The walled village green south of the church includes a prominent stone cross inscribed with the letters ‘I.H.S’ and dating to 1687.

Perhaps wary of past persecution and the tradition of disguising Catholic places of worship, Esh Laude was built to resemble a farmhouse.

King Edward I attended Mass here on 10 September 1306, while on his way from Durham to Hexham and left an offering of seven shillings.

There is a medieval effigy of a costumed lady in the church that is thought to be one of the De Eshes Christian legend proclaims that monks stopped and rested in the village whilst carrying St Cuthbert's body on the way to Durham and gives reasoning for the name of the village cross.

Another iconic person linked to St. Michael and All Angels from 1835 until his death was the British astronomer Temple Chevallier, who served as C of E Parson at Esh, and restored the church whilst also lecturing at Durham University.

However, the convent closed in the summer of 2010 due to Sister Anna Ryan leaving; ending a 121-year tradition of having a nun heading the school.

[5] The school was founded about 1836 by Temple Chevallier, on land which had previously been part of nearby Glebe Farm.

Mr Andy Parks is the Head and although not a former convent, this Church of England primary school also assists teachings with Christianity.

Around seven miles long the walk will take approximately three hours to complete and is reasonably unchallenging except for a steep climb towards the beginning.