England

Jo’s Monday walk : sea glass at Seaham

The outlook on Seaham Beach

This week I’m taking you back to the north east coast of England, with a bit of a purpose. I’ll explain more later but I need you to keep your eye open for sea glass. The beach at Seaham is one of the best locations I know for finding it.

Between 1853 and 1921 Seaham was home to Europe’s largest glass bottle works, supplying millions of hand blown bottles. Enormous amounts of waste glass were left at the end of each day, and this was generally thrown over the cliffs and into the sea. More than a hundred years later, scrubbed smooth by the power of the water, we have sea glass in many shapes and colours. Are you ready to hunt?

We’ll start on the cliff top and work our way down

It’s not very steep

And soon we’re at the beach

With more pebbles than you could ever want

And among those pebbles, the precious bits of sea glass. You can follow the beach round to the small harbour and the lighthouse, if you like, but I’m going in the opposite direction- north towards distant Sunderland.

There’s rather a lot of beach to examine!

Rusted groynes litter the shore

Filling up with pebbles

Rather incongruously, some have been mended

While overhead, the cliffs menace!

Let’s get up close and personal with a few stones. You never know what you might find.

We’re looking for a hint of glitter

Unconcerned, a man walks his dogs

What’s this? Look at the shimmer!

I simply love the textures

You might remember we did something similar just south of here on Crimdon beach, a while ago, and ventured into some caves beneath the cliffs. I’m drawn on along the endless beach, intrigued by my surroundings. Dog walkers pass me by, with a nod and a smile, and occasionally children ferret on the beach.

Mindful of the dangers these crumbling cliffs can pose, still it’s hard not to be lured closer.

The cliff formations fascinate

Torn and twisted as they are

And here a table, nicely laid

You know that I’m not going to be able to resist some close ups, but I treat the cliffs with due caution and the respect they deserve. So should you!

I know that some of you are claustrophobic so I won’t linger. The fascination of the shapes and vistas can keep me endlessly there on the shore, forgetting my purpose. That morning a lady was standing, her dog patiently at heel, gazing out to sea. After the briefest of smiles, I carried on my exploration. As I turned to retrace my steps, she spoke to me. “Did you see the dolphins?”

Crestfallen hardly describes it! I would have loved to see them and wished she had spoken sooner. We stood a while, hoping for a return, but they had gone. And so I climbed, regretfully, back up the steps.

Depending on the tide, this walk can be as long or as short as you want to make it. If you are free the next few Sunday lunch times, you will assuredly have company on the beach. My husband, who designs gardens, does most of his work with CAD (computer aided design). He was more than pleased to be contacted recently by Stuart Langley, a local artist, in connection with a light installation to appear at this year’s Lumiere, in Durham. It’s an imaginative and exciting event, and Stuart has been a previous contributor with his Stained Glass Cars. The project he is working on requires a substantial quantity of sea glass, and so he’s hoping for some help in gathering it.

If you can help in any way the Lumiere site gives details. The event itself takes place from 12-15th November, and if you can be there I can promise you a delightful evening. It takes place on alternate years, and this was my post for 2013. It was a magical occasion.

No putting the kettle on today! I will still be in Bristol for the Hot Air Balloon festival when you’re reading this, and not back till very late in the day. As usual, I will catch up with you all as soon as I can, and apologies to all those who are sitting unattended in my Inbox. There’s plenty to keep you busy till then because once again I have some wonderful walks to share. Many thanks to all of you who have joined me and, if you would like to do so next week, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just hit the logo above.

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Gardens with rhodies have always been irresistible to me. Bogs, not so much! Thanks, Anabel!

Geilston Garden and Tom na h’Airidh

Hitting the heights with Drake! Don’t we always?

Mountain high

A revelation for me about Toronto! Totally changed my thinking… thanks, Jackie!

Monday walk

More city madness with Pauline! The inevitability of change :

Gold Coast Icons

If you’ve come to expect beauty from Amy, you won’t be disappointed here either!

Monday Walk : Banff Rocky Mountains

One of the best things about blogging is sharing magical posts such as this. Many thanks, Suzanne!

Killarney x 2

Too good at speaking my mind, sometimes! Hugs, please, for Jude :

The Levant Mine

A little bit of fairy dust, anybody? Sure to find some with Violet Sky!

