princess sits forlornly in the dock area.



Cycle along Windward Way and at the end turn left into Dock Street, at this point there is a very unusual building, the former Lord Byron public house


Continue down Dock Street and cross over Queens Square and behind the rail station, at the end of the station, pass through the underpass that leads to the town centre.


After coming out of the underpass turn immediately right and passing the Zetland Car Park continue with the railway on your right along the street, there is a marked cycle lane.

This leads to Cycle Route 1 which is clearly marked


The Kennedy Lionweld works is on the right now and the new A66 dual carriageway is on your left. You will see a spiral ramp leading up to the historic “Metz Bridge”.



This used to be the main road into the “Iron Masters” district and was extremely busy with works traffic until the late 1970s


Cross over the railway by using the bridge and then turn right down the slope to Riverside Road which is the peripheral road of the industrial estate.

Ride in a clockwise direction along this road, it is pretty quiet and eventually you come to an area known as Teesaurus Park.


It is worth making a diversion here, riding around the small park, looking at the Iron Monsters that represent dinosaurs

At the northern edge of the park there are fine views across the river to the former Furness Shipyard, with its ten slipways which were used to launch vessels into the river for many years.








Rejoin the road and continue past the Trafalgar House erection sheds towards the Transporter.




As you pass North Street, take a look at the Custom House, one of the earliest buildings in this part of Middlesbrough


The Transporter is nearby now, you have come full circle through what once was the commercial and industrial heart of the town, it is full of decay and dereliction but it is our heritage.






Distance about 5.8 miles
There is a good café near the Transporter
Toilets are non existent