Cong Burn facts for kids
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The Cong Burn is a small river located in County Durham, England. It's like a natural pathway for water, flowing through the landscape before joining a much larger river.
Where Does the Cong Burn Start?
This little river doesn't begin as one big stream. Instead, it starts from several smaller streams that join together. Some of these streams, like the Wheatley Green Burn, begin on the southern and eastern sides of Wheatley Hill, near a village called Burnhope.
Other streams, especially one called Whiteside Burn, also contribute. They start on the southern slopes of Wheatley Hill and the northern slopes of Taylor's Hill, which is just east of Burnhope. All these smaller streams eventually meet up to form the main Cong Burn.
How Does the Cong Burn Flow?
Once these streams combine near a place called West Edmondsley, they officially become the Cong Burn. From there, the river generally flows towards the east or northeast. It winds its way around the northern side of Waldridge Fell and then along the western edge of Chester-le-Street.
Finally, the Cong Burn flows right through the town of Chester-le-Street. It then joins the River Wear just east of the town. The River Wear is a much bigger and more famous river in the region.
The Cong Burn's Hidden Path
Something interesting happened to the Cong Burn in 1932. The part of the river that flows through the center of Chester-le-Street was changed. It was put into a covered concrete tunnel, called a culvert.
This culvert now carries the river underneath the town's Market Place. This was likely done to help with town development and make more space in the busy town center. So, a part of the Cong Burn flows secretly beneath the streets!
