England

Jo’s Monday walk : Guisborough Forest and the Priory

The ruins of Gisborough Priory

On Easter Monday I wasn’t sure whether I should take you on a little local walk, or something more grand. Well, Gisborough Priory was once very grand indeed. Now just a ruin, it nevertheless sits at the heart of one of North Yorkshire’s finest market towns, Guisborough.

English being the funny old language that it is, Guisborough town is spelt with a ‘u’, but Gisborough Priory and nearby Gisborough Hall are spelt without. You can check the Wikipedia links for the where’s and why for’s later, but it’s time to grab your coat, and off we go.

From the car park, at the back of Westgate, turn right down Bow St. The houses are an appealing mix of stone and whitewash. In gentle sunshine, a magnolia unfurls. Just before the railway bridge, a series of steps lead up to a footpath. If you turn left, it crosses over the bridge. The railway is long gone but it makes a pleasant enough path around the back of Guisborough.

This magnolia’s a beauty!

Choices! Choices!

You can turn right and head for the forest, but beware! You never know what creatures are lurking in these woods. It’s ok though- most of them are friendly.

Good morning Mr. Fox!

Sssh! Don’t wake the owls!

But today we’ll take the shorter route. Choose the junction to the left, signed Cleveland Street Trail, and follow the path. You will cross an open field and might have a friendly encounter with a sheep or two. A frisky herd of horses live at the top of the field. Normally they’ll just keep an eye on you. Don’t panic if they come to investigate.

The trail ends opposite this gatehouse

Nice, isn’t it?

Not this grand entry for you, though! Tradesman’s entrance! A few yards to the left, a more modest footpath skirts the boundaries and takes you along the Monk’s Walk, through the woods.

And there’s the priory, across a field

There’s not much to it, when you get up close. Gisborough Priory is a ruined Augustinian priory. It was founded in 1119 as the Priory of St. Mary by Robert de Brus, an ancestor of the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, and became one of the richest monastic foundations in England. In 1289 a fire destroyed much of the Romanesque Norman priory, but it was rebuilt in yet grander style.

The priory was prosperous until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540. At this time it was demolished and the stone re-used in other buildings in Guisborough. The east end of the church was left standing- a rather romantic image.

With rather pleasing arches

If you are interested in the history there is a quite substantial amount of it in Wikipedia. Also on the site are fragments of the lower courses of the west range, a vaulted undercroft, a gateway and a 14th century dovecote, along with the Priory gardens.

Gisborough Priory is an English Heritage site and instructions on getting here are contained in the link. There’s also the cutest ‘Brother Ted Bear’ for sale but I warn you, he doesn’t come cheap. Nor does the parking in the main town car park. You can also walk from nearby Pinchinthorpe through the Guisborough Forest into town if you’re feeling energetic.

In Guisborough centre you will find a number of tearooms- mostly hidden around corners, so poke about a bit. A more substantial meal can be had in several of the pubs on the main street.

So there you are. I hope you have a lovely day! If you would like to join in with Jo’s Monday walk, it’s simple enough. You can link a post back to me, or you can simply leave a link to a walk you like in my comments below. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you like, and you can join in any day of the week. I just like to see where you’ve been. Nosy, I guess. Happy walking!

First up, Yvette’s taking us to Richmond, VA :

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/04/22/short-walk-around-my-town-jos-mw/

Then Amy- avoiding the snakes, I hope! :

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/04/22/jos-monday-walk-countryside-part-2/

And Dale, having fun in the sun :

http://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/2014/04/22/monday-walk/

Six word Saturday

A hope for peace and harmony

Each morning the beauty of the sky greets us

Each morning, the beauty of the sky awaits us

Unasked, the flowers turn their faces up

With all their shy beauty

Flamboyance

And delicacy

Each year they awaken, to delight

Peeping out of their flowerpots

Or maybe we've brought them inside to enjoy

Or maybe we’ve brought some inside, to enjoy

Before the sun sets

With, maybe, just a hint of rain

Before the colour drains from our world

It is so simple, isn’t it? So beautiful.

