Sublime start and good company

Slow Ways Routes – Durwes two, Weshou one – Durham to Houghton-le-Spring

Distance 17km / 11 mi

I was up and away early today, grateful I had sorted out my backpack last night. I got the bus into Durham and walked the first bit of today’s route before taking a detour to the Cathedral.

I wanted to start my day with Morning Prayer at the Cathedral. It was being held at the Shrine of St Cuthbert which is my happy place. I arrived quite soon and was welcomed by the Dean who was interested in what I was doing. It was a short service with a small group of people and I was totally amazed when the Dean included me and my walk in the prayers.

It was such a sublime experience and really set me up for the day. I headed down to the Market Place to meet Jo Armstrong from Oasis Community Housing who was walking with me for part of the morning.

Jo had got a coffee and a snack for in my case second breakfast then we set off on our Slow Way out of Durham along the river.

It was such a joy to be walking with someone again. It’s such a different experience. We headed along some paths and roads then passed through a retail park which certainly added variety to the walk.

We didn’t stop though and walked along a section of cycle path.

All too soon it was time for Jo to get back to her normal work so we parted company and I continued on alone again. There were a variety of footpaths and cycle tracks ahead.

I was really enjoying the walk and the varied scenery. County Durham did not disappoint.

I arrived in West Rainton the end of this Slow Way and had a break after getting a drink and snacks from the local shop. There was a chip shop open but I decided fish and chips was a bit much at this stage of my walk.

The walk continued along a road then headed off through the fields.

I looked back and could see West Rainton in the distance

I finally reached Houghton-Le-Spring. I had a few minutes wait but I was soon on the bus home grateful I was one more day closer to the finish.