Roker lighthouse
There’s nothing I like better than standing at the foot of a lighthouse and looking up! Especially when, as in this case at Roker, Sunderland, the pier has been newly restored and it’s possible to walk right out there.
Newly restored Roker Pier
Last week I mentioned that I might have to repeat some of my walks. This is a variation on one I’ve previously done but with the addition of the newly accessible pier. Mind you- it was bitter cold out there, but it didn’t seem to deter whole families of hardy northerners. Toddlers skippetty-hopped along, tugging parents hands, or racing ahead on ‘Christmas-new’ bikes and scooters.
600 metres long, Roker Pier is 111 years old and grade II listed. Enormous seas had rendered it unsafe for the public, and a restoration programme began last June. It reopened in November. Further work is planned to both pier and lighthouse, but I really should start at the beginning of the walk, so grab your warmest coat and woollies. It’s time to go.
This was my start point- note the frost!
The sun was fighting hard to melt the frost
One last remnant of chimney pot
Part of the Riverside Sculpture Trail, the group above are entitled ‘The Red House’, and are just beyond the National Glass Centre, where you can park for free. The trail continues towards the marina which, because of its situation, is probably the warmest spot on our walk today. In fact, I distinctly remember an elderly couple sitting on a bench, backs to the wall and faces lifted reverently to the sun. Overcoats on, of course!
The first sighting of the pier- note the hard frost on the ramp!
Just beyond the marina and the boatyard, a vista of beach and pier opens up before you. The concrete bowls on the beach are filled to different levels, representing different phases of the moon. A promenade leads past a children’s playground to the final item on the Sculpture Trail. This highly polished granite monolith, designed by Andrew Small, has a circular cutout which makes a fine frame for Roker Lighthouse.
The children’s playground
The marble monolith and the pier
Roker as described by Wikipedia is a seaside resort. I doubt that many would lay that claim in these days of exotic holidays, but it still retains a certain charm. It was news to me that the Roker story goes back to 1587, when the Abbs family were granted land on the north shore of the River Wear. It was a condition that they provide six soldiers to defend the mouth of the river.
Did I mention that further work needs to be done on the pier?
The railings could definitely use some TLC!
But out on the pier it doesn’t seem to matter
I didn’t have a band of Northumberland Hussars to pipe me off the pier, like the Earl of Durham, but it would have been nice. As would a hot drink! But for that we need to return to the National Glass Centre. You can pass through the tunnel at the end of the promenade, into Roker Park, and complete a circuit back to the front, or simply retrace your steps.
Be sure to leave yourself time to loiter in the Glass Centre. You’re bound to like something!
Even if it’s only an angel in a bauble! So, that’s another walk completed! I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week, and we’ll wander some more.
If you’d like to join in my Monday walks, it’s very easy to do. Just click on the logo or my walks page. Many thanks to this weeks contributors. Now, let’s put the kettle on and settle back to read!
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Lovely Debbie from Travel with Intent is joining us this week. I know you’ll enjoy Glasgow through her eyes. Many thanks, Debs!
Paula has an on-going love affair with Corsica and it’s not hard to see why :
You can count on Cardinal to have a unique viewpoint! :
Again, Jude has me wishing I was on the far side of the world! :
Amy’s back with a bang! Well, maybe that’s not the right expression around a volcano!
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A Monday walk wouldn’t be a Monday walk without Drake, would it?
Friendly minded castle conquest
Please welcome a very distinguished newcomer, from Australia. Many thanks for joining us, Elizabeth!
New Year’s walk : a giant stairway and a miniature train
And a lovely lady called Lisa joins us from the Bay of Islands :
Rosemay finishes off her zoo walk. It’s hot!
And then Yvette comes in with a blockbuster of a post!
If you’re not totally worn out, you can even do an evening walk? Welcome Bon Minou!
What a selection! Brilliant, aren’t they? Have a great week everyone, and happy walking!
restlessjo 
A long and windy road perhaps but absolutly worth walking – really enjoyed this walk… 🙂
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Thanks, Drake 🙂 Those barrels of port(?) looked good to me too!
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Really tasty a bit sherry-like Alsace specialty – addictive if we not take care… 😀
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Brrr….look at that frost! We have had some here too, and getting some more and even snow tomorrow or Wednesday judging by the weather forecast. We shall see! Love the walk to the lighthouse, and the beautiful celtic designs on the steps down to the sea. Another lovely walk, perfect on a winter’s day and ending with a nice hot drink…cocoa now I think 🙂 Hope your week gets better and better Jo…keep smiling that beautiful smile 😀
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The smile is firmly fixed for this week, Sherri 🙂 Thank you for all your good wishes. They are much appreciated. 🙂
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Good to know Jo 🙂
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What a great walk. There is something for everyone. History, art,sculpture, playground and that lovely old lighthouse and its picturesque pier. The moon phase bowls are unique. Thanks for getting out and about on this frosty morning, Jo.