Wishes and dreams

While anyone seeking inspiration should surely make a visit to Lucile :

The Quest for Inspiration

And anyone wanting to recapture childhood only needs to visit Gilly!

I Wish I was Ten Again

Debbie’s back from exotic Singapore with some cracking good sights!

Arty Stroll along Orchard Road

And to finish, from Laia, what could be better than?

A beautiful, pleasant walk in Abel Tasman National Park

Fantastic, aren’t they? Nothing more to say than ‘have a great week’. Hope to see you on the beach at Seaham, or failing that, at Durham in November.

Jo’s Monday walk : Bellingham and Hareshaw Linn

Hareshaw Linn, or waterfall

If I told you that today’s walk takes us to the site of two former blast furnaces, you could be forgiven for being less than enthusiastic. But you might remember lovely Hareshaw Linn from a previous post. I was in the company of two friends with whom I go back a long way, so I had a smile on my face, even in the uphill stretches.

Ian and Pam have a caravan on a small site on the edge of Bellingham, a neat little market town in Northumberland. It just so happens that it also sits right beside one of that county’s best walks. I hadn’t been to Bellingham for more than 30 years, but I have an enduring image of waking up there one morning to a winter wonderland. The railing of our hotel balcony was delicately traced with snow, of which there hadn’t been a sign the night before. No snow on our walk today! It might make the going a little slippy, but wouldn’t it be pretty?

This is where we’ll start

This area was once the site of an iron works, established in 1833. At the height of operating, it contained 70 coke ovens, 24 large kilns for roasting the iron ore, a blacksmiths, stables and stores. It remained in production until 1848. The dam in the photo above supplied water to power the works, and is one of few reminders of the past. Nature has taken this valley back to herself, and it’s hard to imagine now the roar of those ovens.

Let’s follow the path down into the woods

And look what we find!

Growing right up into the tree

Ian and Pam make use of the first bench along our path

And we reach the first of the bridges

Before the path leads on

There are six bridges to cross, but for some reason only the first is numbered.

Looking for fish!

All shapes and sizes

From a sweeping curve

To the straight and narrow

The trees are laden with moss

Tangling with ferns and water

Which gurgles on its way!

There’s an element of fantasy to this woodland setting. It feels somehow lost to the real world.

And look! Someone’s been wishing on a penny!

Way overhead there’s a glimpse of sky

Then, a first hint of the Linn

And, grappling with the rock…

A last dramatic curtain before the grand reveal

Isn’t it lovely?

And below- peaceful today. Before the rains!

There’s only one way out of the valley, and that’s to retrace your steps, so you can’t get lost even if I rush on ahead. You might want to pause to examine a few flowers. The trail is one and a half miles long, so that’s a round trip of 3 miles, with a few ups and downs.

Funny how all the flowers down here seem to be yellow

Although the honeysuckle is more of a creamy colour

The path brings you out by the old bridge. If you cross over the road and take a few steps back the way, you will see evidence of former times and the power of water.

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I’m pretty sure you’re ready for a bite to eat by now, and the Rocky Road cafe will give you a warm welcome. Or there’s the ‘Rose and Crown’, just as friendly, next door, if it’s open. The houses are largely built from the local grey stone, enlivened by troughs of flowers and hanging baskets. I continue past the village hall to St. Cuthbert’s Church, consecrated in the 12th century. Unlatching the door, I step briefly inside, then leave quietly again. St. Cuthbert’s Well (Cuddy’s Well) is easily missed, down by the river.

Need a few fruit and veg?

A little whitewash

And the community hall

A wooden nativity outside St. Cuthbert’s Church

And inside, the Madonna

And some beautiful stained glass

I couldn’t leave without a quick look at the hotel where we stayed so long ago. There was still a lovely view down to the river, but agreeably, no snow! A footpath beside the river will bring you back into town, where you might want to visit the Heritage Centre.

The row houses

The North Tyne

And ‘Cuddy’s Well’

I hope you enjoyed this week’s walk, in the company of my lovely friends. This link will take you to the Northumberland National Park site, with a map and full details of the location.