My wish for you at Easter is peace and love, with not too many raindrops. (and certainly no more snow for my Stateside friends!)

I almost forgot to link to Cate at Show My Face. Even on Easter Saturday you can still share your six words. Happy Easter!

Jo’s Monday walk : A Saltburn stroll

Huntcliff Nab from the cliff top

I’m back on the north east coast of England for my walk today. Saltburn-by-the-Sea may be familiar to some of you. Anyone remember my yarn bombing post, on the pier last Summer? The place really has so much charm.

But it can receive the full brunt of nature sometimes, when the North Sea comes thundering in. I was there last week and repairs to the promenade were ongoing from the latest onslaught, just a few weeks ago. Happily the Victorian Pier has resisted the storms so far. The wind whips at the waves, but if you drop down into the Valley Gardens it’s a different world.

So, park up on the cliff top and admire the view above. I’ve ordered sunshine but there’s always the chance of an April shower. A choice of several footpaths take you down through the gardens but they all end up in the same place- some more steeply than others, so I’ll let you choose.

Fancy a game of I-spy?

In the dene this chap will keep an eye on you

While you dabble in Skelton Beck

Then follow it through the valley towards the sea

At Easter there’s a bustle of excitement because ‘Prince Charles’ is released from his winter hibernation and whistles his way through the gardens. The miniature railway has been delighting Summer visitors for as long as I can remember.

The promenade leads directly to the pier

The promenade runs beneath the cliffs and past the pier

You can walk out to the end of the pier, if you like

And look back

Or you can carry on walking, if it's too cool

Or if it’s too cool, carry on walking

The pier has the usual entertainments, and there’s always a bag of chips to be eaten, out of the paper, as you’re strolling. It’s a good way to keep your hands warm.

The inevitable chips!

Before you reach the end of the promenade

And turn inland

Back to the cliff top

Where Henry Pease awaits

In sculpture form

A ‘man of energy and imagination’

With Quaker roots

And a fine cliff top view

Pease was a local industrialist who had considerable impact on the way the town looks. When Saltburn was just a green and pleasant valley he had a vision of the jewel it could be and set about fund raising to make it happen. This wasn’t too difficult as his father was wealthy and influential in the development of the Stockton to Darlington Railway.

The streets were constructed on a grid pattern with many of them running towards the sea, and named after precious jewels. The buildings were faced with a white brick, locally made, with the name Pease engraved on them. In prime position sat the Zetland Hotel- one of the world’s first railway hotels.

Marine Dri ve follows the cliff tops with beautiful views

Marine Drive follows the cliff tops, with lovely views out to sea

Until you reach the iconic cliff lift with its stained glass windows

And the distinctive housing on the cliff top

Map of the town and Valley Gardens

The former 'Zetland Hotel' was the world's first railway hotel

The illustrious former ‘Zetland Hotel’

Just after the Zetland you cross over the road and find yourself back at your start point. The whole will only take you an hour or so, but there are places you might want to linger. If you arrive by train it’s just a 5 minute stroll downhill to Valley Gardens.

Two charming Victorians loiter by the Valley Gardens

Two charming Victorians, loitering by the Valley Gardens

This would make a perfect expedition for the Easter weekend. It might even be fine enough to take a picnic? Happy walking, everybody!

If you have a walk you’d like to share with me, I’d be so pleased to see it. It can be as detailed or as simple as you like. I really don’t mind. I just love seeing new places. Put a link in my comments, or link a post to me, any day you like. I’ll have another walk for you next Monday.

