Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : Clifton Suspension Bridge and Observatory

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

You may remember in The Time of my life I wished I could be in two places at once? I was watching the hot air balloons launch at Ashton Court in Bristol, but wishing I could be up at Clifton Suspension Bridge to see them float overhead too. The bridge has a spectacular location at the head of the Avon Gorge and I thought I might take you there this week.

I left home on an early morning flight, bound for The Washington Hotel in Clifton. The receptionist there very kindly pointed me in the direction of the bridge and I did what I do best- follow my nose! I was extremely pleased to turn a corner and see before me the Avon Gorge Hotel. It has a highly recommended sun terrace with views out over the bridge.

And towards Bristol, in the other direction

A good place to start our walk, I think. I had rather a surprise when I turned to look at the suspension bridge. A sheep was keeping his watchful eye on me!

Fancy a chuckle?

Shaun in the City!

With all his colourful details

That’s put a smile on your face, hasn’t it? And a good thing too because I should warn you, there’ll be a bit of ‘uphill’ involved in our walk today.

‘Wish Ewe were here’ is one of 70 Shauns liberally scattered around Bristol’s many attractions this Summer. You can follow the Shaun in the City trail around Bristol until 31st August, after which the flock will be herded in the direction of Covent Garden in London. Aside from delighting adults and children alike, the sheep are raising money for charity. I did spot quite a few, which I’ll share with you in another post, but today you might like to take a look at Viveka‘s.

A look out at the bridge and we're on our way

A look at the bridge, and we’re on our way

Turning left out of the hotel, you can see the bridge ahead. I was a little disappointed that one pillar was swathed in white, but repairs were necessary. Clifton Suspension Bridge was opened in 1864 and is a Grade 1 listed toll bridge, though foot passengers can cross for free.

Initially we are going to climb the hill to Clifton Observatory. I promise you, the views are worth it! Site of a former mill, 337 feet above the Avon Gorge, the cliff top was used as a look out post as far back as the Iron Age. Today the building functions as a camera obscura. William West, an artist, rented the mill as a studio and installed telescopes and the camera obscura to facilitate drawing the gorge and Leigh Woods on the opposite bank of the river.

Looking down from the Observatory to the bridge

Inside the Observatory

Through the camera obscura

Bird bonanza!

A plant lover’s paradise

I think you will agree that the view is magnificent

Samuel Jackson’s watercolour from 1825

Looking down into the gorge

Having gazed our fill, it’s time to head back down and cross the bridge itself for still more magnificent views. I hope you have a head for heights? Suspended 75 metres above the Avon Gorge, it is an awesome feat of engineering.

Looking back at the Observatory

Crossing the bridge

Suspended

Looking up!

The Observatory seen from the bridge

The River Avon below twists and turns into the distance

One of the things I’d hoped to do was to take a boat trip through the Avon Gorge, to see it properly from the river. The gorge is home to many rare plants, in particular the whitebeam trees, some of which grow nowhere else in the world. Amongst these are Bristol whitebeams, Wilmott’s, Houston’s and Leigh Woods varieties. Rock cress and Bristol onion can be found clinging to the cliffs and in late Summer the delicate lilac flowers of Autumn Squill.

An evening visit would find the bridge beautifully illuminated, and in the dusk, Jackdaw and horseshoe bats swooping from their homes in the caves. The Visitor Centre on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge will provide you with a full and fascinating history, and on Summer Saturdays and Sundays you can take a free tour of the bridge itself.

The supporting tower on the Leigh Woods side of the gorge

Looking back through the tower

Although similar in size, the supporting towers of the bridge are not identical. I was unable to verify this as the tower on the Clifton side was under wraps. The visible tower stands 85 feet tall. Roller-mounted ‘saddles’ at the top of each tower allow slight movement to the chains when loads pass over the bridge. I was amazed at how ‘solid’ the bridge felt beneath my feet, despite the fragility of its appearance.

The bridge is credited to a design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, but has a colourful history. I was interested to find that its predecessor was a stone bridge, built in the 13th century, on which were built houses 5 stories high. Wikipedia is very informative on the subject if you would like to know more. Our little walk can be completed with a return over the bridge, and maybe lunch at the Avon Gorge Hotel with those wonderful views. Or you might like a wander through charming Clifton Village for a wider choice. I’m going to head down beneath the bridge for a different view, but you don’t have to follow.