Time for a cuppa and to share some more brilliant walks! Many thanks to all of you who’ve submitted walks, and to those of you who are simply armchair readers. To join me, you’ll find details on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or just click on the logo above. Here we go!

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Got to brave the weather when you’re in the Hebrides. Well done, Geoff!

A walk around Luskentyre

Still learning new words this week! Thanks a lot, Anabel :

Torwood Castle and Tappoch Broch

I just know how much I would love Corsica! Look at this!

A walk in shadow of history

Amazing share from Violet- the most incredible Junk Art!

Junk Art

For those of you who didn’t see it on BBC2, here’s Laura’s version of the Pennine Way :

Peaks and troughs

I am so privileged again to feature Suzanne’s beautiful handiwork. Don’t miss it!

Walking in Tower Hill

Henry Moore sculptures a-plenty from Jackie this week :

Monday Walk- Toronto

Did you ever see anything lovelier than this? I know Sue S will approve! Many thanks, Amy!

Monday Walk : Bow River

You have to applaud the sentiments of the next one, as well as the beauty! Cheers, Jesh!

Friends Walk Together

And if you’d like, share some reminiscing with my beautiful friend, Meg?

Walking a memoir

It wouldn’t be Monday without Jude in Cornwall, now would it?

St. Just in Penwith

For something a little wilder (and spectacular!) grab your poles and join Ruth :

A rocky walk to Bicheno Blowhole

First the water spouts up, and then it flows down! Thanks to the Eternal Traveler!

Over the Cliff

That’s it for this week! Next week I hope to schedule my Monday walk, as I will be in Bristol gazing at hot air balloons. Pinch me, somebody- I must be dreaming! I don’t get back until late on Monday evening so I may be rather slow with my responses, and I will be all in a daze.

If you have any spare time, pop in to see those lovely folks at Monday Escapes, won’t you? Meanwhile, have a great week!

Six word Saturday

What to do when seeking inspiration?

For me, it usually means a trip to my photo files

On a recent visit to Durham, I decided to seek out Old Durham Gardens. I had known of the existence of these 350 year old gardens for a long time, but they’re a little off the beaten track. When I arrived, on a warm and sunny Wednesday morning, I discovered that the gardens only open between 2 and 4pm on Thursdays and Saturdays in Summer. After initial disappointment (and a peer through the gates), I discovered that there was more than enough to keep me happy from the outside.

Fragments of colour were everywhere

The old walls themselves are full of characterful whirls and sworls, causing the eye to drift from the gentle planting. The place has a past and the walls reflect that. In the 12th century this was a rectory. The walls were added in the 1700s to enable the cultivation of south facing fruit trees, and in the 1750s music concerts were held within. Glamorous times were ahead when the gardens were owned by an artist and icecream maker, Victor Mazzini Walton. The gardens were described in 1921 as having tennis courts, putting green, running track and a tea garden, and dances were held at weekends.

After the Second World War, Mr. Walton sold up and the gardens fell into decline. Happily, in 1985, Durham City Council purchased Old Durham and began a programme of restoration. When this lapsed, Friends of Old Durham was born and the gardens today are run by this group of volunteers.

After wandering the boundaries, it’s down the steps, and a gentle meander back to the river.

One last bloom!

Looking back up to the walls

Always a source of inspiration!

I hope you enjoyed my Saturday amble. Next weekend I’ll be in Bristol for the Hot Air Balloon festival and I suspect I’ll be too busy to join you. I hope so, anyway!

Meantime, there’s Cate at Show My Face to visit with your six words. I was browsing my photos wondering what to show you today and looking for inspiration. I think I found it.

Restoration 2

Welcome inside Seaton Delaval Hall

Early this year I first shared Northumberland’s Seaton Delaval Hall with you. At that time it was wholely encased in scaffolding and a woeful sight. I breathed a huge sigh of delighted relief to find it standing proud and unencumbered on my return this Summer.

Last week we had a wander in the beautiful gardens and I promised a look inside. I didn’t know then the theme of this week’s Thursday’s Special. My sun beaming in is as close as I get to the ‘gold inside’, but I hope you will join me anyway.

Let’s take a look. So much has been accomplished!

Sun filters in from the courtyard

Not a scaffold in sight!

Just pure unadulterated building!