I’m starting my shares this week with beautiful Lewes, in Sussex. Many thanks, Sherri :

A Lingering Look at Windows and A Walk In Lewes, Sussex

http://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/2014/04/13/picture-this-springtime-by-the-river/

Dale got so enthusiastic, he’s given me a choice of two, so here’s the other :

http://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/2013/09/08/picture-this-return-to-watersmeet-valley-of-the-rocks/

Jo’s Monday Walk: A Countryside Walk

A walk in the night

http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2014/04/16/a-stroll-around-ludlow-castle/

Jo’s Monday walk : Hartlepool Story Trail

Fish Annie’s song

I’ve been promising this particular walk for quite a long time. I hope you like it!

The Hartlepool Story Trail follows a sequence of 18 signs, crowned by a monkey. You’ll see why later. It traces the history of Hartlepool back to AD640, highlighting local landmarks along the way.

It’s a walk that I often do, paying no particular attention to the signs because my eyes are focussed on the sea. Hartlepool’s history is irretrievably mixed with the maritime and the walk starts midway along the promenade. Why, I really don’t know!

It all begins with the 'Island of Harts'

No. 1- the ‘Island of Harts’

The hart is a symbol of Hartlepool and appears throughout the town

It will be fairly obvious, I think, that I took some of these photos on different days. The sea is always a magnet to me, whether it’s thundering against the sea walls or softly licking the shore.

No. 2- ‘Fairy Cove’

A calm blue background for the monkey

This point marks the north eastern end of the town wall. The ‘Fairy Coves’ were man-made circular excavations, 5 metres in diameter, about 12 feet above the shore, and intended as ‘places of concealment’ for humans.

No. 3- Beacon and Town Moor

Today’s beacon, on a bluer day!

No. 4- Bandstand & Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock, which collapsed in 1891

The bandstand still exists, though in rather dilapidated condition. Gone are the days when it witnessed street theatre, boxing matches and even motor bike racing time trials. Elephant Rock, sadly, is no more, but there are still numerous smaller stacks along the shoreline.
No. 5- Lighthouse and Heugh Battery

The first lighthouse on this site dates from 1847 and was one of the world’s first to be operated by gas. It was dismantled during the First World War because its position prevented retaliatory fire from the Heugh Gun Battery, in the Bombardment of Hartlepool on 16th December, 1914.

The current lighthouse dates from 1926

You may have noticed the darkening sky, and my wonky photo, above. Rounding the lighthouse one day last week, I was met by a storm of hailstones, and this! Happily I wore a waterproof.

The sea was having fun!

Lots of fun! These photos are not in black and white.

As the sea lashed the promenade, I made a dash for the next sign, no.6- Cliff Terrace.

Some of the signs are quite weather worn, too!

Some of the signs are quite weather worn. It’s no wonder!

No. 7, just off the seafront and a little more sheltered, rather strangely comes in two parts- ‘a’ and ‘b’. Billy Purvis, the subject of 7a and something of a jester, is buried in the grounds of nearby St. Hilda’s Church.

No. 7a- Billy Purvis

7b of course, is St. Hilda’s church, dating from 1190.

Pretty in snow, isn’t it?

So far this year, there’s been no snow in the north east. Hush! Don’t even think about it. Neither has it been paddling pool weather, but that’s where we’re going next.

No. 8- the ‘Paddling Pool’

One chilly monkey! What’s that saying? Brass monkeys?

As the sign says, we once boasted a handsome paddling pool set into the rocks beneath this promenade. I dimly remember it from my childhood, but in 1953 a tremendous storm hit the north east coast, and the damage was irreparable. There is a much tamer version of the paddling pool set into the lower promenade, and it continues to delight small persons in Summer.

No. 9- ‘Hartlepool Lifeboats’

Unthinkable that we could have a town without a lifeboat, and one has been in existence since 1803. The first cost just £300 to build locally, and was propelled by 10 oars.

