Lost in Durham

Should we or shouldn't we?  That was the question this morning when we got up and saw how cloudy, windy and chilly it was.  We had planned to go to Durham today but weren't sure if it was worth it.  I checked the BBC, the Met Office and got contradictory information.  In the end we decided to brave it even though we froze on the way to the Metro!  But we made the right decision.  The train journey was nice, short and in a clean, comfortable train which is a novelty and the nearer we got the better the weather was until we arrived in sunshine and warmth.  We decided our main stop would be at Crook Hall.  We knew vaguely the way but decided to call into the tourist office to pick up a map.  All I can say about the trip there is don't trust the signposts in Durham!  They point you in one direction, disappear for ages and then point one way and you end up going a different way.  We finally got the map and started walking until we came to a signpost that pointed in completely the opposite direction to the way the map indicated after which we gave up and went to have a look at the cathedral instead.  It was a steep climb in places but worth it.  It is certainly a lovely building and in the sunshine it was even better.  There was work being done in places but that didn't detract from anything at all.  We had a nice hour wandering round there, had some lunch in a little restaurant near by then strolled round some of the lovely little streets.  We gradually made our way back to the train station but after taking in some of the lovely river views stopped on the way for a quick drink.  We all had a glass of wine which reminded me why I don't drink in pubs.  Expensive and very, very rough! After that we took a walk down by the river and then decided we were ready to face the incredibly steep path to the station.  A last look out across the city and we just made the train home.  I have very sore legs and I regret the wine we had but it was a tthoroughly nice day, and it's even better if you know just where you are going! 

A few more pictures of the day are here.

tags: bbc  met office  durham  crook hall  durham cathedral  pbase  

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