The bridge in silhouette

Looking back up

I forgot to mention St Vincent’s Cave, visible here on the cliff face and accessed from the Observatory

While below all appears peaceful in the valley

I hope you enjoyed my Monday wander as much as I did. Perhaps you can see now why I would have liked to see those hot air balloons above the bridge. Maybe another time? For now let’s get that kettle on, relax, and put our feet up.

Grateful thanks, as always, to my many contributors this week. I love walking with you all and sharing your company. For anyone wishing to join in, my Jo’s Monday walks page will give you the details if you just click on the logo.

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The first two lovely ladies had to wait patiently while I was away last weekend, so please do visit :

In our topsy-turvy world- fabulous snow shots from Ruth in Tasmania- brrrrh!

A walk in the snow

And a gentle piece of reminiscence with Jill. Stories beautifully told- don’t miss this!

The Old Custom House : a photographer’s delight

If you’d like to be transported to an Impressionist world, Drake will take you there :

Heaven on earth, a paradise

Debbie always stops to admire interesting architecture. Take a look!

On Emerald Hill

Just what I could do with right now- a stroll in beautiful botanic gardens. Many thanks, Anabel!

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Can I count this as my entry this week, Jude? Only joking! Thanks a lot, Amy!

Monday Walk : Banff Springs and Bench Series

Geoff is prone to a bit of a ramble :

In search of an identity- one walk, one dream

Planting acorns seems like a nice idea. Find out how with Denzil :

Erezee: A breath of fresh Ardennes air

Drake tugs at my heart strings with a second walk this week :

Wondering walk in Paris

While Meg showers me with the most delicious orchids! And that’s not all!

Gilgandra Flora Reserve

Still in Australia, Rosemay shows us just why Perth is the perfect home for her :

Our Adopted Home- Perth and South Western Australia

I’ve had some beautiful shares in the 18 months of Jo’s Monday walks but none lovelier than this. Thanks, Jude!

I promised you a rose garden

I hate for it to end in tears, but I’m afraid it rather does for Pauline and Jack! Get well soon, sir!

Ups and downs in Brisbane

That’s it for another week! Next week I think I’ll take you harbourside. Don’t forget, those folks at Monday Escapes have lots to entertain you too. But the main thing is to have a happy week ahead. See you next time.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Show me the Wey

I like surprises! This is a really nice one from Violet Sky :

A nice place to live

Starting in the rain, with Geoff… well, it is English Summertime!

Eastbourne to Alfriston and back- a walk of two halves

Something a little unusual for you now. Thanks a lot, Jaspa!

Three Rivers Petroglyphs, New Mexico

Rosemay is currently in Perth, but she has a lovely London-based daughter :

On the trail of Notting Hill : Portobello Road markets

Exotic and beautiful! A world I will never know except through Lisa’s eyes :

Vanua Balavu: Walking the Nabavatu Plantation

And more from the Southern Hemisphere. Some fond memories with Jill :

Come with me along historic Marine Parade, Napier

Let’s round it all off with a bit of drama!

Killing Nanny Meg

I hope you have time to visit all the walks. Maybe pop back later? Thanks again everybody, and see you next week.

Jo’s Monday walk : Surprised at Skinningrove

Dedicated to Skinningrove Homing Society

Skinningrove used to be a bit of an ugly duckling. Situated on the north east coast of England, midway between picturesque Staithes and Saltburn-by-the Sea, it has fierce competition in the beauty stakes. You have to turn off the coast road to go looking for it, and many would not trouble. The village is trying to attract it’s share of revenue from tourism and, with the help of a leaflet entitled ‘Skinningrove Valley Trail’, that’s where we’ll be walking today.

Our start point is by the jetty, built in the 1880s to serve the ironworks which is the reason for the village’s existence. My leaflet describes it as looking forlorn, but funding has been acquired to renovate the jetty. The process was just beginning at the time of my walk.

