Jo’s Monday walk : a Durham footpath

 

Reflected beauty

Interesting reflections

Often I walk with company, and that’s very nice, but occasionally I get to do a bit of wandering on my own- just me and the camera.  Nobody tapping their toes impatiently while I explore all the angles- ‘what IS she looking at?’  You might know the feeling.  My husband travels quite a lot locally, visiting customers, and sometimes I go along ‘for the ride’.  Durham is a favourite place.

The River Wear twines itself through the city, towing me along behind it.  My sense of direction is abysmal but, with a river to hold on to, I stand a fighting chance.  A bright Autumnal day was just the excuse I needed for an unfettered wander.  I’ll let you look over my shoulder, shall I?

The river bank is a little overgrown in places

The river bank is a little overgrown in places

I’m starting off at Shincliffe Bridge, by “The Rose Tree” pub, on the A177 road, on the outskirts of Durham.  There’s a path either side of the bridge and I linger for a while, contemplating which direction to take.  I cross over the bridge and am lured by a footpath that I don’t know.  It follows the river so there’s a good chance I’ll end up in the centre of Durham.

I don’t get very far when I spot some wildflowers by the path.  The sun is strong for October so I spend some time trying to get a shot that I like.  I catch curious looks from the occasional jogger. Two ladies, strolling, confirm that I can cross over a bridge further along.  Subsidence and falling trees has closed some of the footpath off, but I already knew this.

Sycamore wings

Sycamore wings

This will have to do!

This will have to do!

Or maybe this shot?
It has some paler friends too
A broken tree captures my sympathy
And those flowers again, in white
A peaceful stretch of river
And a ‘pop’ of yellow

After a while I come to the bridge which I must cross over.  Now I’m on more familiar territory. There’s a large modern sports facility here, used sometimes for football training by Hartlepool FC. (ssh, sensitive subject- no comments please!)

Approaching the bridge

Approaching the bridge

The treads are made of logs

The treads are made of logs

Looking back across the river

Looking back across the river

Safely over the bridge, the path follows the river on the other bank, through dappled leafy shade. Frequent splashes of oars can be heard as the local rowing teams spin and twirl in the water, to the harsh calls of the cox.  The odd, solitary oarsman glides past too.

This strange creature is ‘working out’ by the river
Dappled shade
Heave! Heave!
Solitary struggles

I cross over a path which leads to the boat club (members only), and shortcut across a field strewn with the remnants of Autumn.  The wider expanse of river beckons.

Lingering Autumn

Lingering Autumn

The river widens at this point

The river widens at this point, heading towards Durham centre

The bandstand

The bandstand

I take a seat in the bandstand.  I have been carrying with me, since my visit to Nottingham, a postcard destined for Viveka in Sweden.  I exchanged addresses with this lovely lady some time ago, and now I receive ‘surprises’ in the post. (one of which was a Paris t-shirt in black and gold! I don’t know anyone more generous than Viveka)  I have always loved postcards and having one land on my doormat gladdens my heart. Now it’s my turn to reciprocate.  There’s a post office in town and what nicer place to sit and write?

On towards the centre and another bridge

Along the riverbank to yet another bridge!

Durham has such a pretty centre

Durham Castle, beautifully framed

The path follows the river to the bridge with the green railings, shown above. (Baths Bridge) I cross over, approaching the boat hire beneath Elvet Bridge.  This is a popular spot and, in Summer, paintings of the castle and many other Durham views adorn the nearby walls. You might want to pause here for something to eat, or a row on the river.  There are plenty of places to eat in Durham, catering to all tastes and wallets.

I love the boat names

I pause to admire all the boat names

Especially Shirley

Especially Shirley!

I’m going to continue into the centre, to post my card.  Before I go, I’d better give you instructions on how to get back to the start point, hadn’t I?

Climb the steps up onto Elvet Bridge and cross over it.  Turn right onto New Elvet, passing the Royal County Hotel, and continue uphill to Hallgarth St. Following Hallgarth will bring you to a roundabout with a junction signed A177.  About 15 minute’s walk in this direction will bring you back to Shincliffe Bridge, where I began.  I hope you enjoyed our wander.

walking logo

Next Monday I will be in the Algarve, but I intend to schedule a walk, just so you don’t forget me. I can’t guarantee that I will be able to respond to your comments, as this will necessitate a visit to an internet cafe.  Not something I often do, but Anazu does have a connection.  Please just link to my post as usual, if you have a walk to share. My Jo’s Monday walk page will give you the details, and I will respond to you as soon as I possibly can.  Meantime, let’s put that kettle on and settle in for some more great reads.