And then we step inside. The height of the hall is no longer a surprise to me but, looking up, I’m happy to see the Muses restored to their lofty niches. Sunlight illuminates the silent figures.

Solemn, and missing a limb or two

The conservation team have done an amazing job. The 30 foot high Central Hall was gutted by fire and left open to the elements for many years. Even in its fragile state there was a grace and a majesty to the building. The team have lifted and relaid the tiled marble floor, and the stucco statues have been strengthened, repaired and returned to their original niches.

The six statues represent the muses of sculpture, painting, architecture, astronomy, geography and music. Apparently they were made in situ, from an iron framework covered in tile, brick and plaster to produce a mannequin. Muslin beneath layers of stucco plaster created a very realistic appearance. Conservation enthusiasts might enjoy the Hall’s blog.

Mounting the West Staircase, I look out at the gardens

And down the elliptical stairwell

Finding myself up close and personal with the muses

It seems that the Hall was always graceful and beautiful

As it is again, today!

It was a glorious day and I strolled the gardens, and then was about to head for the tea rooms when I spied an open door, off the courtyard. I hadn’t noticed it before and curiosity impelled me inside. Be prepared for some serious treasure. I wasn’t!

Click on a photo to view in more detail

The Fairfax Jewel

The treasures never end!

The Delavals were great collectors and the evidence is everywhere. A complete treasure trove! Much of the history of the Hall is on my previous post, and you will find additional details (including how to get there) on this National Trust link to Seaton Delaval Hall.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit and hope that you did too. If you ask nicely you can have oozy cream on your hot chocolate fudge cake in the tea rooms. Very nice! Now I need to take you to Paula’s place for her interpretation of the gold inside. It’s beautiful- of course!

Jo’s Monday walk : Egton Bridge

This isn't actually Egton Bridge, but isn't it pretty?

This isn’t actually Egton Bridge, but it is a bridge in Egton, and a very pretty one!

And just beyond it lie two lovely sequences of stepping stones. But I’m getting ahead of myself! My walk today is for the physically fit among you but, if you like, I’ll do the hard part and you can join in on the flat. How does that sound?

We begin at the Beggar’s Bridge, just outside the village of Glaisdale, on the River Esk. It was my intention to walk you up into the village for a look around, but one of us had the good idea to follow the river in the direction of Egton Bridge. It looked fine on the map, so who was I to argue?

It’s a distinctive looking bridge, but not in use any more

Beggar’s Bridge has a tale to tell. An inscription on the bridge suggests that it was built in 1619. Thomas Ferries, the son of a moorland farmer, used to ford the River Esk to court his young lady, Agnes. The lady’s father did not consider him a suitable match for his daughter, so Thomas resolved to seek his fortune at sea. With the river in spate, he was sadly unable to cross over to kiss his sweetheart goodbye. Returning a wealthy man, Thomas of course married his Agnes, and, quite naturally, built a bridge on the very spot.

Today the crossing would have resulted in merely damp feet

‘A tale of trods and bridges’. Wouldn’t that have made a great post title? I’m tempted to change it, but I’m already well into my stride. In an uphill direction, unfortunately! This is no path that idles beside the river. I should have been warned when I saw this stone.

A message, do you suppose?

Part of this walk follows an ancient pathway, paved with stone slabs, know as ‘trods’. They are common throughout the York Moors National Park, and the oldest date back to medieval times, when monks traveled extensively hereabouts. The path I am taking, through East Arncliffe Wood, is known locally as ‘Monk’s Trod’. Those monks must have had much stronger legs than me!

Onwards and upwards!

Up I trod, thanking my lucky stars that there hadn’t been much rain to render the trods slippy. Ferns tickle my calves and a hint of honeysuckle tickles my nose. In no time at all the river is far below, and I am surrounded by dense green.

A tickle of honeysuckle

And one of fern

And look what I found, in a clearing!

An ancient tribute to man’s best friend

Beyond the trods the path continues to wind and dip through the woods. I can hear the whine and clunk of loggers, striving to keep the forest in check. Just as I am starting to tire, the woods part and I am out on a country lane. I can’t say I’m sorry. It’s now just a case of rolling down into the village of Egton Bridge, past another ford, and a cottage or two. A good time to join me!

