Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : Just boats!

A sea of boats, at Santa Luzia

Today’s walk is going to be pure self indulgence, so I apologise in advance if you’re not a lover of boats. I’ve taken you to the Algarve’s Santa Luzia before, and we’ve loitered in the tiled bliss of the back streets. One of the walks I did with my Stroller friends this past holiday was in territory very familiar to me. We started at a cafe (of course) in Santa Luzia, and walked across to Barril (remember the Anchor Graveyard?) on Tavira Island.

I was busy chatting and ‘catching up’ with people, so I forgot to wield the camera until we began to walk back. We headed through the holiday village Pedras d’el Rei and turned right, down a path I didn’t know, and suddenly I began to take notice.

The salt marshes at Barril

From the country lane

A snatched photo as we pass!

Walking with the group doesn’t really work well for photographs, especially once they get the bit between their teeth and are headed for lunch. We emerged on a back lane in Santa Luzia and bundled into the restaurant “Moura”. Plentiful food and wine was consumed, but then I was eager to get back into the sunshine. I deposited my husband on a bench, gazing at the salt marshes through half closed eyes, and I was off, camera in hand.

Mick’s view!

Not a bad place to sit, is it? But I prefer to wander.

I’m content to amble up and down the gangways, admiring the boats from every angle. Nobody seems to mind, and the few people not lazing after lunch simply nod and smile. The fishermen are too busy discussing the day’s catch to care, and I am careful to step over the coils of rope.

Are your eyes beginning to glaze over? I should have warned you that I can look at boats for hours. I expect Mick’s asleep on his bench by now. Not too many more and then I’ll head back.

Thank you so much for your patience. I enjoyed the indulgence. It was easy to sit in my armchair and turn the clock back. I hope you didn’t mind ambling in the sunshine. Or you could join me in the back streets of Santa Luzia?

Can you believe it’s a whole year since I started sharing walks? It all started here. I’ve led you on a merry dance since then and can only be grateful that so many of you have stayed with me.

Thank you again for all the lovely shares this week. If any of you have a walk you’d like to share, the details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo or the link. All comers welcome! And now I really must put that kettle on. Coffee, anyone?

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Now, what have I got for you this week?

Drake first! Don’t miss his incredibly spooky photo in an abandoned orphanage!

The World in one City

Debbie’s on a mission to bring us canals. And she does it in style!

Milan’s Grand Canal

Who would have thought a Tokyo suburb would be so interesting? In like-minded company, of course.

Calling all Travellers

Geoff takes us back to his old London haunts and a host of memories :

My Kinda Town

Join Esther in the clouds. You know you want to!

Walk in the Clouds

Amy and egrets! A winning combination if ever I saw one :

Monday walk : A Race

And finally, please welcome Susan. Beaches are always a hit with me :

Walkin’ Wednesday

It just remains to wish you all a happy week, and I hope it’s full of pleasant walks.

Jo’s Monday walk : Farms of Cacela

Phew! Back to colour again! For a person who hates grey skies, monochrome is very hard work. Fortunately for me, my recent visit to the Algarve had its fair share of blue sky.

We’re leaving the beach behind and heading inland a little way today, to Vila Nova da Cacela. It’s quite an ordinary sort of place but I was inordinately pleased to be doing this walk. It was a case of third time lucky, because twice before I’d attempted to find the start point for the walk, unsuccessfully!

Let me explain. Often my Algarve walks are in the company of a group of walkers. The meeting point is always a neighbourhood cafe, designated by email. After all, who starts walking without a good cup of coffee first? Vila Nova da Cacela is one of those small towns in the Eastern Algarve that you’d have to detour to visit. The busy (by Algarve standards) E125 runs past it and many times I’ve whistled by without a care. Except, of course, when trying to find the designated cafe.

The town is not big, but just big enough that you might have doubts. The first time I and my husband tried to join the walk, ‘opposite the mercado’ seemed like clear instructions. But there was no sign of the walkers that day. I believe we gave up and went to the beach! The second time was a different cafe, and once again, with time in hand, we combed the streets of Vila Nova but could not find the walkers. It felt like some kind of conspiracy! We set off to explore the neighbourhood, sure that we’d bump into them round some corner, but it was not to be.

When we arrived on the third occasion (nobody can call us ‘quitters’) we were dumbfounded to find a traffic diversion bang smack in the centre of town. The directions we were carefully following were no longer valid, and worse, behind us were 2 cars containing walkers we recognised , following us with the conviction that we knew where we were going! Well, all’s well that ends well and we had at least found some walkers and, eventually, the cafe. I bet you need another cup of coffee before we set off, don’t you? I know I do!

As we left the town, the fields were a-tumble with yellow flowers, and an old well sat placidly looking on. A left turn brought us onto a track and soon we were approaching a lofty windmill, it’s sails still intact- quite rare these days.

The view from the top of the steps

Wild flowers growing carelessly by

The windmill up close

The walk is nothing special. Just a meander around the country lanes surrounding Vila Nova da Cacela. Even Wikipedia has next to nothing to say about the town. Still, it’s a pleasant place to be on a sunny February day, with the blossom tickling the trees.

