England

Vision of loveliness

Where better to have a vision than in a church? But this is no ordinary church. The Pitcher and Piano in Nottingham is a deconsecrated Unitarian church, saved from dereliction in a rather spectacular fashion.

Meeting me from my bus journey on a balmy afternoon, my daughter proposed a refreshing drink. To me, she was a vision of loveliness. You could say that for our surroundings too.

Last week I was too excited at meeting my daughter to settle to a Thursday’s Special. This week I’m home again, and able to share some of the magic. The little girl in Paula’s Vision is beautiful too.

A sequence for Sue

I don’t generally do requests, but when a lovely lady asks it would be churlish to refuse. Our capricious English weather has produced wonderful gardens this year, as you might have seen in my Open Gardens walk this week. There’s currently a bee fest going on in my own garden, where the foxgloves are rampant. An oriental poppy, planted last year, has just decided to swirl its skirts and join the party.

A fan of faded glory and all things derelict, when I mentioned it Sue surprised me by saying ‘I love pink oriental poppies. Take a photo for me!’ So here we are. I’m easing off the brake pedal a bit this week. There won’t be a Six Word Saturday from me as I’ll be in Nottingham, enjoying my daughter’s company. Before I go I’ll schedule a walk for next Monday, and catch up with you as soon as I can. Enjoy the sunshine!

Jo’s Monday walk : Little Ouseburn Open Gardens

During the Summer months I like to visit an Open Garden or two, if I get the chance. The promise of a whole village in an area I know not at all was simply too good to miss. Situated just 5 miles from Boroughbridge in Yorkshire, Little Ouseburn was ripe for exploring.

It wasn’t an especially nice day, weatherwise, but at least it was dry. A field had been set aside for parking and a minibus was available to transport you through the village- helpful for the less mobile as it proved to be an extremely long village, but an easy walk for the fit. A £5 donation to the village charity bought you a map and details of participating gardens. Time to head for the bridge!

Beneath the bridge flowed a little stream. A connection to the River Ouse, I wondered? But before I could speculate more I came upon the Holy Trinity Church and its mausoleum. A Grade 1 listed building, I was charmed by the interior. Maps and newspaper articles were laid out, detailing the history of the village. An exhibition of lace making was taking place, and the ladies were more than happy to chat about their accomplishments.

In an alcove, steps mounted precariously to the bell ringers hideaway. It brought to mind Bath Abbey and my ascent of the tower. It was quite hard to tear myself away from the church, but there were 9 gardens to visit. Over a field and a right turn brought you onto the main street of the village. Ever wanted a cottage with roses around the door?

Opposite the village hall, where you could partake of everything from a pot of tea to a three course Sunday lunch, delightful Plantation Cottage.

A tumble of clematis were the star of the show, while stately lilies looked on. The lady of the house relaxed on the patio with her toddler, keeping a wary eye on the clouds. Back on the street there were floral distractions aplenty.

Broadlands Bungalow delivered a stunning iris or three, an array of coleums and a confusion of wisteria, poppies and a sparkling rhododendron.

At Broadlands Farm a tea party was in full swing on the back lawn. I couldn’t possibly be a party pooper but I can’t show you the evidence. It was a little tricky balancing the tray and eating the cake. In fact, apart from the chirpy robin at the beginning of the post, I took very few photos there.

I looked wistfully toward the book stall in the doorway of The Old Chapel, but time was pressing on. Orchard House next, for a lovely old stone wall with alliums, more, sumptuous irises and beautifully burgeoning peonies.

The village green had a plant stall, BBQ, icecream and cupcakes. Nobody was going home hungry! At the very far end of the village, Hazel House had a modern garden, with a sunken circular dining area.

Broomfield Cottage had bags of personality and a very friendly owner. A tree surgeon by trade, he sat feeding his log burner, happy to chat about his collection of rare trees and his vegetable garden.

Paddock Cottage had a rather Zen feel and a number of metal sculptures, the aspect to the rear of lawn tennis courts and open countryside.