No. 10- ‘Fish Sands and the Monkey’

This is a crucial sign, and the one I started this post with, seen here on a hazy summer’s day. The sign includes the tale of the monkey-hanging, which no self-respecting Hartlepudlian can fail to know, though it doesn’t reflect well on us. Allegedly, during the Napoleonic Wars, a severe storm hit a French vessel off the coast of Hartlepool. Following the wreck of the ship a sole survivor, a nautically attired monkey, was washed ashore on the Fish Sands. Being unfamiliar with monkeys and naturally suspicious of the French, the people of Hartlepool decided to hang this “Frenchman” as a spy, and have been trying to live it down ever since.

No. 11- ‘The Croft and Sandwell Chare’, with St. Hilda’s in the background

The Chare- the prettiest bit of the town wall

Sandwell Gate, leading to the beach- the prettiest bit of the town wall

The Croft Gardens now sit below St. Hilda’s Church (but beside Verrill’s Chip Shop- another famous landmark!) This was the site of the former old town, which was demolished in 1938.

'Chalybeate Spring' was a thriving Health Spa

No. 12- ‘Town Wall and Chalybeate Spring’

Amazing to think that our pretty Town Wall, which has often been admired as my former header, has stood firm against elements and enemies since 1322. ‘Chalybeate Spring’ was a thriving Health Spa, said to cure indigestion and other ailments. Must have been the bracing sea air!

No. 14- ‘Middleton & Ferry Crossing’

Sadly I don’t remember the ferry, which stopped running in 1952, but I well remember Middleton and the dockland area.

The alert amongst you may have noticed a leap in the signs. No. 13 is absent because I simply couldn’t find it! Having got this far, in spite of inclement weather, I decided to terminate the walk. I already have more information than you can readily digest and I don’t want to bore.

If you are interested and stop to read every one of the signs, the walk will take you no more than an hour or two. There’s a map at the bottom of each sign so you can’t get lost. On a nice day there are plenty of spots to linger and just watch the sea, and the boats heading for harbour. If it rains I could recommend you to Mary Rowntree’s tearooms. A former chapel, it has been beautifully converted, and you will pass it on your route. Or you may be lucky enough to find St. Hilda’s open, and step inside. For background history, if you can’t get here, this is an excellent article.

So what did you think of this week’s walk? And, more importantly, do you have a walk you’d like to share with me? If you do, I’d be delighted if you could leave a link in the comments below. Or even link back to me from your post, if it’s a new one. I look forward to an evening’s reading.

You can join in too!

http://dadirridreaming.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/jos-monday-walk-swimming-on-the-bingie-dreaming-track/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/jos-monday-walk-longwood-gardens/

http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/strolling-around-the-ile-de-la-cite/

http://poppytump.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/clouds/

http://sonelcorner.wordpress.com/2014/04/01/jos-monday-walk-schoemansville-oewerclub/

http://55daysinwarsaw.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/a-walk-in-warsaw-rain/

http://morselsandscraps.wordpress.com//?s=Return+to+the+headland

http://morselsandscraps.wordpress.com//?s=A+photo+stroll+Sydney+CBD

Jo’s Monday walk : Crimdon beach

First of all I need to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the people who joined in on my Monday walk last week. I was so happy with the response I got that I really can’t wait to do it again. Let’s take the walk first, shall we, and I’ll explain a little more later.

Crimdon Beach

This is another local walk, and probably comes in the ‘ugly’ category. I can’t just show you pretty pictures can I? It wouldn’t be truthful, or fair to the area. Crimdon lies just north of Hartlepool, on the north east coast of England. It is one of my childhood beaches. A day trip to Crimdon was exciting in those days! To this day, a caravan park sits atop the beach, and you can wander through it playing the ‘I’d like this one’ game. Front facing the sea, naturally.

How about this one? A few tubs on the deck and it would be perfect!

But I’m getting away from the subject. This is a circular walk which includes the beach and Crimdon Dene. Our start point is the cliff top car park.

Here you have it!

