Well that plan didn't work, even though we were there early, there was nowhere to park and the traffic was solid from the motorway all the way into the city centre. So we gave up but not completely, we drove to a pub in a village just out of town and had a beer, while we waited for the traffic flow to change direction. I had a Blacksheep but it was expensive, so only the one and then set off back into Durham.
The traffic was still mad but we managed to get down to the rowing club and walked in from there. We intended to pop into the club on the way back, to book some nights there in the van (See here).
We walked in along the river to Elvet Bridge but could not cross, as there was a one way system in operation, so we had to walk back to the market place. The crowds were at a standstill there, all trying to get the the cathedral but getting nowhere.
So we went to Framwellgate Bridge, where we though we could walk along the river to the cathedral but there was also a one way system that way as well, with both sides of the river going the same way.
We gave up trying and went to see the rail viaduct, which was also lit up. This detour was just long enough to let the crowds die down somewhat, so we tried again to get to the cathedral.
It was still hard going but we moved steadily along until we where outside the cathedral, the light show there, although very good, it was too dim to get a good photo. The queue to get into the cathedral after the show, was the biggest of the night by far, so we walked round the side.
Where there was a one way system in operation again, so even though I didn't want to walk the long way back to the market place via the river, that's what we had to do. Through the gate around the side of the cathedral, there looked to be a very good light display out back but we where not allowed in, because of another one way system.
At Prebends Bridge we had some luck, the steward shouting to everyone to stick to the one way system, mentioned that we could turn left instead and head back a quicker way. This turned out to be a very good choice, as we had to pass next to the artificial waterfall from Kingsgate footbridge.
From there the path came back out onto Elvet Bridge and we went straight into the Swan and three Cygnets, for a pint Smiths Old Brewery Bitter. Refreshed we did the long walk back along the river to the rowing club but unfortunately it as closed, so we finished the night early.
Not a photo from the night but I may as well review Old Brewery Bitter.
Samuel Smith's, Old Brewery Bitter, from England
4.0% dark brown colour with a good lasting head, fruity aroma, very nice smooth fruity but bitter taste, very good beer, now an all time favourite of mine.