Nearby the ford

Speaks for itself!

And it’s pretty woodshed

On the edge of the village I spot this promising sight over the hedge

But then a sign catches my eye

You know what happens next, don’t you? The highlight of the walk for me. I didn’t even know that there were stepping stones at Egton Bridge, but my good friend Jude remarked that she had stayed there when her boys were small. She remembered some stepping stones, but thought they might have been the ones I featured in my Lealholm walk. To my great delight, I found not just one set of stepping stones, but two.

The first stepping stones, in dappled shade

And the second set

With a few colourful toadstools

And these beautiful phlox, alongside a small lock gate

After a wander around the pretty village, I’m beckoned by the sunny benches outside the Horseshoe Hotel. It seems like a good time to pause for food, before tackling the route back to Glaisdale. There’s a Specials board beside the bar, and the sandwiches come with wonderful homemade wedges. The river chatters along in the background.

Before leaving Egton Bridge, I’m drawn to the garden at St. Hedda’s Church, and the memorial shrine to Father Nicholas Postgate. A Catholic priest, he was executed at York in 1679 for his work in the priesthood, on the Moors.

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Then I’m happy to retrace my path over the stepping stones, and follow the River Esk out of the village. The beatific scene lulls me into a false sense of security. A vintage car tootles past. I fail to realise that an uphill clamber lies ahead.

This chap says nothing!

I could have lingered

But it’s time to leave the river and climb

A well disguised footpath leads off to the left, almost at the top of the bank, and steeply up to a stile. Through the woods, there’s a field or two to cross, but then it’s all downhill.

And finally I'm within sight of the Beggar's Bridge

And finally the Beggar’s Bridge is back in sight!

Details of my walk can be found on this link which includes a free downloadable map. It’s a 5 mile circular and you’ll be just in time for the Gooseberry Show at Egton Bridge if you hurry. It takes place on the first Tuesday in August every year.

I hope you enjoyed the walk (especially my uphill bits), and that you’ll stay for coffee and a read.

Many thanks for all your support. Last week was a bumper week for shares, but it’s a little less strenuous this week. I’d love you to join me, whenever you feel like taking a stroll. Details are on the logo above and my Jo’s Monday walk page. Feet up, and here we go!

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Sample the delights of Corsica with Drake. I wish I could!

Simplicity isn’t bad at all

Getting one of your 5 ‘e’s or a little exercise? Many thanks, Anabel!

The Dunmore Pineapple

The foodies among you will LOVE this one from Junk Boat Travels :

Weekend cooking Union Station

Share Elisa’s delicious flower photography. What a privilege! Healthy too!

Back to the garden, and a Monday Walk

You all know Jude’s an advocate for Cornwall. Have a look and see why:

On the Edge

Boats, reflections, blue sky… you have to know I’m in heaven with this one. Thanks, Ruth!

Franklin on the Huon River

And if, as here, it’s raining and you have time on your hands, why not join the folks at Monday Escapes? I met some lovely people there last week. Happy walking all! See you next week.

Six word Saturday

Hareshaw Linn on a Summer day

Linn or waterfall

Teaming down the weathered rock

Captive in the pool

For Viv, now in France, who knows this part of the world, and who most of you know for her poetry. Hareshaw Linn is described as one of the best walks in Northumberland.

I hope the weekend brings you a little sunshine. Not too much! And that you’ll share it with Cate at Show My Face. My walk on Monday takes me back down to Yorkshire. See you then!

Seaton Delaval Hall gardens

On Monday many of you joined me for a walk at Seaton Sluice, on the Northumberland coast. There I discovered a wonderful piece of shoreline, but my real purpose that day was to make a return visit to Seaton Delaval Hall.

It was August last year, on a cool, turning to dampish day, that I first saw these gardens. I knew then that I’d be back. As luck would have it, I was just in time to rescue the water lilies from the mischievous fingers of a small boy. Caught in the act!

The frog needed to take a tougher stance

Water and small boys. Inevitable temptation! But let’s wander elsewhere. There are plenty of temptations in this garden, and even a small nursery where you might find a little something to add to your collection. The house and gardens are owned by the National Trust, and the bank of volunteer gardeners are highly enthusiastic about their subject. Gardener Chris Brock keeps a blog which enthusiasts among you might like.