As you can see, it’s part of the Durham Coastal footpath, very easily accessible and with some excellent cliff top walking. Hartlepool was once a part of Durham County, but that is history.

But I cannot always offer you the blue skies!

First drop down the stepped boardwalk and onto the beach

Today there’s a watery sun, glinting in the rock pools

You'll maybe recognise this view from a previous post?

You might just recognise this view from a previous post where I got wet!

There go the walkers, striding up the beach!

In places, the sea gets trapped at low tide

The patterns formed in the dune, a mystery

And looking back, some walkers in outline, at the top

And looking back, tiny walkers in outline, near the top

With the tide out, you can walk right along this beach to Hartlepool. In the distance you can still see the disused pier that is all that is left of a former magnesium works. In Summer you might observe protective fencing along the dunes, where a nesting colony of Little Terns make their home for 4 months every year. They spend Winter in West Africa, lucky things!

But today we are going into Crimdon Dene. A wooded valley cutting through cliffs of magnesium limestone, it forms the boundary with County Durham. The Dene’s dominant landmark is the lofty railway viaduct, completed in 1905, over which the north coast railway service periodically rattles. I remember being hugely excited by it when I was small.

Hartlepool Headland just visible in the distance

Safeguarding the Little Terns

Crimdon or Hartlepool?

Underneath the arches of Crimdon railway viaduct

Leaving the Dene from beneath the viaduct

A steepish climb will bring you back up to the cliff top car park. The distance is little more than 2 miles but you can extend it as far along the beach as you wish. There are no facilities as the club house on the caravan park is ‘members only’. Hard to believe that back in the 50s this was a thriving resort. A Six word Saturday post from about this time last year will show you the area from a slightly different (and sunnier) aspect.

And now it’s your turn! Last week I suggested that I would love to hear about walks in your area. I can never cover as much ground as I’d like to, so I would really appreciate sitting back in my armchair for a virtual walk around your neighbourhood. If you have a post about a favourite walk that you’d like to share, please leave a link in my comments box. You can do this any day of the week, and it can be a full walk or just a few photos- I’ll be delighted either way.

In return I will tweet or post it on Facebook for those of you who use social media. I usually share when I like a post anyway, but sometimes I forget. Age, you know! I don’t know if you’ve found my Restlessjo page on Facebook, but I’d love to see you there. Happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Greatham Creek

The spy holes in the hide, Greatham Creek

First, a word of explanation. For quite some time I’ve been including walks in my posts, and most of you seem to enjoy taking a stroll with me. It occurred to me the other day (when I was out walking, of course) that I could make this a regular feature, and invite people to join in and share, if they want to. Lots of you will have favourite walks, and I would love to hear about them.

So, let’s start with Greatham Creek. Now, unless you’re a local, I know you will be reading this as Great Ham, but the pronunciation is, in fact, Gree Tham. Funny old language, isn’t it? Not long since, I took you on a wander through the snowdrops in Greatham Village. That could well be the start point for this walk, but I am choosing to do it differently today.

Instead, we’re starting at the bird hide on the Seal Sands road

See the peep holes? Now, what are they looking at?

This fellow, and his friends

You did notice that I called it Seal Sands road, didn’t you? The area is highly industrialised, with smoke belching from chimneys on the skyline, but for a number of years this has been home to a colony of seals. So much so that, passing by on the bus to Middlesbrough with my nose stuck in a book, I sometimes even forget to notice them. Not today, though.

Clear and bright with just a little nip to the air, it was perfect for socialising with seals.

Now a seal might like a little privacy, and rightly so

So there are opportunities to ‘hide’ yourself

And still get a decent view of the seals (and the industry!)

While still getting a decent view of the seals (and the industry)

There is a car park on the Seal Sands road (the A189), right by the hide. When you’ve had enough of playing hide and seek, cross over the creek on the road bridge and follow the public footpath off to your left. Work is currently in progress to extend the footpath on the other side of the bridge, which will lead to another hide.