Just two to go, at Hill Top Cottage the lawn is sheltered by a scintillation of colourful shrubs, some of my favourites.

Lastly, the ‘big’ house, The Old Granary. Approached by an imposing drive, it had the feel of a grande dame. An ultra modern extension had been added and a hedge of pleached horn beams. Not really my cup of tea, but then, I wasn’t invited in.

Value for money and a good afternoon out? I think so. I almost forgot to tell you that the name Little Ouseburn does have associations with the River Ouse. The original source of the Ouse is marked by a stone in the neighbouring village of Great Ouseburn.

Visit Little Ouseburn Open Gardens for details of how to get there. The homeward jouney I found intriguing because we crossed the toll bridge at Aldwark, at a cost of 40p! I didn’t even know it existed till then, but there’s a neat little story about the ticket collector here.

Dashing around trying to fit all the walks in this morning! There are heaps and some wonderful ones, so please try to visit as many as you can. Many thanks to you all! Details of how to join me are over on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Definitely time for a cuppa now!

…………………………………………………………………………………..

We all need a weekly smile, don’t we? 74! That’s more than a year of smiling. Thanks, Lady Lee!

Weekly Smile 74

Miriam can always find words of encouragement, even in troubled times :

Music in the Air

I remember having mottoes on the wall, in the ‘good old days’. So does Jackie!

Toronto Textile Museum

Drake has both feet on the ground this week, but there’s magic in the air :

Completely down on earth

Please go and meet Sheri, and learn a little more about Vancouver :

A Walking Tour of Vancouver’s Hidden Past

Dawn has been lingering by some lovely windows this month. Don’t forget her challenge!

A Lingering Look at Windows- June Bonus Week

Amanda takes us back in time, in Norway :

Roros – A Walk back in ‘Mine’

Join Jolandi in the Spanish mountains- it looks blissful!

Walking in The Alpujarras

Or how about the little known Jura area of France, with Food is Travel?

The trail of the perched cat in Dole, France

Wonderful memories of a city I love, brought back to life for me by Becky :

Porto – a walking city

While Carol solves a mystery or two in the Lake District :

What the Devil’s Going On?

Beautiful blooms from Susan, in New York City :

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden in the Spring

And a fabulous seven-arched bridge in the company of Eunice :

Roaming round Rivington

Ending on an absolute high with a garden post that puts mine to shame. Stunning work, Jude!

Garden Portrait : Dartington Hall

Phew! Just about made it this week! Thanks again everybody. Take good care and I’ll see you soon.

Six word Saturday

It’s that time of year again!

Very cute, our seahorse, isn’t he? Yet again the good folks of Saltburn by the Sea have decorated their pier with yarn bombing. It’s a Summer tradition. Are they in good Order? I think I should let you be the judge of that.

There are some wild hairdo’s, aren’t there? You can probably tell that there was a fresh breeze that day, but still lots of people.

Let’s end with a bit of a gallop, down by the sea. Such skilled handiwork, as well as being completely adorable.

That’s it for another year. The next day it simply poured, and has continued to do so. The shopaholics amongst you will adore Debbie’s Six Word Saturday this week. Me, I just want to go to Madrid! Wishing you a happy weekend!

Jo’s Monday walk : Blast Beach, orchids and P’s in a Pod

Just south of Nose’s Point at Seaham, on the north east coast, lies a stark, uninviting stretch of beach. I’ve walked along the cliff top, looking down on it, many times. On a warm and hazy May day, I was somewhat surprised to find myself descending steps that led directly to Blast Beach.

It was a day of surprises. Up on the cliff top I had already met Devon sculptress, Louise Plant , watering her P’s in a Pod. The art installation was being newly installed and my first thought was that she was reviving the grass surrounding the P’s. Not so! The pieces were being watered to enhance their patina. You can read the story of the P’s and their journey on the link.

