Kirkcarrion On New Year’s Eve, my wife and I set off from Middleton-in-Teesdale to Kirkcarrion—a walk we’d been meaning to do for a while. The air was icy cold, and pools along the path had frozen solid, glinting under the pale winter light. Stone walls lined the way as the hills opened up before us, quiet and still. Middleston-in-Teesdale Kirkcarrion is a striking ring of trees on a hilltop, marking the site of a Bronze Age burial mound. The trees were planted in the 19th century by a local landowner to shelter the summit and make the landmark even more distinctive against the skyline. Kirkcarrion Kirkcarrion Kirkcarrion The wind was fierce, but the panorama was worth every step. Standing there together, we felt a real sense of achievement—a simple, perfect way to end the year. Kirkcarrion Here’s to more walks, more views, and more moments that matter.
So we ventured out on a dark evening to brave Durham City not knowing what to expect for the final Lumiere. We jumped on the park and ride which was very well organised and headed into the city. After a short wait our first experience was the installation in the market place, 'Rhizome'. Not my personal favourite, but certainly built the expectation of what was to come next. Rhizome, Market Place It’s worth noting a curious road safety sign also in the market place titled ‘Entanglement is Extential’, which flashed a series of thought-provoking messages. Entanglement is Extential After speaking with a volunteer for advice on where to head next, we wandered up Saddler Street towards the Cathedral. At Palace Green, we were greeted by beautifully illuminated flowers glowing in the night. Palace Green Palace Green Following the trail of illuminated flowers, we joined the queue into the Cathedral with great expectation — and we weren’t disappointed. The atmosphere was electric as peo...