Greta...
..and the Mellwaters Experience.
No, I’m afraid this post isn’t about the amazing young eco-warrior Ms Thunberg, that bright, shining light in the darkness.
It’s a little lower-key than that - namely our visit to part of the River Greta in County Durham back in August of ‘24. I hope you’ll join me in these words and pictures from those enjoyable few days.
We stayed nearby at Mellwaters Barn Cottages, a wonderfully secluded spot in the Greta Valley. It’s fully accessible, too, so ideal for folks who are less mobile to get closer to the countryside. The fact that it’s right in the middle of an active sheep farm enhances that rural experience.
There are numerous pathways marked around about that take off in various directions. Some are fairly easy to navigate. One such path took us along the ridge above the Greta to a quaintly named river crossing called God’s Bridge.
On the day we were there the water level was such that the rocky river bed was visible in quite a few places, revealing fascinating water-sculpted shapes and places where the flow of water disappeared underground, only to reappear further downstream. As you can imagine, this offered plenty of opportunities to wield a camera.
During our stay we were close enough to our old home in the North East to invite a few friends over, folks I hadn’t seen face to face for a number of years. It made for a very enjoyable get-together. This also, of course, provided a good excuse for another jaunt out and about in the area and more view of the River.
I hope you have enjoyed this little selection of photographs.
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(B+w images - Canon EOS 500, 24 & 40mm lenses, Kentmere 400, caffenol. Colour image - Samsung S6 phone.)
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Great pictures Ralph, we have friends up that way but I’ve never been to the river, I shall make a point of it now, looks to be right up my street.
What an amazing looking landscape - looks like a beautiful place for a break. The river looks very peaceful when you visited - I can imagine it flows rapidly in the rainy seasons judging by all the rocks and broken dry stone walls.