If you dream of seeing not much but nature and wildlife (and don’t mind the cold), you’ll adore County Durham, one of England’s smallest counties. The North Pennines runs through here. And as well as wonderful walks and pollution-free night skies, there is also a dramatic coast, that is not as touristy as Yorkshire next door. Seaham is the main resort, though there are others.
Durham city is (just like Rome) built on seven hills, and home to a huge student population (the local university is said to be on a par academically with Oxford and Cambridge).
If you out on wild walks, you’re sure to find plenty of local drystone walls (sustainably built and rebuilt over centuries). Designed to protect local cattle and sheep.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep dogs and livestock safe. Learn how to right an overturned sheep or it will die (hold upright until rain has drained off, to prevent it happening again).
High Force Waterfall: Nature’s Marvel
England has plenty of waterfalls (all 125 of the main ones are found in northern England, formed by the force of water eroding rocks, so water shoots over the edge). High Force rests on the River Tees, with a huge water drop of 70 feet – the highest in England).
Although spectacular to look at, keep at a distance and wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as moss-covered wet rocks can be slippery. And never swim in the pools below, as water force can be extreme, with hidden rocks.
There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says ‘If you are flexible, falling will not hurt you’. Mehmet Murat Ildan
In the heart of County Durham lies a spectacular natural wonder that has captured the imagination for generations. High Force Waterfall is a majestic cascade that thunders down from an impressive height, slowly sculpting the landscape over millions of years.
Walking in the Footsteps of Durham Saints
County Durham is known for its strong connection to the saints of the north. The Northern Saints Trails is more than just a path; it’s a journey through spiritual history. The hauntingly beautiful Durham cathedral houses the final resting place of St Cuthbert. Its rose window is unique, as is the Galilee Chapel, dedicated to 12th century saint Bede the Venerable.
Local boy St Cuthbert lived most of his life as a hermit, and is buried on the holy island of Lindisfarne. He used to guard sheep and even passed laws to protect eider ducks, regarded as ‘the world’s first environmentalist’. It’s said that he became a monk after witnessing angels carrying St Aiden (the monastery’s abbot) to Heaven.
St Francis of Assisi is not the only Catholic saint associated with animal welfare, St Cuthbert was a keen animal conservationist too. There is even a lovely story that after he went swimming, otters would come and dry his feet, with their fur!