The beach by the jetty

Crossing Skinningrove Beck

A straggle of houses and fishing boats decorate the shoreline. A fisherman nods ‘good morning’ and carries on painting his tired looking boat, soon to have a new lease of life. Crossing Skinningrove Beck into the village we come swiftly upon the tribute to the Homing Pigeon Society, which reminds us that using pigeons to carry messages dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Locally the birds are known for their heroic activities in World War II.

Moving into the village, we head along Stone Row

With its pretty cottage gardens

Across the beck from Stone Row you can see man-made caves, which were carved out to shelter hospital patients when bombing raids took place during the war. And then the first of my ‘surprises’. On the bridge, a mosaic which illustrates the story of the village.

A few 'tangoing' poppies, a bench and the tip of an anchor

A few ‘tango-ing’ poppies, a bench and the tip of a rusting anchor

And looking back, the man-made caves

The Square is a designated Conservation Area. Former Timm’s Coffee House stands importantly on the corner, now converted to a guest house, ‘Moonfleet’, rather sadly. Part of the building is Grade II listed, having started life in 1704 as Skinningrove Hall. In the 19th century it was developed as a hotel by the Maynard family, who named it Timm’s Coffee House after the coffee houses that were then popular in London.

An ‘unusual’ enough bench, for Jude?

Another of my ‘surprises’ coming up next. I spent many a happy minute exclaiming over the mosaics on the side of Riverside Building. It began life as a school in 1884 and remained so till the late 1990s. Since then it has become a base for community projects and activities, and is run by a group of volunteers. I pop back for a cuppa and a gossip with the locals at the end of my walk, but for now let’s just enjoy the mosaics.

This one illustrates the major floods of 2000

Click on any photo to open the gallery

You may recognise the homing pigeon

The floods were extensive

Aren’t the details great?

Like the Adverse Weather team!

And the digger

The cars floating in the streets

And the rescue helicopter

The building is no work of art, but the efforts of Glynis Johnson and the school children who were involved are delightful. There are two themes- the floods and the Story of the Merman. Allegedly a ‘sea-man’ was once caught by the local fisherfolk. He lived on raw fish for a number of days but then managed to escape. Sometimes, when the sea is calm, a hideous groaning can be heard and the fishermen are afraid to go to sea!

The Story of the Merman

The floods of 2000

The village

And a watchful dog

Skinningrove was a mining village, though the evidence is harder to find these days. The rust red water in the beck vividly testifies to the presence of iron, and the remains of an entrance to the mine can still be seen. I had intended to visit the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum but was not convinced that I wanted to go underground. During the war the mine was regularly used for shelter, and a school log book entry for 9th September, 1915 reads “Owing to Zeppelin raid and the children having been in the mines a good part of last night, we have been obliged to close school today”.

I later discovered that the guided tour takes an hour and a half. At Christmas, Santa delivers his sack of toys along the miner’s track, without any necessity to go below ground. Maybe I’ll come back then!

Present day entrance to the mining museum

Former mine entrance

One more ‘surprise’ in store. A mural on Doorstep Green portrays ‘Evolution of Life in the Sea’. It was created by Philippa Threlfall, using materials from Skinningrove beach, and with the help of children from the former Rosecroft School.

Again, click on a photo to see it in detail

The Valley Trail climbs out of the village and across the A174 (a busy road), following the beck into Whitecliff Wood. Curiosity impelled me to take a look, but you could simply retrace your steps. Over the road I pass by an animal sanctuary, where the animals appear quite content. The adjoining house has lupins by the fence and I pause, remembering my mother, who always had roses and lupins in her garden. The trail soon peters out as the beck flows through a culvert under the railway embankment.

Following the beck

Looking back at the site of the former Kilton Mill

Into the woods

The lupins

The disappearing beck

Back in Skinningrove, I find the friendly ‘staff’ in Riverside Building in a lull between customers. I consume the cheapest toasted teacake and mug of coffee I’ve ever had, while they tell me about life in the village. Everything is done on a voluntary basis and they pool their expertise. Apparently a little gift shop is set to open up soon. If you pass that way, drop in and say ‘hi’, and you can pick up a leaflet on this trail. Here they are, on Facebook.

Heading for home now, but not before I take a look at ‘Repus’- the fishing coble which serves as a memorial to those lost at sea.