A damp ‘P’

3 ‘P’s in a Pod’

The cliff top location

They represent a new approach to exhibiting art in County Durham. The cast iron structures will be displayed at 4 different sites in the region, the idea being that a different backdrop will enable us to respond differently to them. The reclaimed coastline at Seaham is the start point for their adventure. After chatting to Louise for a while, it was on with my own mission- to seek out a few orchids. Around this time of year wild orchids sparkle in the long grass of the cliff tops like incandescent fireworks.

It’s always hard to find the first of the orchids, but many follow in its wake. Continuing along the cliff, I noticed a pathway I hadn’t previously taken much notice of. It could only lead downwards to the beach. Why not take a look?

It’s not an inviting stretch of beach but the stacks do add interest, and close to the shoreline the rocks begin to develop an iron colouration.

Blast Beach was once the scene of coal production on a massive scale and the waste from that process defiled this beach and much of the surrounding area. Bleak though it may still look, huge efforts have been made to clean up this stretch of coast and restore it to nature.

End to end, this is a long beach. I circle both stacks and head back slowly towards Nose’s Point.

Ahead lies a steep climb up to the cliff top. Let’s take a deep breath and go for it.

Made it! I bet you’re in need of a cuppa now. Actually it’s a good place to bring a flask and a picnic, but if you’ve come unprepared you can head into Seaham. There are a couple of good cafes. Back at the cliff top a young man was busy taking photographs of the P’s. I moved aside to be out of shot but he waved me back in. He was taking promotional shots and wanted a willing admirer or two. Myself and husband duly obliged, but so far I’ve been unable to track down his work. Maybe just as well…

I wrote most of this post while watching the concert in aid of the victims of the terrorist attack on Manchester. It gave me hope for our future. The love was palpable and I was proud of our young people. Just 24 hours before I had been watching as horror unfolded at London Bridge. I feel blessed, because my son had been at London Bridge station at 9pm that evening, but was out of range and blissfully unaware when the nightmare hit.

Many thanks to you all for your continued support. I love sharing walks with you. Details of how to join me can always be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Definitely time for a cuppa now!

……………………………………………………………………………………..

Becky goes her own sweet way in the Algarve this week :

Serra de Monchique

A double dose of delight from Drake, in the beautiful village of Èze :

High level of atmosphere 1/2

High level of atmosphere 2/2

Fun and beer with Lady Lee :

Cycled to Waldwirtschaft

All singing, all dancing, with Jackie!

Bloomin Vegas

And something a little more exotic from Indra :

Sikkim Odyssey 1… Rumtek Monastery

Say hello to Gina! She takes us walking in one of my favourite parts of the Lake District :

Ullswater Way

And if you’ve been waiting for Susan, then Part 2 is definitely worth the wait :

East Harlem Jane’s Walk 2017 (Part II) : Community Murals

A bird watching walk next, from Mari- Becky, are you paying attention?

Bird watching in Malaga

An amazing dawdle or two with Meg. I just can’t choose :

Following my nose

Last day in Melbourne

Three friends and so much more! The delights of Venice, with Paula :

Tra Amici

Then a very English stroll with Carol. Such cute bunnies!

Meeting the Locals

Yesterday I came across a lady called Anne-Marie and a series of walks you may not have heard of. Please say hello :

Portuguese Camino in May

And we’ll finish with a rather interesting sculpture trail, from Cady Luck Leedy :

Jo’s Monday walk : Mainz, Germany

That’s it for another week. I hope this one brings you some happiness. Take care, and God bless!

Six word Saturday

What is it about the oriental?

Remember I mentioned a quilt exhibition in my walk at Belsay Hall and gardens on Monday? I thought that some of my craft working friends might like a closer look. Personally, I can look and admire, but I’m not much good at the making.

The hall is a mighty Palladian building and you step inside respectfully. The wood panelled walls and lofty ceilings create an interesting exhibition space, where my eyes are drawn immediately to the kimonos, bobbed hairstyles and coy smiles of the oriental ladies. There are many more traditional quilts, ranged throughout a series of rooms, with knowledgeable ladies, poised to enlighten and inform.

It was the last week of the exhibition when I was there, but Belsay regularly hosts events in the house, castle and magnificent gardens. Debbie has us dangling this week in Six Word Saturday. Why not join in?

