Jo’s Monday walk : Nesbitt Dene

Thorpe Bulmer Farm

Thorpe Bulmer Farm

This week I’m going to take you for a simple little stroll from Hart Village, through Nesbitt Dene and back again.  Hart is only 2km north of Hartlepool, and if I’m not walking on a beach, the chances are I’ll be somewhere near this village.  It’s not very big, but has 2 pubs, a village hall (where I do t’ai chi on Wednesday mornings) and a lovely little church.  More of this later.  Time to put on the walking shoes.

From the main street, a public footpath sign directs you through a gap in the housing, down to a little stream and round to St. Mary Magdalene’s Church.  Sometimes it’s open and you can take a look inside, but if the sky is blue we’ll keep on striding.  A right turn onto Butts Lane will lead you out of the village, towards farm land.  You’ll usually pass a nosy sheep or two on the way.

Today they look like teddy bears and are busy 'tucking in'.

These two look like teddy bears, busy ‘tucking in’.

There's an old barn, of course

There’s an old barn, of course

And maybe some hay rolls in the fields.

And sometimes hay ‘rolls’ in the fields.

The sea is over on your right, across the fields

The sea is over on your right,in the distance

The road heads gently up an incline, and you should carry on until you see Thorpe Bulmer Farm ahead of you.  It’s a large white building and not easy to miss.  When you reach the farm a path splits off to the left, taking you around the side of the farm to the lovely view in the top picture.

I was surprised by the bright yellow of the seats by the duck pond.  Last year they were a more soothing duck egg blue.  Either way, the ducks don’t seem to mind, and wouldn’t it be a nice spot to recline?  But not for us!  We’re going to the woods.

The leaves are unfurling nicely and there are hens in the farmyard

The leaves are unfurling nicely, and soon there will be a canopy of green

But the woods are still breathing quietly

But the woods are still a little sparse, and breathing quietly

Wood anemones flourish

Wood anemones flourish

Pine cones litter the path

Pine cones litter the path

And a twinkling or two might catch your eye

And celandines sparkle amid the green

Following the path to the side of the farm, you very soon come to the woods, on your right.  There are a number of paths leading through them, crossing a little stream, and back out again.  Take the steps down and over the bridge, then continue straight ahead.

Emerging from the dene you will see Nesbitt Hall across the fields ahead of you.  It is a Grade ll listed building, dating from 1697. Keep it on your left hand side and follow the edge of the field.

Nesbitt Hall and a lot of clouds!

Nesbitt Hall, and a lot of clouds!

The fields are full of rape seed at the minute

The fields are full of rape seed at the minute

And great heaps of rolled hay

And great heaps of rolled hay

And rusty old bits of farming equipment

With rusty old bits of farming equipment

Not good for pollen sufferers, I’m afraid!  Take the path to your right, away from the Hall, and continue downhill, back into Nesbitt Dene and the woods.

I cannot resist a blossom shot along the way

I cannot resist a blossom shot along the way

Or even two!

Or even two!

Then back under the feathery leaves

And then you’re back beneath the feathery trees

Beside a stream, primulas thrive, liking the mossy surround

Beside a stream, primulas thrive, liking their mossy surroundings

The trees reflecting in the shallow water

The trees, reflecting in the shallow water

Then you are climbing back out of the dene and retracing your steps to Hart Village.  Here you might want to linger in the churchyard.  Or try one of the village pubs.  I can personally recommend ‘The White Hart’.  If you have driven to the village there is a car park conveniently beside the church, signed Butts Lane.

St. Mary's and the churchyard

St. Mary Magdalene’s and the churchyard

A peaceful scene inside the church

Inside the church, a peaceful scene

I can guarantee you peace for a week or so, because I’m heading off to Poland tomorrow.  I hope to have time to respond to your comments before I go, but if I miss anyone, my apologies in advance.  I’m hoping you’ll join in and share a favourite walk with me.  If not this week, then maybe when I return?  You have a little extra ‘think time’.

As usual, you can leave a link to your walk post in my comments, or you can link back to me from the post.  I really don’t mind, and any day of the week will do.  It would be lovely to have some walks to cheer me up when I return.  I’ll try to entertain you with a Polish walk in exchange.  Seem fair?  Great!  I’ll see you then.  Take care in the meantime!

Just got time for some shares before I go.  Don’t miss Amy’s lovely River Walk :

https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/jos-monday-walk-river-walk/

And Yvette, being zany 🙂

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/monday-walk-with-jo-street-shots-bread-and-jim-gaffigan-clip/

And you simply can’t miss Sonel taking a Mantis for a walk, in her own inimitable style!

http://sonelcorner.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/jos-monday-walk-a-walk-with-mantis/

Bluebell woods, anyone?  Thanks, Elaine!

http://elainemcnulty.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/tiptoe-through-the-bluebells-with-me/

 

 

135 comments

  1. Idyllic place… I think I would rather go there than to London. Your feathery trees capture is marvelous, Jo. Have a safe trip and a great time in Poland!

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    1. Yes, I think you’d be at peace here, Paula 🙂 Thanks for the good wishes.
      I’m sure you’ll love London. I’m very proud of our capital city. Whereabouts are you staying? I’ll pop over to yours later tonight or early morning. Still got packing and stuff to do. Hugs!

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      2. Many thanks! You too 🙂 Give my regards to… Picadilly doesn’t sound right somehow, does it? St. James’ Park, then! It has lots of ducks and squirrels 🙂

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    1. The weather’s all over the place, Suze! Totally miserable all weekend but last week there were a couple of lovely days. It’s just keeping us on the hop. Wouldn’t be England otherwise, would it? Many thanks, hon. 🙂

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      2. That was a nice walk we all enjoyed and you also take us to some fantastic places. I love those rugged landscapes you have been taking us to, thanks Jude.

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      1. The camera has to be aimed and you were the one pointing out all the wondrous things that some people would have missed. I believe that is why artists and poets are so important to us.

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  6. Pingback: Monday Walk with Jo (street shots, bread, and Jim Gaffigan clip) | PRIORHOUSE blog

  11. Fabulous photos, Jo. I wish that I’d been with you. We could have sat on those sunshine yellow chairs and fed the ducks. 🙂 Love the reflections in the stream. Have a great trip and enjoy the wedding. xx 🙂

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  14. You have brightened my day Jo. I have just returned from a brisk walk along a grey, overcast, Seaton prom. Hopefully the sun will be out later. See you in a weeks time, enjoy your trip 🙂

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  16. Loved this – I likes so many shots- but the “up view” of the hay – with the blue sky and clouds – is my fav of this post. But it was hard to decide – liked so many….

    I will be back with mine shortly. 🙂

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  19. Stunning reflections in the shot of the Thorpe Bulmer Farm Jo! Love it! 😀

    They sure look like 2 teddy bears. You are so right.

    You took amazing shots hon. It’s truly so beautiful there! Just the place where I’d love to live.

    Thanks for the lovely virtual tour again sweetness. Have a fun day! 😀 ♥ Big Hugs ♥

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      1. Doesn’t sound like fun but I am sure you will find something to do. 😆
        Thanks and the same to you. 😀

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      1. Bless you, hon! I did get out walking and have some lovely bluebells and things for another Monday. Off to play with the praying mantis. Oh, lawks! Thanks for joining in 🙂

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      2. Oh, can’t wait to see them Jo. I love bluebells! 😀
        LOL! Have fun and thanks for hosting. 😀

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