Spanking new fencing adorns the seafront

And another ‘unusual bench’

Leads the way to the ‘Repus’ memorial

The coble, facing out to sea

Steering for shore

The last bench reminds me that this is the midway point along the Cleveland Way, a 110 mile walk between Helmsley and Filey. Now there’s a challenge! If you prefer something a little easier, why not drop in on Jude for her Bench challenge?

I’m a little further down the coast today, walking on the cliff tops at Whitby, so I may be late in answering your comments. I suspect you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in the meantime. Thanks for reading!

Once again I’d like to say a huge thank you to those who have contributed to making my Jo’s Monday walk a success. If you’d like to join in, click on the logo for details. Time to put the kettle on and settle back for a read. I think I need some toast, too.

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A busy spot, the Gare de L’Est! Please take your time and watch the video. Thanks, Drake!

East- entrance to Paris

Hope you had good Canada and Independence Days, all those who celebrate it!

Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Inspirational shots from Amy! She’s on holiday this week. Treats in store!

The Antelope Canyon

A lighthouse, and some stunning thrift? Cornwall, of course! Many thanks, Jude :

Pendeen Watch

Wild thyme and Lady’s Bedstraw, from Tish, but not very much sleep, unfortunately!

Return to Windmill Hill: Of Grasshopper stalking, Lady’s Bedstraw and other random discoveries

Meanwhile Pauline is up at the crack of dawn to capture the sunlight on the water :

Early morning walk along the beach…

And Ruth has gone to the other extreme. Both extremely beautiful!

A walk in the moonlight

Thank you for finding time to read these wonderful contributions. I hope I haven’t ‘wittered on’ too long. Maybe something shorter next week? (though this trail is only a mile and a half long) Grab some sun, if you can, and I’ll see you then.

Jo’s Monday walk : Finchale Priory

The ruins of Finchale Priory

My walk this week, much nearer home, takes me along the banks of the River Wear, four miles from the city of Durham. I hear that a heatwave is forecast and you might be glad of a little shade. I was dodging showers on my walk, so the trees proved extremely useful.

The Grade 1 listed ruins of Finchale Priory began life in the 13th century as a Benedictine priory. Today they are managed by English Heritage. The only details I could glean from their page are that the Priory was founded on the site of a retired pirate’s hermitage (!) and was later used as a holiday retreat for monks from Durham Cathedral.

The approach is through peaceful countryside, covered in rapeseed early in the season

The clouds are a little menacing, so we need to be quick!

We might just make it!

St. Godric of Finchale was an English hermit, merchant and medieval saint who was born in Norfolk. After many pilgrimages around the Mediterranean, he spent the last 60 years of his life as a hermit in these idyllic surrounds. To find that same peace and serenity you need to visit out of season, as today a caravan park adjoins the site.

As so often, I turn to Wikipedia for my knowledge. For instance, I had no clear idea what a piscina might be, though I was assured that there was a double one on the south wall. It’s a shallow basin, placed near the altar of a church, used for washing the communion vessels. Hunting through my photos, I discover that I have some evidence.

A double piscina

A view through the ruins

But this is the sight that intrigues me most

I cannot seem to find a reference that explains this ‘chimney’ with a conical point, and I can’t recollect seeing one before. If any of you can help me on this, I’d be grateful. Now, you remember that we are beside the river?

Click on a photo for a closer look

The view from the prior’s study

An inviting bridge crosses the river

The walls are good and thick

But with a strangely shaped door!

For a while the sky is blue

And I can admire the cloud through the many windows

See those right at the back of this shot?

The ruins with the farmhouse/cafe alongside

And a closer look at that ‘chimney’

While the sky is blue I think we should cross over the bridge. Got your brolly, just in case?

Here we go!

The water is shallow in places

But the bridge supports are solid

In places the River Wear flows quite swiftly

Across the bridge, you can look back at the Priory

Looking back, a view of the Priory

Choices next, for a short, circular walk through Cocken Woods. You can climb the steps, rather steeply, or follow the river bank for a short distance and then climb, a little more gently, up through the woods. No contest, really! Just past bluebell season, there was the thickest carpet and a deafening aroma of wild garlic!

A lamb or two

And a bench!