Wishing you a great weekend!

Jo’s Monday walk : Belsay Hall and quarry

If there’s anything in life that gives me a kick, it’s a rhododendron! Find me a quarry full of rhododendrons and perhaps you can imagine the effect. So I was very happy to make a return visit to Belsay Hall in Northumberland, a week or two ago.

Managed by English Heritage, the Belsay estate dates back to 1270, when it was first bought by the Middleton family. Heritage on the grand scale, it comprises a medieval castle and a Greek Revival mansion from the 19th century, linked by some truly wonderful gardens.

As you can see, it’s not only rhododendrons vying for first place in this beauty contest. Bypassing the more than stately hall, I cannot wait to feast my eyes. Frilled tulips and those with plainer frocks, delicate iris, and a shy magnolia are just some of the blooms that greet me. The grounds are the very essence of grandeur. There’s even a croquet lawn, for that most refined of pastimes.

Tree heather lures me on and I find myself shoulder to shoulder with these beauties. Don’t they just sing with colour?

Even looking at them in photographs, I am mesmerised. But this is only a beginning. Next, the quarry, with its magical patterns of light and shade.

The colours are rich and mellow, and the quarry towers above you. It’s like a fairy glen, scaled up for a friendly giant.

Are you speechless yet? I don’t know where I’ve ever seen a better display. The castle is close by, approached through a bluebell wood.

In this serene and pastoral setting it’s hard to credit that a family would need a castle for protection. When it was constructed, in the 14th century, conflict and border disputes were commonplace between England and Scotland. The castle has one of the best preserved examples of a pele tower- built by rich families in this area in the Middle Ages for self defence.

From past experience, castles make a good subject for Paulas’s After and Before in Black and White Sunday. What do you think?

The Middleton family lived in the castle, with modifications, until the completion of their mansion, at Christmas, 1817. Inspired by a honeymoon in Greece, Belsay Hall was built with rock carved from their own quarry. Let’s stroll back round there now, past the lake and the grazing sheep. I try to get a close up of a cluster of cygnets, but they’re too far away to be more than a splash.

There was an exhibition of quilts taking place inside the hall, but I’ll save that for another day. Let’s adjourn to the tea rooms.

Directions on getting to Belsay are on their website. I hope you enjoyed our visit. Many thanks for your support and the wonderful contributions I have received again this week. Details of how to join in are always on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Let’s settle in for a good read:

………………………………………………………………………………………….

Almost missed Eunice last week, so she’s starting us off today :

A reservoir ramble

Can there be anywhere lovelier for a dawdle? Thanks, Drake!

Wet wet streets

Budapest has a lot to recommend it too, as Anabel can show you :

Budapest: Margaret Island and Obuda

Jackie gets up to some strange things, doesn’t she?

Dirty laundry

Geoff, Dog and a lighthouse- I’m happy!

A wander about#sundaywalks

Ann Christine takes us back to terrible times in Irish history, but with a happy ending :

A Peaceful Walk in Belfast

A whole heap of lovely photos from Lady Lee :

Thursday’s Special: Traces of the Past

If ever you’re needing a beautiful view, or three, tap Debbie on the shoulder. She’ll have them :

Moorish to more Moorish

Becky uses that eagle eye of hers to good effect in the Algarve :

The Military Stairs of Alcoutim

That lass Jude knows how to make me smile. A splash or two of azalea in a National Trust garden:

Garden Portrait: Coleton Fishacre

SO excited to be sharing this from Madhu! A small part of her beautiful Indian heritage :

Kashmir – Afoot in Shehr-e-Khas

How would I describe Gabe? Warm and whimsical, I suppose. Go and see for yourself :

Hiking in Venice

So lucky and privileged this week! Another wonderful share from Paula. Don’t forget to listen too!

Light Catcher

What do you know of Peru? Not much? An interesting read here from Jill :

Ollantaytambo at dusk

And, much closer to home, Carol finds me some stone circles :

Walking in Circles

That’s it for another week. All gems! Hope you enjoy your long weekend (if you’re having one). Take good care!