Crossing the creek

Which spreads out, inland

Passing the seals, who carry on doing what seals do

As does the industry!

The creek is tidal, so the water level is variable. The number of seals basking on the sands varies too. To be truthful, it isn’t always the weather for basking. When the skies are leaden the whole area is very depressing.

But nobody seems to have told the seals!

The patterns carved by the creek vary, too

Winding off like unravelling yarn

The footpath follows the creek, with occasional steps up and down

Then it veers off to the right, heading towards Greatham Village. The fields were still a little flooded in places, after the heavy rain, but passable, with care. I didn’t have proper walking shoes on and opted to turn back.

There is a way around, honestly!

The walk continues, passing the derelict Cerebos site and over the railway tracks into Greatham. The “Hope and Anchor” on the High Street is an old favourite of mine, if you need a food or drink stop. Or you can simply retrace your steps at any point. I was only out walking for about an hour, having come with the sole purpose of seeing the seals.

So, that’s my walk for today. I hope you enjoyed it. Now I’m rather hoping that I might tempt a few of you into sharing walks with me? You can include as much or as little detail as you like. A full walk would be great but if you want to show me just a photo or two from a walk you know, I’d be happy with that too. My walks will mostly be in the north east of England, because that’s home, but now and then I might just stray.

If you decide to participate, please leave a link to your walk in the comments box below. Let’s see how far we can get, shall we? I’m really looking forward to it.

Six word Saturday

Still chasing romance in the moonlight!

St. Mary’s Lighthouse, in the dark

I often accompany my garden designer husband if he’s working somewhere interesting so, when he took on a job at Whitley Bay, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity for me to see St. Mary’s Lighthouse. I remembered it, from a school trip with my son many years ago, as a particularly scenic spot. Perched on tiny Bait Island, and reached over a short causeway at low tide, I envisaged taking photos of the lighthouse with a backdrop of rock pools in the sweeping bay. The reality was somewhat different.

When the design was complete, Michael asked me if I’d like to come with him. Unfortunately the appointment was for 7.00 in the evening and, as you can see from the above, a little dark for rock pools. It was just about possible to navigate my way across the causeway in the glimmering moonlight. Very romantic, I think you’ll agree.

I guess I'll have to go back in daylight

I’ll just have to return in daylight another time.

If you’re wondering where my six words came from, maybe you missed my romantic Six word Saturday last week.

Do you have six words (or more) you want to share? Cate at Show My Face will tell you how it’s done. Just click on the link or the logos.

A Lingering look through glass factory windows

Looking out of the National Glass Centre, Sunderland

Looking out from the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland

In my Monday post A promenade to Roker we took a walk through Sunderland’s ship building past. Though ships are no longer built here, a thriving cargo trade has developed on the River Wear today. The National Glass Centre occupies the former site of J. L. Thompson and Sons shipyard, on the north bank of the river, and is witness to most of the comings and goings.

Glass making was introduced to Britain from France in 674, specifically for the windows of the Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Priory, which stood not far from here. The industry thrived on cheap local coal in the 18th century, and Sunderland gradually established a name for glass. The Pyrex factory was based here until its closure in 2007.

The construction of the National Glass Centre in 1998 was a bold move, part of a regeneration scheme in a declining area. Today the centre is free to visit, with daily guided tours.

You can keep an eye on the boats while you admire the glassware

I know someone who loves owls!

Light bulbs?

Maybe not!

A telescope for looking out to sea?

The pieces are highly individual

And beautifully displayed

Part of the fascination is watching the glass workers ply their trade.

Behind glass, of course!

There’s bound to be an element of danger, isn’t there?

I love the quirkiness of these

The shapes of these

And the bright colours of these.

The building itself is quite interesting, and there’s a restaurant looking out onto the riverside.

And in the vestibule, possibly my favourite thing- this suspended glass sculpture.

Let’s raise a glass!