It had to happen! Just about then the skies opened and the rain battered the river. My back pressed close to a tree trunk, I watched the steady tattoo and inhaled deeply. When the rain eased a little, there was just time to cross the bridge and slip quickly inside the cafe.

It was a welcoming space

And I just remembered where I had my last cream scone, Jude!

You’re probably thinking that that’s enough for the day, but I never want to waste an opportunity. Beyond the picnic benches, a path follows the river, on the same shore as the Priory but in the opposite direction. There’s a little climb before it levels out so I won’t make you walk again. Stay here and I’ll just show you a couple of photos.

Beside the river

And looking back at the bridge

Up among the trees

Struck by lightning?

Or simply old?

Just one last look at the Priory, before it’s time to go.

Loving the shapes and the shadows

And one last surprise, beneath the Priory!

I hope you enjoyed my ‘traces of the past’. I’ve included the English Heritage link for directions and opening times, and the other links for history and background. There is a special link too. Many of you will have seen Paula’s traces of the past, in Slovakia. I hope I’m not too late with my offering of Finchale Priory.

One cup of coffee down, two to go?

For any of you not used to my ramblings, can I direct you to my Jo’s Monday walk page or the logo above? It will encourage you to join me. For all you other lovely people, can I just say a huge thanks, both for your support and your wonderful contributions. Please make time to visit the posts below. You won’t regret it!

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Drake’s always a winner- in more ways than one! First with his contribution again last week :

Neighbour-visiting

Back on home turf with Anabel, in Scotland. Do you know this one?

Loch Ardinning

Jude apologised for ‘another flowery walk’. Is she mad? Good old King George V!

Kerdhva Gov Jori V (didn’t know I could speak Cornish- did you?)

You can always rely on Paula to find true beauty, even when she’s sleepy. This is exquisite!

Sing me a lullaby

A guy with a wicked sense of humour, Cardinal’s style is unique :

Fitness and Relax Toilets

I have a cousin in Toronto. Maybe I should pay him a surprise visit one day?

Junkboat Travels: Monday Walks

Will I EVER tire of the beauty of the Grand Canyon? I doubt it!

Walk on a Timeline (One Long Step= 1 Million Years)

I get to sit alongside Paula while Lucile pedals this week! Don’t miss this!

Virtual Bike Ride with Jo and Paula

You can always depend on Debbie for variety! I wonder where next?

A Walk along Berlin’s Landwehrkanal

Laia’s post simply shimmers with colour and beauty (and blue ice!) Another one not to miss!

Fox Glacier and lake Matheson : do not believe in postcards

And while we’re in that part of the world, here’s a fascinating walk in Tasmania, with Ruth :

Waterworks, pipelines and falls

Jaspa keeps on going back to Venice. Well, why wouldn’t you?

The Irresistible Lure of Venice

Lots of shares again this week. I expect you’ve seen a few of them around the blogs, but please make time for any you’ve missed. There are some fabulous contributions. And if you have any spare time, Monday Escapes are acquiring a steady stream of followers. If only I could find more time!

Have a happy week and watch out for that heatwave! See you next Monday?

Jo’s Monday walk : City of Norwich

A plaque at the entrance to Norwich Castle

Few things in life flow entirely smoothly, do they? I thought I’d scored a major success when the friendly driver of our National coach proposed an outing to Norwich on the tour’s ‘free’ day. I’d spent one glorious day boating on the Broads, if you remember, and had arranged to meet with the remainder of the Polish family in Norwich the next day. Perfect synchronicity!

Arriving in good time, I found a sunny bench on which to deposit Dad, with his newspaper, to await the family, while I hightailed it up to Norwich Castle. (not the best of benches, Jude– Dad complained because the back had broken off. No pleasing some folk!) It being Sunday, the castle was closed till 1pm but the views were sure to be good.

It was a solid looking building

With views down over the city

And a useful lift!

As usual, click on a photo to open the galleries

Norwich Castle dates back to the Norman Conquest. It was noted in the Domesday Book that 98 Saxon homes were demolished to make way for the castle. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to go inside, but the link will give you an insight.

