The choices this week were another boring beach walk in the sunny Algarve, or a quick romp in the frozen north east of England. Well, it’s no contest, is it? Grab your scarf and mittens, and no loitering, please! Except to feed the swans.
There’s a crisp beauty to it, as the frost nibbles at your ears and glistens on grass and fences. Distant dog walkers embrace the morning air.
Out past the barn, I head towards the windmills, on a narrow lane. A public footpath crosses the fields, the frozen earth firm underfoot. Patterns abound, all etched in white, whilst solid puddles of ice line the path.
Despite the sun, the ice persists, tingling the toes, yet some of the fields are surprisingly green. The blades whirr noisily above my head.
Fronds of bracken huddle beneath the hedge, the occasional, lucky one gilded by sunlight. A forbidding, firmly-locked gate denies access. No matter, as the country park lies straight ahead, just beyond the farmhouse.
The small pond is frozen solid, but most of the lake is clear and sparkling. A path skirts the shore and the swans glide hopefully forwards.
There is a small cafe if you need a warm up afterwards. As we drove through Hetton I saw a sign for homemade broth. Sounded like a good idea!
I think the sign was on Market Street, but I was distracted by the mural. Hope you didn’t get too cold walking with me. I still have a few warm Algarve images that I may get to share with you before I go, but this is my last walk for a couple of weeks.
Many thanks for all your wonderful shares. Please take a little time to read the following walks, especially if it’s someone you don’t know. You may find a new friend. There are lots this week but I’ll be in the Algarve for a few weeks, so you can make them last. Once I get settled I hope to be back out with you again.
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Let’s start with a little stunning alpine scenery from Drake :
And here’s a fair bit of the white stuff from Anabel too!
The Birks of Aberfeldy (and other walks)
You birders will love this! Take a walk in the wild with Lisa :
In Search of the Endangered Slaty Becard- (and finding so much more!)
Dom hosts a regular walk feature on Wandsworth Radio. Why not have a listen?
Walking Wandsworth Episode 6- Battersea Arts Centre
And you could munch along with Jackie while you do :
“One of the most glorious landscapes I’ve ever been fortunate to have hiked in”, says Nicole :
A Magical Hike in Chile’s Parque Andino Juncal
Kathrin’s in a very happy place and I think you’ll like it too :
Hopfen am See aka my Happy Place
‘There’s gold in them there hills!” Well, there was once, wasn’t there, Carol?
You can just picture Pauline and Jack, having fun with all these folks!
Lady Lee is back from her holidays. You might be jealous!
New Year’s Eve and Day in Manila
Cornwall can still compete with most places, if the weather behaves. In French, and English :
Hike around Lizard Point, England
And while we’re down that way, a sort of revisit, from Jude :
Garden Portrait : The Lost Gardens of Heligan Part 1
This time last year I was getting very excited about a trip to Tuscany. Thanks for the memories, Woolly!
This year I’m just days away from an extended stay in the Algarve. Thanks for a lovely reminder, Becky :
And just to thoroughly spoil you, here’s that warm beach walk I know you fancied, courtesy of Meg :
An early morning walk and an act of gross disloyalty
Lovely skies here this morning but still slippy stuff on the ground. Take care out there! I’ll be keeping an eye an you, and I’ll let you know when I’m walking again. Bye for now!
“Another boring Algarve beach walk”. I laughed out loud at this. You’re not become blase, are you 😉
I love the ornate frozen puddles.
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I do love the frozen puddles but I can just about manage to live without them. Come back for my Monday walk and you’ll see why I can’t tear myself away just yet xxx
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I love the patterns in the ice. My walk from last week has a similar winter theme –
Hiking Maine | An amazing winter hike on the Cathance River Trail in Topsham.
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Thank you very much! 🙂 🙂 I’d love to go there but I’m a bit of a summer bird.
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Your gorgeous photos made me feel slightly chilly, but that sky is a wonderful shade of blue. 🙂 Homemade broth would do a good warming job.
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I have the same shade of blue here in the Algarve, Ad, and it’s considerably warmer. We had snow at home today and here we have almond blossom. 🙂 🙂
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Yay for you! 👏🏻😎
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What a beautiful set of photos Jo. Stunning. Hope you’re enjoying your time away. Cheers
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Thanks so much, Miriam. I was out for my first walk with our group today and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The forecast is unsettled for a day or two but it hardly matters. We’re at home here. 🙂 🙂
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I know what you mean Jo. It’s cloudy here so I’m hoping for clearer sky tonight during our big lunar event. Enjoy your time there 🙂✨
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Sounds exciting! 🙂 I’ve just spotted your walk so I’m on my way to yours now, Miriam. See you soon!
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I love the frosty scenes, especially since there is still sun. That distant star seems to like you no matter where you are!
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It has it’s momemts. 🙂 🙂 We were blown fiercely around the harbour in Faro yesterday, but it’s all part of life’s rich pattern, isn’t it? Walking today, if the weather cooperates.
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Lovely impressions!
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Thanks a lot! 🙂 🙂
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Wow! 😀 What a striking mural – I wonder if they have many car accidents around there as all the drivers stop to stare at it! I enjoyed this romp outside with you; particularly as it was from the warmth of my study. You captured the exquisite art of the frost patterns brilliantly. A great post, Jo and long may we have such sunny days.
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100% better than today, Annika. That heavy grey that makes me happy to be leaving tomorrow. 🙂 🙂 But, yes- gorgeous as long as it lasts. Thanks, darlin!
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That top image, just lovely – what a crispy lovely walk … where can I buy them???? Clear blue sky. Haven’t seen that since Krakow. Beautiful scenery, but you’re a master of delivering them. Still your old little camera.
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Yes still my little friend Vivi. Though it’s a bit battered now. Welcome to my world darlin xx
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