Day 5: Sedgefield to Durham

We have an early start today as we have to clear out of the Parish Hall early and we have an appointment in Durham Cathedral for Evensong. We head across country and then along the River Wear into the City of Durham. The setting is spectacular as the river has made itself a steep valley.

After an early rise of 6:30 to account for the long day ahead of us, Patrick gives Dannie some running repairs.

It was only a short walk from the hall to St Edmund's church for a joint Eucharist.

Mary managed to find time beforehand to read a bit of her book.

Godwin led us in prayer by proclaiming the first reading.

Then Roger spoke about the Native Americans who invoked the spirits before travelling.

Straight after mass the arrows seemed to be leading Patrick into the pub: unfortunately we were just walking through the courtyard.

Rev Michael, who joint-led the morning's Eucharist with Fr David, joined us in walking to Bishop Middleham which was also within his benefice.

Nick and Bruce enjoyed a chat whilst walking through the countryside.

The route took us across a golf course.

Somehow, Catherine and Peter managed to miss these arrows...was Peter leading Catherine astray?

At St Michael's, Bishop Middleham, Tineke spoke about her friend Kester and the reason for her coming on the pilgrimage.

After prayers, we set off once more.

The three Kiwis kept each other company.

We walked past some old, abandoned quarries.

Our lunch stop today was at the Square and Compass, Cornforth, which had opened especially for us.

Pilgrims managed to find a quiet spot to eat their lunches.

After lunch there was a DIY prayer stop at Holy Trinity church where there was an interesting altarback.

Sarah seemed to be confused about which way to go.

John found an old piano and played to the pilgrims as they walked by.

The pilgrim train followed the East Coast Mainline through some fields.

At a drink stop, some pilgrims found a quiet spot in the shade and out of the afternoon heat.

Bridget found some pony friends...

...and even shared an apple with one of them.

Meanwhile, others sat down and rested to let the frontmarkers get ahead.

The young ones then set off once more in the lead.

The route then took us along the River Wear where Mike saw the opportunity to help the frontmarkers.

Meanwhile, Aidan saw this as an opportunity for a wash...

...where Peter thought he'd give him some help...

...but ended up in the river himself.

The backmarkers weren't too happy...

...but Catherine didn't mind fetching the arrows.

We then reached St Mary the Virgin, Shincliffe, where we received tea and coffee before prayers.

As the vicar was away on holiday with his family, a retired priest welcomed us and told us about the church, and blessed us on our way.

Soon we started to get glimpses of Durham Cathedral.

Eventually reaching the green

Francis knocks on the Cathedral door

Back at the hall, Ania stretches her legs.

Aid tried to plug his laptop in, and overbalanced. His daughter and nephews raced for the camera rather than to provide assistance.