Positioned on top of a hill overlooking the A1, she stands a proud 66 feet tall, welcoming people in to Gateshead. Having never seen her before, she was one of the first things I wanted to visit when I started journeying to the North East and it has to be said I truly love her, she gives me goose bumps.
Gateshead Council commissioned the Angel back in the 90s and wanted her to be a landmark for the region. As you can imagine when the plans were first revealed there was quite a bit of opposition but I think the locals have changed their minds now and have grown to love her.
The Angel arrived overnight by police escort in February 1998. She cost £800,000 and was assembled at the site by a 500 tonne crane. She took all day to go up and I bet it was quite a sight.
Her wingspan is the same size as a jumbo jet, she is the same height as four double decker buses and weighs 208 tonnes (you really wouldn't want her to accidentally stand on your foot!).
It's always been my intention to pick a Summer's day to attempt a walk from our flat to visit the Angel. Our previous trips to see her have involved getting the number 21 Angel bus from Gateshead or popping to see her in a car hire (you can see some beautiful sunset photos from our last visit to see her here).
A few weekends ago the forecast promised a dry, warm and sunny Saturday so it seemed the perfect time to do the 4 mile walk past Saltwell Park, through Low Fell and onto the Angel.
Unfortunately, I place far too much trust in the BBC Weather and we were met with high winds, cloudy skies and a few rain showers that had us sheltering in bus stops. We made it though, with slightly achy legs that were soon forgotten about as soon as the Angel came in to sight.
Eventually the clouds vanished and we got some clear skies and sunshine to take a few photographs. It was lovely to get out for a nice walk and a great cheap way to spend an enjoyable afternoon.
If you are ever travelling somewhere via the North East make sure you stop to say hello to the Angel, she needs to be seen to be believed.
The angel of the north is something that I would love to see in person such an amazing structure. As you say gives goose bumps. Great pics Lucy x
ReplyDeleteThe first time I ever saw her I was on the coach travelling up to Newcastle to visit Simon for the first time and I just happened to look up as we went past and I was shocked by how amazing she was! Seeing her on TV I really wasn't that fussed about her!
DeleteI've never seen photos of this up close. Can't believe how tall it is.
ReplyDeleteLizzie's Daily Blog
Really tall, when you stand underneath her and look up it's pretty awesome!
DeleteLike you, this is one of my favourite landmarks. I love it. It's such an iconic thing.
ReplyDeleteIs good for the NE to have it. :)
I haven't visited her in a while, we should really stop off sometime for baby to meet her. :)
Caroline.x
notesfromcaroline
ps - you deffo do trust BBC news too much.. you should always be equipped for every possible outcome.lol
I know, I think I drive everyone mad with my BBC weather updates, I'm constantly looking at my BBC weather app and treating it like gospel!
DeleteI know how you feel with trusting the weather forecast and then you find yourself freezing in the pouring rain when they promised hot sun. Always wanted to visit this landmark, great pictures!
ReplyDeleteElle x
Notes of Petranella
She's definitely worth a visit if you are ever up this way :D
DeleteI love your Angel of the North photos
ReplyDeleteSuze | LuxuryColumnist
Thank you :) Almost stumbled over backwards down the hill taking some of them! Staring up at the Angel from below makes you a bit dizzy x
Deletethis is the closest-up photo of the angel i've seen i think! what a statue. looks like a nice area too! x
ReplyDeleteShe takes your breath away up close, you have no idea how huge she is until you're standing right underneath her :)
DeleteWhen I first moved up here, there were so many times I would get beeped at on the A1 because I had accidentally slowed down in the fast lane just to look at the Angel! She is certainly a sight, but you really do have to get up close to appreciate how big she is! x
ReplyDelete