Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

Crossing the railway lines

The bridge crossing the railway lines

I was a little conflicted over which walk to share with you today.  Logically, it should be the one which culminates with Penshaw Monument, which intrigued many of you last week.  But I’m often not a logical creature, and I’m always susceptible to the pull of the sea.

Hartlepool has three golf courses.  I’ve never especially felt the need to wallop a golf ball, though I did once demonstrate a mild talent for pitch and put.  All 3 courses have sea views, but by far the most scenic is very close to the sea.  I would never be able to concentrate on the ball, so it’s a good job I’m a walker.  Our start point is on the Hart to Haswell walkway, just north of Hartlepool Headland.  Are you ready?  We’ll need to step out briskly to keep warm!

You can already see and smell the sea as you cross the bridge

You can see, and almost smell, the sea as you cross the bridge

The path leads down towards the sea

Through the gate, the path leads down towards the sea

And then, a glimpse of beach

And then, a glimpse of beach

The gorse is beginning to flower- always an encouraging sign.  Depending on how high the tide, you will probably find a ribbon of water, wriggling its way towards the sea.

The curve of an errant strip of water

The curve of an errant strip of water

With the sun so low, the water glimmers electric blue

With the sun so low, the water glimmers an electric blue

You have a choice at this point.  You can stay down at beach level or ascend a gentle gradient to the golf course. There is a public right of way, but you venture there at your own risk.

In other words, keep your head down!

In other words, keep your head down!

I prefer to climb a little for the views along the coast
In both directions
I like an empty golf course!
Maybe the wind has deterred them
But I don’t mind
Just a little windswept!

Just a little windswept?

Probably not 'sitting on a bench' weather!

Certainly not ‘sitting on a bench’ weather!

The advantage of being up on the tops is that you can remain in the sun for a little longer.  Below, on the beach, the shadows rapidly lengthen and you need to increase your pace.

The shadows have swept the beach bare

The shadows have swept the beach almost bare

Retreating out to sea

As the sun retreats, out to sea

I gallop along, but pause, intrigued by the sand patterns
And the blueness of the sea
Fascinating, aren’t they?

We’re not too far from the Headland now, and you may recognise a landmark ahead.  The pier that once belonged to Steetley Magnesite, and betrays our industrial past, has featured in several of my posts.  I find it a compelling sight.

Steetley pier in the distance

Steetley pier in the distance

And in close up

And in close up

It’s a little like a magnet to me, and I have to admit that I probably overdid it on this walk.  You can about face and retrace your steps at any point, but having reached the pier I had determined to continue to the Headland.  It’s the only place nearby where you can obtain refreshments.

The promenade on the Headland
The sun was rapidly sinking as I walked
And my reward- a dazzling sunset

I confess that I did not walk all the way back.  There is a bus from the Headland which would take me home.  I was rather lucky on this occasion, and met some friends, who’d been having scones with jam and cream in Mary Rowntree’s.  They kindly offered me a lift.  You just never know what might happen when you go out for a walk!  I hope you enjoyed this one.

walking logo

Time to thank all my lovely contributors again this week.  They will take you to some ravishing places!  Pop the kettle on and settle down for a good read.  If you happen to have a walk you’d like to share, I’d be delighted.  My Jo’s Monday walk page tells you how.

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No-one can tell a story like Tish Farrell!  I know that you will enjoy…

To the Isle of Dwynwen, Welsh Saint of lovers

Another shot full of drama from Cardinal!  Anyone been to Oslo?

Winter Sunset

Debbie takes us to Ljubljana.  That girl gets to the loveliest places!

A Short Plecnik Walk 

No need to venture beyond this garden, in South Africa!  Let Sonel show you around  :

In our Garden

Amy’s educating us about the Banyan tree next.  Who knew?

Which Way?

And there’s a beautiful sequel to Paula’s walk from last week.  Don’t miss it!

A Walk among the Menhirs- Sequel

You knew that Drake would be here again, didn’t you?  Indoors, this time!

Indoor walking!

Use Feng shui and prayer flags to boost your energy?  Like Elena  :

Wind Horse in the Mountains

For complete contrast, a luxurious stroll, with beetroot tart and salad- with Rosemay  :

On the Heritage Trail, South Perth

And while we’re down that way, let’s finish the day deliciously, in Canberra with Jude.

R G Menzies Evening Walk

What’s better than a walk?  A walk and a steam train ride, of course!  Many thanks to Lisa  :

Kawakawa-Opua Cycle Trail

Absolutely fantastic walks!  I really hope you can find time to read them.  I’ll be back with you next Monday, but after that there’ll be a short break.  Happy walking in the meantime!

147 comments

  3. well Jo – I dubbed this post a celebration of lines – so many shots had small ones layered ones, thin ones, crossing ones – and it flowed so well – the bus ride back sounds realizing too 🙂 (and I read above about the snow and ice – brrr – stay warm amiga -)
    here’s some sun
    🌞🌞🌞🌞

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  6. Pingback: Promenading the Banks of Canal Saint-Martin | Travel with Intent

    1. We don’t really have that culture, Colline, because warm reclining weather isn’t our strength in the north east. Dog walkers love it, though, and the bucket and spade and sandy sandwiches brigade are out at the least opportunity. 🙂

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  11. The golf club has a most scenic location, dear Jo. But they often have prime locations, don’t they. Gorgeous beach images! We had a frosty night in the Rhine Valley and your photos make me long for our Norfolk beach. Have a great week, Jo, take care.

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  12. I love these sea beach pictures, In my younger days bus rides were all part of a long walk one way or the other. they could be very interesting as well, so I dont say you cheated a little,, common sense comes to mind.

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    1. And my legs were so tired (but happy!), Gerry 🙂
      Have you posted recently? I couldn’t see anything beyond your Christmas posts when I checked last week. Hope all’s well?

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      1. No Jo, I haven’t done anything since Xmas, been busy with personal stuff and trying to finish my story, nearly there.. hoping to do a post shortly.. thank you always…

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  13. What a lovely place to go for a walk – it looks so relaxing . The funny thing is it looks like the golf course near here in s.w. Victoria, Australia. The only real difference in the pier – we don’t have one of those.

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    1. Hi Kate! 🙂 You’ll have forgotten how cold feels down there. I certainly walked briskly in those dark patches, but it is exhilarating and you do get the beach to yourself 🙂

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    1. The ground’s covered in that white stuff this morning, Andrew, so the planned walk has been ditched. Shame because it will be beautiful in snow, but getting there could be precarious 😦

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    1. Bless you, hon. Thank you so much! It’s blue again today but our pensioners walks been cancelled due to snow and ice 😦 I’ll have to catch up on here instead and keep half an eye on the tennis down under 🙂

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  18. What a feast of sea views, Jo. I rather share your lack of enthusiasm for golf, but sea-side golf courses are often splendid places if they allow walkers to pass through too. Also thank you very much for the pingback.

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    1. I’m off to a late start this morning, Paula, and our walk has been cancelled due to snow and ice!!! :(. The skies are bright so I may have a little wander later 🙂 Thanks for your company, hon. Have a good week!

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