To Cambois now, and the huge coaling staith which still dominates the north side of the River Blyth. This was the river where more coal was shipped than anywhere in Europe in the mid 20th century.

100 years ago you could barely even see the water for these giant structures on either side, as the river was a critical artery for the Northumberland economy. Coal was exported here for collieries throughout the Northumberland coal field. The Cambois staiths specifically linked the pits at Cambois, West Sleekburn, North Seaton, Newbiggin and the Ashington workings among others.

This set was constructed from 1910 for the North Eastern Railway and is 375 metres long today, originally 500m. The First World War disrupted progress, so were eventually finished in 1923. Multiple vessels could use it at once, with wagons shunted into position to drop coal down to holds on the vessels using gravity spouts.

The original three decks have since been demolished, and the structure truncated in the 90s. Their last use was in 1989, and British Rail + the Habour Commissioners sought to demolish it to allow wider berth for ships to manoeuvre. Little merit was seen when commercial advantages were much greater, and given the Dunston Staiths were well restored. Eventually though, it it was just shortened and we're left with most of this historic structure. It's listed too.