The Hall is a lovely backdrop to the Rose Garden

With roses dating back to the 1950s

This is my ‘best in show’

The borders thickly weave their spell, in subtle but beautiful swathes of colour. Here and there, an unapologetic ‘show off’ plant. If you’ve got it…

Flaunt it!

You might remember that the ‘Gay Delavals’ liked a little flaunting. They were fond of masquerade balls and staged their own theatrical productions. An invitation to one of their parties might have included anything from rope dancers to a sack race in these beautiful gardens. I browsed a little… sniffing here, sniffing there.

Here’s another Bobby Dazzler, as my Mam would say

The gardens were designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and include everything from French formal design to the landscape style of Capability Brown. The National Trust is working hard to make these gardens a success, and throughout the summer there are 15- minute Table Top talks from the gardeners and guided walks through the grounds. You can even join a Teddy Bears Picnic, if you’ve a mind. Full details of events are on the website.

A rose bower, anyone?

The formal French style garden

With fountain centrepiece

And the ever present house

I hope you’ve enjoyed my garden tour, and if you’re ever in the area you make an effort to see Seaton Delaval Hall for yourself. Next Thursday I will be taking you inside the house on a follow up to Restoration. I’ll say goodbye for now with a nod from the poppies.

Just a little more flamboyance

Jo’s Monday walk : Seaton Sluice

The harbour at Seaton Sluice

Seaton Sluice isn’t the most inviting place name I ever came across. Yet I knew from a previous expedition to nearby Seaton Delaval Hall that it provides an interesting gateway to the sea. A bright and free day took me back up the north east coast to explore.

Seaton Burn flows into the North Sea midway between Whitley Bay and Blyth. Place names are interesting, aren’t they? Seaton Sluice was once part of the village of Hartley, and was called Hartley Pans because of the salt pans, where salt was panned as far back as 1236. The area once belonged to Tynemouth Priory, but in 1100 the land became the property of Hubert de Laval, nephew by marriage to William the Conqueror. The Delavals, as they became known, settled about half a mile inland at Seaton Delaval Hall. Seaton derives from Old English and means a settlement (‘ton’) by the sea. Let’s go look around, and I’ll explain a little more.

The approach to the sea

Looking inland along the burn

The boats are stranded in the harbour

Tucked up below the wall

Waiting to be set free

At low tide, the area fails to look its best, but there was excitement to come. First, a little more history. Up until 1550, the salt produced at Hartley Pans was transported to Blyth for export. After this it was shipped directly from the small natural harbour, and the village, now known as Hartley Haven, was used to export coal as well as salt.

The little harbour was prone to silting and this limited access by ships, but in the 1600s Sir Ralph Delaval had a pier constructed, and sluice gates which trapped the seawater at high tide. Hence the name, Seaton Sluice. At low tide, the gates were opened, flushing the sand from the harbour.

The harbour remained like this until the 1760s when another Delaval, Sir John, had ‘The Cut’ blasted through solid rock to make a new harbour entrance. 54ft deep, 30ft wide and 900ft long, the result created an island of the land between the old entrance and the new channel. Enterprising men these Delavals. The new channel could be sealed off at both ends so that boats could carry on loading, irrespective of the tide. For me, the excitement begins when the channel meets the sea.

This sight had me skipping with excitement!

How beautiful is this?

I’m on the southern edge of Northumberland here, and if you know anything at all about Northumberland you’ll know it has magnificent beaches. In the distance you can see Blyth and an offshore wind farm. Next year there will be a Tall Ships Race too.

I’m happy just to gaze

But then it’s time to head back

With just a backward glance

Salt continued to be exported from Seaton Sluice until the advent of a new salt tax in 1798. It was replaced by a new export, glass bottles. In 1763 Sir Francis Delaval obtained approval from Parliament to develop a glassworks. Skilled men were brought from Germany to train the locals in glass making, using the materials to hand- sand and kelp from the sea, and local coal and clay. The bottles were sent to London on ‘bottle sloops’, with a main mast that could be lowered to enable sailing beneath the arches of old London Bridge.