Six word Saturday

Bath Abbey, from top to bottom!

Impossible to ignore Bath Abbey, so central is it to this lovely city. Coming out of the Roman Baths, I knew that I would have to take a quick look inside. How glad I am that I did. The delicate laciness of those celestial arches, like a cobwebby entrance to heaven.

As I admired the stained glass windows, a sign caught my eye. Tower Tours. I can never pass up the opportunity to climb a tower. A bird’s eye view of Bath beckons, in the hands of a cheerfully smiling guide, who climbs these stairs numerous times a day. A narrow circular stone stairwell leads upwards. Up 50 steps and through a door. A slim strip between the turrets and the sloping roof gives a first glimpse of the rooftops of Bath.

Then into a surprisingly large space where the bell ringers perform, And an array of bells, mostly obsolete but fascinating.

Up here it all feels melodramatic. We squeeze into a narrow space behind the clock face, and are encouraged to peep through a tiny hole in the floor. The stomach churning view all the way down to the aisle below is to enable the bells to be rung at a precise stage in a procession.

The tower is home to a ring of ten bells, dating back as far as 1700, and ordered from highest to lowest, anticlockwise around the ringing chamber. Bath is a noted centre of change ringing in the West Country.

Did you spot the rooftop open air pool of the new thermal spa? A nice place for a healthy cocktail? And then it’s back down to earth again, a tired but happy 212 steps and 161 feet later.

I can highly recommend it, but not for anyone with a fear of confined spaces or heights. The Abbey website will give you all the details, including a virtual tour of the tower. This concludes my visit to Bath.

Yet again I have far exceeded my six words, but lovely Debbie is very forgiving. I hope you’ll share yours. Happy Saturday!

The Spectacle of the Roman Baths

It’s the strangest feeling to be surrounded by senators and looking down on Roman baths, and probably the only time I’ll be in the company of Julius Caesar, Hadrian and Constantine the Great, simultaneously.

Aquae Sulis was the Roman name for Bath, named for the waters of the goddess Sulis. This natural phenomenon has caused 240,000 gallons of hot water, at 46C, to rise on this spot daily for thousands of years. Spa water has been used for curative purposes for 2,000 years, originally involving bathing, and then in the form of drinking water from the late 17th century. This Walkthrough will take you step by step through the complex.

The Roman Baths are below modern street level and comprise the Sacred Spring, Roman Temple and Bath House, with finds from the baths carefully preserved and displayed in the museum. After the ‘Friends, Romans, countrymen…’ moment on the imposing terrace you descend stairs to the interior, glimpsing the Sacred Spring through glass windows.

The Romans identified Sulis with their goddess Minerva. It is likely that her gilt bronze statue would have stood within her temple, beside the Sacred Spring, and may well date back to the first century AD. Gilt bronze sculptures are very rare finds in Roman Britain. This head has six layers of gilding, two by a process known as fire gilding and the later four applied as gold leaf.

The Temple pediment and Gorgon’s Head is likely to date from the same period. It would have been supported by four large, fluted columns. Another fascinating detail of Roman life are the 130 curse tablets, which would have been rolled up and thrown into the Spring. They were petitioning the goddess for justice or revenge for petty crimes, including theft of their possessions from the baths.

Every effort has been made to turn the Roman Baths into a Spectacle . Animated projections bring to life the cold plunge pool and the heated rooms. Evidence of the hypocaust system the Romans used is clearly visible in this amazing subterranean world.

The spa waters contain 43 minerals, and are said to have a distinctive taste. You can sample them from a fountain in the west baths, or from the Georgian Pump House, next door.

Pop over and see Debbie’s extraordinary owl, and don’t forget that Thursday’s Special. This week Paula weaves her magic on Venice.