I don’t receive many walks from South Sulawesi!  Many thanks for this treat, and welcome Noe  :

Walking around Tinabo Island

Jerusalem and Cardinal seem to go together.  This is very beautiful night photography  :

Jerusalem

Combine good company with superb night time shots in Bologna, with Paula  :

Music and lights of Bologna

There are lots of things that Drake knows.  How to entertain has always been one of them  :

Knowing its Autumn

Fall in Canada!  Wouldn’t you love to share it with Colline?  :

Familiar Streets

Climbing hills and hopping over stiles in Dorset.  Can this really be Jude?  :

Pilsdon Pen

More beautiful Autumn colour and a little shared knowledge, from Violet Sky  :

A tree walk

Close up and personal with Milkweed Bugs?  I don’t like bugs much, but I do love Amy’s company

Milkweed Bug walk

And finally, stop off at the market on the way to the beach with Pauline.  You may need a sunhat!

A walk along beautiful Burleigh Beach

I hope you enjoy these walks as much as I did.  Many thanks to all my lovely contributors. Happy walking!  See you soon.

 

125 comments

  1. Those are quite long and elegant bridges! I am usually very good at navigating my way around anywhere – so long as it is urban! Put me on trails and I am always confused.
    My latest walk is here

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  3. Pingback: A walk along Beautiful, Burleigh Beach : Joining Jo’s Monday walking group | gypsy life

  4. I loved this wander along the river Jo. Those Sycamore wings too k me back to childhood, like Tricia I called them helicopters and we would compete to see who’s helicopter went the furthest. The shadows on the log bridge make a lovely pattern. The flowers the glimpse of the rowers all add up to a delightful post. Thanks also for the link to my walk.

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  5. Hi Jo, how lovely to see what autumn looks like in your corner of Europe. I smiled when I saw what you called ‘Sycamore Wings.’ I think we call them ‘Helicopter Seeds’ but I think I thought they were ‘Helicopter Seats’ as a child. 🙂

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  11. Lovely post – I also like the log bridge. The flowers look lovely but are a right pest along our riverbanks – Himalayan Balsam but I expect you knew that. Mum (Vivinfrance), The laughing Housewife and I had a rest in that bandstand last time Mum was over and watched the rowers on the river. My son has just taken up rowing so hopefully one day I will watch him on this stretch of the Wear. Sally

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    1. Hi Sally! 🙂 Mum just commented a few minutes ago. Does your son have his eye on Durham Uni? Hasn’t it been a wonderful Autumn? Off walking down Teesdale this morning.

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  12. A great walk for an autumn day, isn’t it lovely to walk with camera in hand and be able to snap away as much as you like. Thank you for the walk Jo, I enjoyed the cooler weather. Have fun in the Algarve 😊

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  15. I reckon I could pick a post of your out of a lineup, based on you liking for bridges and boats. That log bridge intrigues me – shadows or fancy weaving of the logs? I love your turn of phrase: “the River Wear twines itself through the city, towing me along behind it.” I’m not all that keen on walking with other people: I’m too much of a chatterbox to notice things when I’m in company.

    My walk this morning isn’t written yet. When it is, I’ll link it to you.

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    2. You’ve caught me out, Meg! I shall have to change my ‘style’ 🙂
      They’re just narrow log poles across the bridge, but the shadows make them look interesting, I think. It’s very noisy to walk across 🙂
      Thanks, darlin’. I’m going to be blown about a bit on my walk today. I don’t leave till Thursday so I’ll catch up with you before then.

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  18. Looks like you’re having beautiful autumn weather Jo much milder than usual! What a lovely walk – you always find such interesting places to wander! Enjoy your time in the Algarve too 🙂

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    1. I did not know where home is for you, Mihrank, so thanks for sharing that. It looks an incredible city and one that I would someday wish to visit. Thank you for your kind comments.

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  20. Pingback: Here, there and everywhere | Le Drake Noir

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