Hard, now, to believe that such industry once took place. Competition from other glassmakers brought the bottle trade to an end, and a major disaster at Hartley pit, in which 204 men and boys perished, spelled the end of the coal trade.

Crossing Seaton Sluice Bridge we can look back at the harbour

Out to sea

And down into the channel

My adventure with the sea isn’t quite over yet though. Following the other side of the channel I come to a narrow cut. Looking south along the coast I am thrilled to find that in the far distance I can see St. Mary’s Lighthouse at Whitley Bay. You might remember my post.

Looking down the cut

And out to sea

There’s even a bench to admire the view

Can you see it, across the bay?

Quite a way off

It’s such a wonderful coastline!

Imagine living in this house

With this view

And this quirky garden!

I follow the coastal path back into the village. Looking down at the rocks I’m astounded to find a heron, nonchalantly checking out the seafood. I do hope he approves.

Following the coastal path

I spy a lazy fisherman

Amid the rocks

I returned to Seaton Delaval Hall that afternoon. Very nice chocolate fudge cake! I’ll share my visit when Paula returns from her holiday, but we might look at the garden before then.

Meantime I should thank Wikipedia for all their information, and you for sharing it with me.

Kettle’s on and I just have time to tell you that I have lots more wonderful walks to share this week before it boils. Details of how to join in are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. A click on the logo should do it. Thanks to all of you, old friends and new. Bring on the walks!

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Violet Sky was first to share this week, with such a good-looking lighthouse, too!

Cabot Head

And Anabel is going for broke- 3 for the price of 1!!!

Cairnpapple Hill

Exotic Wats and stupas all the way from Thailand, with Junk Boat Travels :

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

And Jesh has me wanting a goat’s life in Zion National Park!

Utah’s Colours

Quite a few wild orchids down Eastbourne way. Cheers, Geoff!

Eastbourne to Birling Gap and back

Can’t you almost feel the rain dripping down your neck with Ruth?

A walk in the rainforest

Jude is taking me to unknown parts of Cornwall this week. Please bring a walking pole for safety!

Down the Cot Valley

Drake is dallying by the water (in his element). A peaceful and idyllic place to be :

Out of Town

Keeping an eye out for bears seems a good idea when you’re in the woods! Please say ‘hi’ to Woman’s Eye View :

Humbled again

Gilly has a lovely new look! Have you seen it yet?

Strolling the garden in the wood

And a beautiful garden sequel. Don’t miss it! Even the title is beautiful!

Falling for a silver pear at Knightshayes

Pauline’s gone all modern and high rise on us. Come and look (if you’ve a head for heights)!

On top of the world

And take a peak at what’s in store for the future :

Browsing in Brunswick Heads

That’s it for another week! Hope you can join me next Monday. In the meantime you could do worse than pop in to Monday Escapes. Happy walking!

Six word Saturday

Alice in… Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Just hanging about on Saltburn pier!

I could have chosen a better day to visit Saltburn, but the sun was shining when I left home. At least I didn’t have to elbow my way through the crowds, but the wind had Alice and her friends bobbing about a bit! Still good fun, though. See how many characters you can recognise?

Of course, there was tea!

And cake

Or jam tarts?

Even a slice of Battenberg!

The house kept falling over

So I had to enlist a hand!

By invitation only

But at least there’s plenty of time!

Not the Ugly Bug Ball!

Don’t forget to click on the smaller photos for details!

This cat has an evil grin

And somebody’s been painting the roses red

Maybe these guys?

Surely not?

Tears before supper?

Ready to tackle the shell food!

Oh dear!

Looks like hard work

What’s going on here?

Do be careful!

I don’t want to miss anything!

Are you talking to me?

I’m feeling just a little cross!

It’s been delightful so far

We’re just hangers on, dear!

It’ll end in tears!

I had such fun playing with these guys! Each year Saltburn comes up trumps with its yarn bombing, whatever the weather. I hope you enjoyed it too. Thanks to Elaine for reminding me, because I almost forgot.

Have a happy weekend, won’t you, and don’t forget to pop in on Cate at Show My Face with your ‘six’ words. See you Monday!

Jo’s Monday walk : Lealholm to Glaisdale

Did you miss the Duck Race?