Back to my story. Receiving a text from Grażyna to say they’d arrived, I scurried back down to Castle Meadow. Standing hopefully beside Dad, we watched the approaching cars. ‘Is that them?’ ‘No, it’s a taxi’…. ‘Is that them?’ ‘No, it’s a taxi’…. ‘Is that…?’ The moral of the story is, don’t wait for someone to collect you on Castle Meadow. It is reserved for coaches and taxis only! Fortunately, because Dad’s not so mobile these days, we only had to walk 50 metres down to the next junction to meet the family.

Anyone for a game, in the castle grounds?

Before leaving the area, don’t miss the beautiful shopping arcades, just opposite the castle. The Royal Arcade, designed by George Skipper, opened in 1899.

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I thought that Wikipedia’s Great Yarmouth page was big, but the one for Norwich is huge! An obvious sign of the importance of the city. The first thing I learnt was that it sits on the River Wensum, and you can travel by boat from Norwich all the way to Great Yarmouth, via the River Yare. I would like that!

I didn’t know that in the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England, after London, nor that in company with Edinburgh, Kraków, and others, it is a UNESCO City of Literature. But I might have guessed that its origins go back to Roman times. The city walls, some of which are still visible, were built between 1280 and 1340 and were 4 kilometres long. One of the things that I did notice is that Norwich has a lot of churches. Many no longer have a religious function, but the buildings have been preserved. (I even saw one which was a puppet theatre!)

A chunk of city wall

With Dad settled at my cousin Wojtek’s home, it was time to take a walk into the city. Heading for the cathedral, I crossed the river for the first time. A sign promising ‘One of Norfolk’s hidden secrets’ and the view beyond the garden gate stopped me in my tracks. I had stumbled upon the Bishop’s House Garden on a day when it was opening for charity!

A first look at the River Wensum

Imagine a garden with the cathedral as backdrop!

Topiary and fountains

And exquisite blue poppies

The borders were crammed full of planting

The ruins of Bishop Salmons Porch

The cathedral silently looming

This 4 acre garden has belonged to the Bishops of Norwich for over 900 years. The open day was in full swing, with draughts and snakes and ladders set out on the immaculate lawns, and a cello playing in the background. The perfect setting for such a lovely day but time, as so often, was my enemy. For the history and more photos see the link above.

A pretty ‘face’, looking directly at the Cathedral

A fine example of a Norfolk flint-faced building

The mighty Cathedral

Approaching the Cathedral, the architecture is varied and beautiful. I enter through the cloisters.

The heraldry in the alcoves is delicate and lovely

Norwich Cathedral was begun in 1096 and completed in 1145. It was constructed from flint and mortar, and faced with cream-coloured Caen limestone. The building has real presence, and many quiet corners for reflection. A new refectory provides the main entrance and a space for contemporary art exhibitions.

The architecture in Norfolk is often highly distinctive due to the use of flushwork. This was popular in Medieval times, in areas without a good local building stone. Flushwork creates a flat flint wall where the stone is ‘flush’ to the wall. Decorative patterns and motifs can be used for variety. The Ethelbert Gate below is a beautiful example.

The Guildhall in Market Place

St. Ethelbert’s Gate, one of the entrances to the Cathedral complex

I saunter around the Market Place, with its fine Guildhall and market stalls, then turn towards the river and ‘home’. The family are preparing a barbecue and I shouldn’t be too late.

Back to the river, meandering home

It must be time to meet the family, don’t you think? Well, here they are- from left to right, Mateusz, Kasia, Arek and Mariusz (at the back!), Agnieszka, Jarek and Grażyna (the boat owners), cousin Wojtek, Dad and Basia.

No apologies for the lion- he came with the house!

I hope you enjoyed my walk around Norwich. There are numerous facts in the links I’ve provided, if you have time or interest. But you need to save some time to join my happy band of walkers again this week.

Many thanks to everybody! At least two cups of coffee will be required.

I have many wonderful shares again this week. If you’re thinking of joining me, click on the Jo’s Monday walk logo for a few simple facts. Let’s get going, shall we?

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Drake was first past the gate post again this week. Join him in Alsace… and across the river :

Hospitality across the river

Jude’s flower images are always a delight. Did you know she has this second blog?

Garden Portrait: Glendurgan

Anabel has found me some wonderful waterfalls this week :

Lake District walks: Elterwater circle

A lover’s house on the Mekong! Sound intriguing?

