16 November, 2024
Wandering Minds - Not all those who wander are lost

Not all those who wander are lost

Date published 14 February, 2019

Are you in the Durham Loop?

Are you in the Durham Loop?

Durham is a world heritage site. Much may be written about it. The narrow, hilly streets exude history at you. From here the powerful bishops ruled with varying effectiveness over the ever changing scenes of the borders. Here are links to the famous Cuthbert, and the cathedral is an icon.

But there is a curious illusion takes over you as you wander here. Because the River Wear performs almost a complete loop around the old city centre, it plays with your centre of direction.

Try this, if you visit. Walk over the Framwellgate Bridge, up the hill, through the market square, an back over the old Elvet bridge. Or do it in reverse. You are almost back where you started. Oh, on the map it's obvious. But do it without the map and you will see what I mean.

Spend time wandering amongst the forest of amazing buildings, cobbled streets, an even steep stair cases that pretend to be streets, and you will see what I mean. Like a magic maze, you keep ending up just the other side of the building near which you began.

There is much more grown up stuff to do in Durham. The cathedral. The indoor market that really does sell everything. The castle. The river path. But put aside grown up things and just wander an wonder where in fact in the city you actually are.


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