Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas Series: St Egwin – Rivers & Reflections
On the sixth day of my 12 Days of Christmas series, I found myself drawn to the quiet grace of Grinton Bridge, where the River Swale moves steadily through the winter stone. There is something profoundly calming about this place in the heart of Swaledale, especially in the slower rhythm of winter, when light falls gently on worn rocks and the world feels hushed.
St Egwin, to whom this day is dedicated, is long associated with healing waters, and it’s easy to feel that presence here. The river’s flow is unhurried yet deliberate, a reminder that time passes without urgency. Watching the water curve around the stone, listening to its subtle murmur, I felt a sense of reassurance—an affirmation that even in the cold stillness of winter, there is a gentle constancy in the landscape.
This is a familiar place for me, but each visit brings a new depth of reflection. Standing on the bridge, looking into the mirrored surfaces of the river, it’s almost impossible not to slow down and let thoughts drift. Nature has a way of drawing out quiet contemplation, and here the Swale, in its winter guise, becomes a mirror not only of the surrounding hills and sky, but of one’s own inner landscape.
For those who wander the dales, Grinton Bridge offers more than just a crossing—it offers a pause. A chance to breathe, to notice the details of stone, water, and light, and to find solace in the simplicity of the moment. On this sixth day of Christmas, I celebrate St Egwin through rivers and reflections, through the subtle poetry of place and the quiet conversation between water and stone.
