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

  2. well I loved peeking over your shoulder through this walk – and the variety – so nice – my favorite one was that opening shot “interesting reflections” – but always hard to pick a fav…
    enjoy Algarve and be safe ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. I liked the opener too, Yvette 🙂 I suppose I’m biased- I do like most of my shots (well, the ones I publish anyway- you wouldn’t want to see the abandoned heap!)
      Always good to have your company. Many thanks!

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  7. Ah yes … sometimes ’tis better just oneself and camera Jo Lol .
    Love the way you framed the Cathedral through the bandstand ! I must look out for those spiralling little helicopter seed pods of the sycamore … the wind’s been picking up somewhat the last couple of days …
    Have a great break 🙂

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  11. What a lovely, peaceful walk, Jo. I love the bridge with the log treads, and the iron stick-man. The shot of the sycamore wings brought back great childhood memories. Have a wonderful trip to your beloved Algarve. 🙂

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    1. There is a rather strange ‘spider person’ stretching alongside one of the footpaths, Gem. Don’t ask me why! There are a couple of them along the path. I just pat them on the head as I pass 🙂

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  14. Another lovely walk with you today Jo, you know how much I like water and a river. Beautiful autumnal tints, tranquil scenes, interesting angles, bridges, bandstands and boats! Wonderful!
    I’m back to true form this week and this will be my last for a while, unless I manage to post whilst away, which I’ll try to do. http://wp.me/p3jVw4-14t
    Jude xx
    Enjoy Tavira xx (as if you won’t…)

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    1. Thanks Jude 🙂 I had chores to do when I got back from my walk today so will have a major catch up this evening. It ended rather nicely with a coffee and a scone but I’m all behind now. (Don’t quote me on that! 🙂 )

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    1. It was such a lovely day, Amy (again!) The sky was a little more surly today but I was still out walking. Many thanks for sharing. I’ll be over as soon as I’ve cooked tea. 🙂

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  18. Wonderful, wonderful Jo, I love your character working out! The wild flower is not the beauty it seems though, Google. Himalayan balsam, it’s a thug that will take over our river banks and destroy our natural habitat if it isn’t stopped soon 😦

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  19. I am thinking on such a lovely day, a picnic lunch and a float around in one of those sweet little boats would be a lovely way to pass the afternoon!

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      1. I feel sorry for those who live in such crowded areas or homes with many family members. We all need to have a place where we can be alone. I don’t mean lonely of course but just a little space.

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