Friends of True Lovers Walk
Protecting Yarm’s hidden gem
Nobody knows who the True lovers were, but we like to think of them as Yarm’s very own Romeo and Juliet.
True Lovers Walk leads to West Street and the parish church of St Mary Magdalene. The present church is the 3rd built on the original site, The 1st was Saxon and the 2nd was Norman built in the 12th century. The 3rd rebuild was in 1736 following a fire.
On the left of the entrance porch there is a cover of a tomb, carved with the figures of a male and female, possibly dating back to the 14th century. Who the figures actually were remains a mystery, however they became known as the “The True Lovers” of the riverside path
Our river walk is important for a number of reasons, not just because it supports wildlife but also the communities that live alongside it.
From a health perspective it is now well known that being in nature is good for our physical and mental well-being. Spending time on True Lovers Walk can be extremely relaxing and rejuvenating and a great antidote to modern life.
Our mission is to maintain, improve and enhance the river walk known as True Lovers Walk working with nature for the benefit of residents, visitors and nature itself so that everyone can take advantage and enjoy this valuable natural asset in the heart of Yarm now and in the future.
Enhancing our environment, embracing our heritage, enthusing current and future generations.
Our vision is to create a group of concerned and dedicated volunteers, of all ages and abilities and who are willing to give up a small amount of their time and effort to help improve this riverside walk which, In doing so, serves to maintain and develop an area of natural beauty
New beginnings
We care for, and take great pride in, this river side walkway.
An array of newly planted bulbs, shrubs, flowers and trees help to further complement the seats, nesting boxes, bug houses, wooden animal & bird carvings, “Seb the Seal”, information boards, the 19th century Mill Wheel and our very own True Lovers metal artwork.
The King Charles Coronation Garden is a delightful centrepiece of the walk and provides a focus of attention for both young and old.
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”
John Keats