Vietnam- Marguerite Duras

Amy’s trees in the Canyon are one of the most beautiful things I have seen all week!

Monday Walk: Trees in Grand Canyon

Back down to earth for a Suffolk walk with Geoff. Lovely irises!

Bulcamp to Halesworth and back again

You will love this small piece of Tasmanian paradise! Many thanks, Ruth :

Bruny Island

And if it didn’t keep hiding in a vale of cloud ….

Playing hide-and-seek in Franz Josef Glacier

Gently does it in northern France, with a little haiku from Viv :

Happy Haiku Chain

For a sunburst of colour, I defy you to find anywhere better than Valparaiso!

The Hills of Valparaiso, Chile- UNESCO city of colour and steps

I love industrial heritage walks, especially beside water, and this one from Karen is a beauty :

A walk in Riverside Park, Manhattan

Rub your eyes! You might not believe that this Causeway is in Australia (but the beach is a bit of a giveaway)

A walk to the Giants Causeway

Richard is another Cornwall fan so he and Jude will get along just great!

History and beachlife on the Porthtowan to Wheal Coates coastal walk

Wherever you end up this week, I hope you enjoy it. We’ve passed the solstice now. Hope it’s not all down hill! See you next Monday?

Jo’s Monday walk : more Yarmouth!

Anyone remember these?

If you saw my Six word Saturday this week you’ll know that I was recently in Great Yarmouth. For me it was a trip way back down Memory Lane, to the days when I had very little money and holidays were spent in caravans. This time I used Yarmouth as a base from which to visit family, but for old times sake I had to take a bit of a walk around. Perhaps you’d like to join me.

But first, did that photo trigger any memories? It stopped me dead in my tracks! It carried me right back to the amusement arcades of my youth. The simple joy of pounding those firemen with water and trying to knock them all down! I don’t think I ever fully succeeded, but how I enjoyed trying. In this age of technology I could hardly believe my eyes. If only the attendant had been there, I could have tried my luck again.

While I’m wallowing in nostalgia I might as well take you to the model village on the sea front. It’s as good a place as any to start but, as it’s closed, we’ll have to look in through the fence.

I might have spent a little while there but, deprived of the opportunity, I decided to check out the beach. I’m probably a little spoilt when it comes to beaches. This one did not score too highly.

I didn’t mind the little bit of dune (and Winter Gardens in the background)

Or the old wooden pier supports

But the beach was full of pebbles

And rather gritty

Click on any photo in the group to open the galleries

Wellington Pier's an interesting shape (note the benches)

Modern Wellington Pier has an exotic shape

For all of its seaside bluster, Great Yarmouth is a town with a rich history. The Wikipedia entry, from which I am quoting, is surprisingly big. It has been a seaside resort since 1760 and lies on a thin spit of land sandwiched between the North Sea and the River Yare. The gateway to the Norfolk Broads, and just 20 miles from the city of Norwich, I was interested to note that Daniel Defoe compared the town favourably with that city in his travel journals :

‘Yarmouth is an antient town, much older than Norwich; and at present, tho’ not standing on so much ground, yet better built; much more compleat; for number of inhabitants, not much inferior; and for wealth, trade, and advantage of its situation, infinitely superior to Norwich.’

He goes on to say that its quay is the finest in England, and not even inferior to Marseilles! Of course, I had to go and see the quay for myself. But not before I took a look at the Winter Gardens and Britannia Pier, both of which are Grade II listed.

The beach huts on the front have seen a recent coat of paint

But not so the Winter Gardens

Though at dusk they continue to sparkle

It’s a shame that, in its prime location alongside the Wellington Pier, the stately Winter Gardens have fallen into disrepair. The cast iron framed glass structure was shipped by barge all the way from Torquay, on the south coast, in 1903.

Continuing along the front it’s almost impossible to avoid a pirate or two. No need to worry. They’re mostly harmless and intent on spying on the mini golf.

The empty June beach and Britannia Pier

I couldn’t resist a peep in the swimming baths!

Forlorn pier stumps

What’s there? A wind farm!

Promises much!

And the window reveals….

Ahoy there!

A rather jaunty angle!