The National Glass Centre website gives full details of opening times, events and free tours.

I really enjoyed putting this post together for Dawn’s weekly Lingering Look at Windows challenge. Hope you like it too.

Transport

The simple kind

Ready to go

As far as they can take me!

Or maybe something grander? (Edited by Viveka Gustafson)

With a bit more style

And oozing panache!

Perhaps some elegant wood carving

And a figurehead fit to face the world!

Jake has asked the question this week- how do you like to travel? You might have noticed that I’m very partial to boats- all shapes and sizes. How about you? The last five shots were taken when the Tall Ships Race came to Hartlepool in 2010. My lovely friend Viveka admired them but it wasn’t a bright day and one of them needed a hint of brightening up. She was kind enough to do it for me, unasked. Isn’t that what friends are for? I think my husband may have taken some of the Tall Ships. My memory’s not so good these days! But I do remember to join Jake in his Sunday Post challenge whenever I can. The subject this week is Transport. Come take a look!

A promenade to Roker

Grab your coat! It’s time to go.

It’s Monday, my usual day for a walk. Do you fancy a stroll? I’m starting out today on the banks of the River Wear at Sunderland. Ship building used to be the mainstay of this area, till foreign competition priced us out of the market. For a lot of years nothing much happened around here, but gradually life is creeping back in.

The National Glass Centre blazed a trail and it is the start and end point of my walk. At the river mouth a small marina huddles against that sometimes biting north east breeze. In its absence, this is a very pleasant stroll, with some quirky sculptures along the way.

All is quiet this morning on the River Wear

There’s a ‘not so comfy’ seat if you’re tired already

But best to head off round the marina

Vessels of all shapes and sizes loiter here

From working boats

To those with a more leisurely life

Masts always delight me

What can I tell you about Sunderland? I expect you’ve heard of Geordies, people who hail from Newcastle-on-Tyne, but have you heard of Mackems? The name Mackem (‘make them’) may have derived from the Wearside shipyard workers, who would design and build ships, which would then be taken by the Tyne-siders. The expression “mackem and tackem” (make them and take them) seems to refer to the rivalry which has always existed between these two cities.

My favourite sculpture is the stained glass boat

Tiny buoys dot the water as you look back to the Glass Centre

And there are colourful bollards on the quay

Beyond the marina the river mouth opens onto the beach front at Roker, newly made over.

With new sculptures and seating

The beach is full of tempting rock pools

It’s just the place for walking your dog

Or admiring the lighthouse

This area is not without its admirers. Lewis Carroll wrote some of his works in neighbouring Whitburn and local landmarks are believed to be the source of inspiration for his “Alice in Wonderland”. The painter, L.S. Lowry, regularly stayed at the Seaburn Hotel, here on the front.

The promenade stretches off into the distance and you can walk as far as you like. Buses run all along the coast so, if you overdo it, you can always hop on a bus back to Sunderland centre. I think we may have walked far enough for this morning, so it’s time to retrace our steps, and maybe pick up an icecream en route. A short detour through pretty Roker Park will bring you back down to the beach.

Upper or lower promenade at Roker lighthouse?

An old drinking fountain

Back to the beach, from Roker Park

The National Glass Centre has a very nice riverfront restaurant where you can take some refreshments, and maybe fit in a free tour of the glass factory. I love glass blowing. Don’t you? But more of that next time.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

England

Jo’s Monday walk : Guisborough Forest and the Priory

Six word Saturday

A hope for peace and harmony

Jo’s Monday walk : A Saltburn stroll

Jo’s Monday walk : Hartlepool Story Trail

Jo’s Monday walk : Crimdon beach

Jo’s Monday walk : Greatham Creek

Six word Saturday

Still chasing romance in the moonlight!

A Lingering look through glass factory windows

Transport

A promenade to Roker

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A hope for peace and harmony

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Still chasing romance in the moonlight!

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