Durham (2) Winter riverside walk

Following on from the last walk, most of the photographs in the second half of the post were of the Silver Street bridge. The above photo is from on top of the bridge. We are going to take a walk along the right hand side of the river here towards the bridge in the distance. Most visitors see this walk in Summer, so I am going to make you feel special by taking you in winter ... 4th December 2010.

Firstly, we gain access to the riverside by the steps. Notice Bella Italia opposite... reasonably priced for a meal, however it is not quite Venice ... but they do squeeze in a few too many window seats as all the diners want one ! Durham Castle in the background was originally built for the Bishop of Durham but is now home to Durham University and was built in the 11th century after the Norman conquest with additions in the 14th century.

The ancient city of Durham stands on a hill inside a severe river bend of the River Wear which starts in the Pennines and enters the North Sea at Sunderland. This is the most spectacular moment of its journey.

Although there was a church on this site prior to the Cathedral for the chapel of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede ( two famous North East of England saint ), Durham Cathedral was constructed essentially within 40 years starting at the end of the 11th century. The towers were added later in the 13th and 15th centuries with on going major repair work going on throughout its history.

The Old Fulling Mill was originally a watermill from its construction in the 17th century and is now home to an archeology museum with the University looking after it. The above view is probably more famous for annual calendar publications and local Christmas cards.

Everyone knows about the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, but not many people know about a lesser tournament between the Universities of Newcastle and Durham... The River Tyne versus The Wear...

The oppositions boat house !!

I scrambled down an icy slope near the river to get the above and below picture... I hope you appreciate the effort .... and danger !!

Just before crossing the bridge, I spotted a wintry scene up a slope that seemed worthy of a picture...

After crossing the bridge, I headed back in the direction of the Cathedral and came past an unusual door...

But I was left wondering as I walked further along this street.......

South Bailey street

spot the difference... later edit update

Where were all the people ? ! .......

To be continued....