Plus a lighthouse

And a good vantage point

Turning your back on the seafront, follow Regent Road through the town and out to South Quay, to step into a different world. Victoria Arcade is a shopping mall in the old style, and it’s easy to spot the traditional Norfolk flint-faced buildings.

Victoria Arcade

With pretty stained glass windows

And a traditional stone pub

Remember Defoe and his liking for the quay? He also refers to ‘merchants houses, which look like little palaces, rather than the dwelling-houses of private men’. Charles Dickens stayed at the Royal Hotel on Marine Drive while writing ‘David Copperfield’, and used Yarmouth as a key location for the book. He was much taken with the place.

In the early 18th century, Yarmouth was a thriving herring port and this lasted for a couple of hundred years. When the fishing industry declined in the second half of the 20th century, Yarmouth was saved by the discovery of oil in the North Sea. Today it services offshore natural gas rigs, and the town has been keen to develop renewable energy in the form of a wind farm. 30 generators stand tall on Scroby Sands- a different kind of windmill for the Broads.

Merchant’s House on South Quay

Looking toward the Broads

The Star Hotel

A canon from the Napoleonic Wars alongside an elderly fishing smack

A canon from the Napoleonic Wars alongside an elderly herring boat

The Lydia Eva is the last surviving steam drifter of the herring fleet and is being preserved as a floating museum. But she is dwarfed by her new neighbours.

New kids on the block

With a little more time I would like to have gone on board Lydia Eva, and to have visited the Elizabethan House and Great Yarmouth Row Houses. Perhaps even the museum dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson. (‘I am a Norfolk man and I glory in being so’). I did just manage to catch a glimpse of Nelson’s Monument, tucked away at the end of the promenade.

Just a hint of Nelson's Monument, behind the dunes

A hint of Nelson’s Monument, behind the sand dunes and Arek

National Trust have designed a Yarmouth Heritage Trail complete with map- a good idea if you’re in the area. I think next week I should take you to Norwich to make a comparison.

So there’s another week gone by! Hope you enjoyed the walk, and many thanks to all my contributors. If you’d like to join in my Jo’s Monday walk, click on the logo above for details. I’d be delighted to have you along. Let’s put the kettle on now and settle in for a good read.

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We’re starting in Berlin this week, with Debbie :

Walking the East Side Gallery

Pretty, winding streets always make me smile. Thanks, Drake!

Just around the corner

Don’t you love this wonderful world of friends we’ve created?

Wild orchids for Meg, meeting Marathon Man, then Elderflower sorbet to finish

Violet Sky has the perfect bench shot! Have you seen it, Jude?

Milngavie

I rather fancy a walk beside Lake Ontario. You too?

Monday Walks

At the Grand Canyon, Amy suggests we can see

Mules, Bikers, Hikers, Elk…

Geoff sounds suicidal, but I know he doesn’t mean it!

Ending it all: the Thames Path and reaching the source

Jude is always good company. She would soon cheer him up!

Boscastle Harbour Walk

I have two authors keeping me company this week. What a privileged lady I am! Please welcome Dianne Gray. I hope many of you know her :

Back in action

Rare birds or pirates? I’m going for pirates, of course! Please welcome newcomer Denzil to my walks :

Meldert: A mystery bird and a family of pirates

And I’m ending with a wonderful Summery Swedish walk with Viveka. Don’t miss it!

Detour to the post office

Fantastic contributions again this week. Aren’t you spoilt? I also want to give a ‘shout out’ to another Monday feature, Monday Escapes . I never seem to have the time to join in but there’s some great stuff in there.

Have a wonderful week ahead and I hope to see you next Monday (when you might get to meet the Norfolk family).

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : Clifton Suspension Bridge and Observatory

Jo’s Monday walk : sea glass at Seaham

Jo’s Monday walk : Bellingham and Hareshaw Linn

Jo’s Monday walk : Egton Bridge

Jo’s Monday walk : Seaton Sluice

Jo’s Monday walk : Lealholm to Glaisdale

Jo’s Monday walk : Surprised at Skinningrove

Jo’s Monday walk : Finchale Priory

Jo’s Monday walk : City of Norwich

Jo’s Monday walk : more Yarmouth!

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