ABOUT THE DURHAM 'Hi-Lo' WALK
This is the Durham ‘Hi-Lo Walk, a walk with distractions that’s all the talk
There is rich diversity for all to explore, this is a taste of what is in store
Up and down hills with some level terrain, a riverside path and many a country lane
Flora and Fauna, trees of every sort, history, culture and even some sport
A castle, a cathedral and even a gaol, plenty good pubs with a pint of good ale
Tales of woe, legends and folklore, pillars of learning, and there's lots more
Urban and rural landscape so diverse, even directions written in verse
Great viewing points to stop and stare, there's lots of great interest everywhere
WALK DIRECTIONS
Start the walk at County Hall [1] on high, then follow the path down to the DLI
A museum with military hardware on show, they also sell refreshments in the café below
If it’s too soon to stop and rest, follow the route out to continue the quest
Cross the main road, [2] and prepare to embark, on a canny climb up to Wharton Park
Cameras at the ready to the Battery go, to take in the view that is down below
The castle, cathedral, viaduct, the station, the panorama is beyond all imagination
Time to set off please do not frown, follow the path round and steps going down
At the steps base there may be congestion, to wee or not to wee that is the question
Follow the path by the old hospital walI, into Waddington Street is the next call
Here you have to stop and study, [3] if it’s been wet this route will be muddy
If it’s wet, oh what a pain, the suggestion is take Redhills Lane
If it’s dry, no need for delay, up through Flass Vale you must away
If a splendid view is what you seek, at the top turn around and take a peek
Follow the path by the ‘colourful’ school, the Durham Johnston, an ‘educational jewel’
On the A167 it’s southward bound, through two sets of lights on level ground
Here for some it’s time to rejoice, the walk or the pub, that’s the choice
Down Potters Bank is next in line, al least it’s only a very slight decline
At the end of the houses on the right, look for a track to gain some height [4]
At the top St. Aidan,s is waiting for you, to share yet another magnificent view
I‘m sure that you’ll be very impressed,so take your time, relax and rest
Down Windmill Hill past centres of knowledge, join the A177 near Trevelyan College
Botanic Garden is the sign to look for, cross the road, [5] then follow and explore
Passing between colleges, please lightly tread, the students may be studying or still in bed
In the garden there are wonders to be unfurled, trees and fauna from around the world
Yes, the Botanic Garden is worth a stop, if it is only for a visit to the coffee shop
Next the Great High Wood, [6] no need for alarm, no wild boars, gruffolos to cause you any harm
Enjoy the Wood and all its charm, down the old wagon way to Houghall farm
As the farm is strictly out of bound, turn left and walk by the College grounds
In this area there is mining history galore, the Houghall Trails are worth an explore
At the A177 turn right over the River Wear, here you have a choice of coffee or a beer
By the pub, the road should be crossed, through the gate, [7] anyone lost?
Follow the river as it winds around, soon you’ll see where you’re bound
Passing by fields that host many a sport, a junction in the path, time for some thought !!! [8]
If it is your wish to gain some height, then take the path that goes to the right
If going up and down you’ve had enough. continue straight on, it won’t be as tough
If turning right and it’s been wet and nippy, beware! There’s steps that may be slippy
Pass the walled garden, Old Durham too, into Pelaw Woods and follow the tracks through
Taking all of this in your stride, descend gradually down to the riverside
Returning to the river a splendid sight, the Castle and Cathedral in all their might
There's another building within this view, not a place I'd recommend to you
Along the river, more bridges to cross, Is walking starting to lose its gloss?
So into the city, distractions galore, shops, cafes, pubs and lots, lots more [9]
On this walk there is many a distraction, but now let me introduce the main attraction
Saddler Street, Owen Street to Palace Green, [10] the most magnificent Cathedral you’ve ever seen
About the Cathedral what more can I say, take your time, take all day
If you‘re still keen and want some more, then please proceed for the encore
Along the Bailey, across Prebends Bridge, standing here feels like a real privilege
Take a photograph here cause everyone does, to look at it later and get a real buzz
Follow the track up into South Street, [11] houses with views that are hard to beat
Framwellgate Bridge is next on your list, coffee shops here are very hard to resist
Take the steps down by the Coach and Eight, [12] along the riverside and up along Sidegate
Join the A691 and walk up high, finish your ‘wear’-y walk at the D.L.I.
Durham you now know is built on many hills, walk them regularly it cures many ills
Its rich diversity makes this all worth while, although maybe we could walk a few less mile