I try for variety in my walks but this week it took a great effort of will not to drag you back to the seaside! As we’re in that balmy British time of year (no, I didn’t say barmy, but I could well have done) when the villages all have their shows, I thought we should head for Yorkshire. As luck would have it, we do seem to be having a Summertime this year, so let’s make the most of it. Which brings me to Lealholm and the Duck Race.

Now I feel a bit of a fraud, because I’ve never actually witnessed the Duck Race. To be honest, I prefer the village peaceful, as it is in the above shot, taken the week before. Timing’s the thing, isn’t it? On the church notice board, I saw that I had also missed some ‘Open’ gardens at Glaisdale. I guess I need a year planner. Never mind- I can compensate with Poet’s Cottage, the garden centre at Lealholm. Shall we start there?

How about this for a peony?

Central to the village and on the banks of the River Esk, many people come to Lealholm purely to visit this beautifully laid out shrubbery and plant centre. Named for John Castillo, a poet and lay preacher, the site was previously home to a paper mill. You may have arrived by train, but more likely by car, and it’s just a short downhill stroll from the parking to Poet’s Cottage.

As usual, click on any photo to open the galleries

A path threads between the shrubs

flowers

And foliage

Hot yellows

Cool greens

And even an orchid or two

Best of all, truly luscious clematis

The gardeners among you satisfied, it’s time to visit Lealholm’s other main attraction- the stepping stones. Young and old seem to delight in these, and on a sunny day much hand holding and teetering goes on. It’s a social occasion for all the family and blankets are spread, ready to lounge with a picnic.

Paddling’s allowed for ‘big sis’

Slippery when wet?

Gone fishing!

I was quite surprised to learn from Wikipedia that a settlement at Lealholm can be traced all the way back to the Domesday Book of 1086. It has always been a traditional farming community, prosperity developing because it provided a convenient crossing place on the River Esk.

The village sits at the bottom of a glacial U-shaped valley, Crunkly Ghyll. A fording point existed beside the Board Inn, a coaching inn which dates back to 18th century. Today children wade and ducks paddle in the shadow of the 17th century arched bridge. The name Lealholm appears to derive from the Old English for a place of willow trees. No small part of its charm are the sheep, ambling amicably on the village green.

View from the top of the village, over Crunkly Ghyll

St. James the Greater Church

The railway station, high above the village

Local map

Lealholm lies on the Esk Valley Railway Line, which runs from Middlesbrough to Whitby, a distance of 35 miles. With a little careful planning you can enjoy a day out on the railway, and even fit in a walk between stations.

From beside the bridge, a footpath follows the course of the River Esk towards Glaisdale village, 2 miles away. The river twists and squirms its way through the valley. There’s nothing I like better than the company of a river on my walks.

Strangely, this sat in a field by the river!

With just a few sheep for company

And the occasional farmhouse

The river idles below us

Its banks expanding and contracting

With a wealth of wild flowers

We pass below the railway embankment

And beside a humped back bridge

With evidence of another ford

And I find, in the long grass, another jewel of an orchid

In theory you could catch the train back from Glaisdale, or you could simply retrace your steps. I hope to show you a little of Glaisdale village and the Beggar’s Bridge in another post. In the meantime, I’m sure you could be tempted to a slice of delicious cake from Beck View Tea Room, or even one of the ‘specials’ from The Board Inn. You must have earned it by now.

And, should you be wondering, yes, they do tip a heap of yellow plastic ducks into the river. If you have one of the fastest ducks you can win a prize, but the event is to raise money for charity.

A date for next year’s diary?

Lots of walks to share again this week, and a huge thank you to everybody for taking the time both to contribute and to read. Details of how to take part can be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page or on the logo above. I’ve had 2 cups of coffee already this morning!

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Anabel was the first to share this week! Expect a bench or two.

River Earn and Laggan Hill

Botanic Gardens do vary! Pauline was disappointed in this and I can see why :

A walk in a Botanic garden

Jude is a lady who never disappoints! Take a look at some great Quoit photos!

A walk in the past

Nobody out there sees the world quite like Drake! Ducks are so endearing :

Above not only the water

More water, boats and a beautiful rainbow, from Ruth :

A walk around Sullivan’s Cove, Hobart

Canal restoration is a subject that I love. Even in black and white, this is exceptionally beautiful!