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It was just after Christmas, Lynne, and I had nowhere in mind- just needed to get out of the house. I wasn’t even aware that the pier had reopened so that was a superb surprise 🙂
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I enjoyed this very much, Jo. And you’ve inspired me: next time I visit a lighthouse I’m going to stand at the base and look up. Many thanks! 🙂
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I wasn’t sure that I could get enough in, Jet, but in the end I liked the photo. I’m waiting to see if the lighthouse opens to the public after further restoration 🙂 Thanks for your company!
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So, you were trespassing today!! Here is the sequel I promised https://bopaula.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/a-walk-among-the-menhirs-sequel/
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No, I trespassed one afternoon last week and I loved the house I found, tucked away in the trees. 🙂 Thanks a lot, Paula!
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That’s my favourite thing to do when I go walking – trespassing among other mischiefs 😀
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I do seem to hang about things that need restoring, don’t I? I smiled to myself when reading this back because it would have been yet another candidate for Restoration 🙂
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🙂
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This one is a winner, Jo. You know me and lighthouses. 🙂 So glad the pier and lighthouse have been spruced up. I love those decorated steps, and the concrete bowls are fascinating. My ears got a bit frozen. I’d better bring a hat next time. 🙂
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I had my hood up today, walking into the wind, Ad. 🙂 Your lighthouse would have shivered so much if it had to brave these temperatures!
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Yes, I’m sure its nose would have been even redder. 🙂
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Beautiful stonework abounds in this walk, Jo. That’s certainly one of the more artistic lighthouse towers with its alternating stone blocks, and the stairsteps just echo the voices of all who placed footsteps. Charming!
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We have our share of architecture and history up here in the chilly north, Sammy. It’s just that we can’t linger for too long looking 🙂
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WOW to the first shot, but I went through others with my mouth open too 🙂 I will be linking in a bit. Thank you for taking me to the sea, and showing me sunshine and amazing views.
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Thanks, sweetheart 🙂 It was going to be a candidate for Cardinal’s architecture but not enough contrast (the first shot). I really enjoyed this walk. No hurry 🙂
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Jo I especially love the first image gazing up at the lighthouse. The photos of the stairs curving down to the sea with the sun glistening is a wonderful perspective. Another lovely walk. Wish I had been there with you. 🙂
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You would have been great company, Sue- a hardy Canadian like yourself 🙂 It was a mid Christmas and New Year walk that I thoroughly enjoyed.
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Love Monday mornings – this is a great post Jo! Just love the old lighthouse and perspective you give us. Yes looking up makes me dizzy. Those rusty rails are great detail, they sure have seen their share of salt water! Wonderful walk ~
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It was a properly bracing day, Mary, and I didn’t know that the pier had reopened so it was a real treat. Thank you 🙂
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I’ve always had a thing for lighthouses, and Roker Pier is a fine example. Jo, I liked going on your walk today and enjoyed all of your photographs, especially the beautiful captures of paths. Loved the steps down to the water too. Very nice!
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I bet you had your woolly hat and gloves on, Elisa! 🙂 Many thanks… have a happy week!
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Simply wonderful!
Stay warm,
Pit
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Thanks, Pit 🙂 Clutching the coffee cup!
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I absolutely love the Celtic stairs leading down into the water. Just beautiful Jo!
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They are good, aren’t they, Lynn? I’m ashamed to say, I’d passed that way before and never noticed them! 😦
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Thank you for the beautiful Roker Pier walk, Jo. Love this remarkable Roker lighthouse! Here is my entry for this week: https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/which-way-jos-monday-walk/
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Hi to you, Amy, and thanks for joining me again 🙂 I’m just going to put the kettle on again. It’s chilly over here!
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Happy to join, as always, Jo! It was 40F this morning here, a little warmer than last week. 🙂 This post may make you feel warm, I hope. 🙂
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What a tranquil and peaceful place Jo! I love those steps and the patterns on them. The lighthouses are my favourite and that bauble is to die for! Great shots and thanks for a lovely tour once again hon. 😀
My entry: http://sonelcorner.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/jos-monday-walk-in-our-garden/
♥ Hugs ♥
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Fabulous, Sonel! What a lovely surprise 🙂 I’m not long home from a very windswept walk and delighted to find you here in my comments. Thanks so much!
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Such good news that they are working on making this walk safe. There are so many interesting things to look at.
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The promenade at Roker has been transformed with new paving and benches, Colline. There’s still a bit to do on the pier, but it’s a huge task 🙂
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