Jo’s Monday walk : Beautiful Bath

I love a bit of drama in a photograph. This is me, not quite falling over the parapet into the swirling waters of the weir at Bath. I didn’t start the day with any intention to go to this beautiful city but, a few minutes after I’d been dropped off at Yate bus station, what should appear on the stand? A 620 bus heading directly for Bath. I didn’t need to be at the airport for my return trip home till the evening. Irresistible temptation!

A 40 minute ride through gently green and rolling Somerset and I was there. It’s many years since I was in Bath, and I never did get to visit the famous Roman Baths, so I was almost on a mission. But first, a little exploration.

Who’d have thought to find a Tardis as I exited the bus station? Bath is obviously popular with tourists and backpackers, as several places offered luggage storage, including an opportunistic barbers. Grand Parade is just that, with its elegant balustrade looking down upon the Parade Gardens. I was tempted to go in, but there was a small admission charge, unusual for public gardens. In any event, I could see most of the garden from where I stood, and I was drawn like a magnet towards the weir.

Pulteney Bridge, which crosses the River Avon, dates back to 1774 and is one of Bath’s iconic landmarks. It didn’t strike me at the time but it has much in common with Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Both have shops built into them. ‘The Bridge’ cafe caught my eye, along with the view through to the river, as I crossed to the other shore, noting the rhubarb and cherry slice in the window. Maybe later?

Steps led down to the river, and it was a glorious and warm day. I had picked up a visitor guide at the bus station, and a bench right beside the weir gave me the perfect surroundings for a browse. With the wonderful distraction of a boat coming in to dock.

No doubt about it, I was tempted, but the next departure wasn’t for a precious half an hour. The riverside walk needed to be undertaken first.

As always, the boats and the watery reflections filled me with delight, and there was a wonderful sensation of peace. In the very heart of the city, and yet enfolded by nature, I had not a care in the world.

I had forgotten that the Kennet and Avon Canal flows into Bath. This 87 mile long canal links London with the Bristol Channel and had its heyday in the early 1800s. With the advent of the railways it went steadily into decline, but happily restoration has turned it into a wonderful leisure facility. I paused for a while to watch the activity at Widcombe Lock, before crossing a narrow footbridge back into the city.

The walk carried on, along the River Avon, but I wanted to make the most of my limited time. Stall Street led me conveniently towards the Abbey and the bustling heart of the city, where I had a date with the Roman Baths.

An event that I’ll share with you another day. For now I’ll lead you past the Baths and the beautiful Abbey. Yes, I know you’d like a look inside, but that will have to wait. Instead we’ll walk all around the Abbey, admiring the statues, and into irresistibly pretty Abbey Green, with its leafy shade.

Just around the corner you can sample Sally Lunn’s buns, in Bath’s oldest house, dating from 1483. You might find ‘bun etiquette’ amusing. Hiding in these streets you will also find Bath’s indoor market, a wonderful melange of craft and food stalls. Too nice to stay indoors for long, I made my selection and headed for a nearby bench. And yes, that rhubarb and cherry slice was simply scrumptious.

Just time to admire some Bath glass and at 2pm present myself back at the Abbey for the Tower Tour. Look away now if you don’t like heights.

I think I made the most of my short time in Bath, but left still feeling that there were things I’d like to do. Next time!

Thanks for your company, everybody. I have a bumper collection of walks to share this week. Please do make time to visit them. If you’d like to join me, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. You’ll be very welcome. Popping the kettle on now, and wishing I had a Bath bun to share.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Not strictly a walk post, but a composite of many enthralling moments. This is a must read from Gilda :

Disc overies Down Under Part 4- Sydney and the Blue Mountains

I’d never heard of Jane’s walk, but trust a New Yorker like Susan to tell it in style :

East Harlem Jane’s Walk 2017 (Part 1)

Few people are better traveled than Debbie, so if she invites you for a walk, go!

Wandering through District 5

Jackie likes to hoof it a bit, too :

Day 6 So Cal – Solvang to Bakersfield

Innsbruck is a city I’ve only dreamed about. Drake brings it beautifully to life :

Between river and hills

Woolly is in the same neck of the woods, but I’ve been to Salzburg. It rained! :