A gentle flourish of blossom

Seen in the hedgerow

While the farmer goes about his work

One of the more prosperous looking farmsteads

I was sad to learn, from one of the walkers, that almond production is no longer profitable in the Algarve. Few new almond trees are being planted and the nuts are now widely imported. This in a country where sweet almond treats appear in the tiniest and humblest of cafes and on market stalls everywhere. I find it hard to understand.

Another ‘find’ in the hedgerows

Horses and a donkey, at leisure

The road less traveled

Crops germinate in the polytunnels

Traditional blue and white

And a few plates on a wall

We pass a few houses and a cafe or two, then we’re heading back into town. Little separates town from country, a flock of nosy sheep reminding us of that.

It’s goodbye to the orange trees

And hello to an inquisitive sheep

We’re heading back to ‘Cacela Mar’, our meeting place this morning. Tables are set out on the grass and for just 11 euros we enjoy a 3 course meal with wine. Our attention is caught by the glimmer of fungi in the grass. The waiter is quick to assure us that they’re not edible.

A gold-topped fungi

But I expect you’d rather have cake!

The walk took a couple of hours at a steady pace (and with a coffee stop thrown in). It wasn’t at all taxing but I felt a huge sense of achievement afterwards. I’d finally walked the ‘Farms of Cacela’! Triumph! I hope you enjoyed it too.

Next, it’s time to thank everybody for their kind contributions and to share this week’s walks. If you’d like to join in, the details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or you can just click on the logo above. More coffee, before we start?

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Jesh is first this week, with what sounds like my ideal wander. Come and join us!

Tea Garden San Francisco

While Debbie has me California dreaming…

Walking the Grand Canal, California style

When you’re alone and life is making you lonely you can always go… to Esther!

Walk Downtown

Here’s Amy, talking to ducks again (smile)

Gotcha!

Drake is hoping they’ll soon be singing ‘We are the Champions’ :

Never walk alone!

Somebody else who doesn’t like to walk alone! Thanks, Geoff :

You’ll never walk alone, part 3

Gilly doesn’t mind a bit of solitude, especially if the surrounds are beautiful :

A Warren Walk

But if you visit Minou, you could indulge in some clog dancing!

Marken- a world away in 40 minutes

Finally, Jill sets the scene for a serene and mystical experience :

Tak Bat in Luang Prabang

Superb, weren’t they? You can have a fine walk and never leave your armchair. Many thanks for joining me. I wish you a happy week, and some good walking.

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Falesia Beach has its share of plant life

Reach for the skies!

Back to the beach this week! Well, we are in the Algarve, aren’t we? It would be rude not to.

Falesia Beach is quite central to the Algarve and runs from Vilamoura, with its huge array of yachts, to Olhos d’Agua, a smaller resort on the run up to Albufeira. It won’t really require me to say much, as the photos pretty much speak for themselves. I should warn you though that if you intend to do much of the clifftop you will require the agility of a mountain goat. But we can worry about that part later, or simply stay on the beach.

Something of an unexpected sight

But you know I love a boardwalk

There is ample parking at the western end of Vilamoura, beyond the enormous marina. At the eastern end of the resort, hotels back on to the shoreline, but to the west the red cliffs begin a steady ascent. A bridge carries you from the car park across a canal and onto the boardwalk. From here you can see for miles.

A path runs along the back of the beach

The cliff shapes are quite captivating

With lumps and bumps everywhere

And a quantity of grass too

Aloe Vera grow freely

I am mesmerised by the shapes and colours

At intervals there are steps up to the cliffs

Those leggy trees that I love poke through the grasses

And the cliffs grow ever steeper

The colours begin to vary

And tiny flowers battle for space

Beneath the towering giants

Can you see anyone on the tops?

From time to time a couple of people will appear up there, peer down and then disappear from sight. I’m quite keen to follow some of the cliff top trail, but I know that it is a little rugged in places. (I once attempted part of it in flipflops- not a good idea!)

There are lots of ups and downs!

You might have been wondering about the beach? I’m sorry! I do tend to get engrossed in the patterns on the cliff face.

Here it is!

Often the blue skies are deceptive but this particular Winter’s day in the Algarve was balmy. Before climbing up the cliff, I sat for a while, just absorbing the sun’s rays.

A sheltered spot to relax

Directly from the beach a flight of not very steep steps led up to a hotel complex, nestled among pines. From here it was easy to head back towards Vilamoura, along the cliff top.

For a moment the sun hid behind a cloud

This pink beauty craved my attention

Looking back along the cliffs

You may remember my saying that the cliffs were fit only for goats. There are some stretches that are fairly level and you can choose to descend to the beach if the going gets too rough. A couple of flights of steps lead down.

Steep gullies

In places the pines are quite dense

Back to the beach

Just one last look!

And then it’s safely back to earth. I hope you agree it was worth a little bit of climbing for those views. And when you get back to Vilamoura there are plenty of places to eat and relax.

I’d love it if you could join me with a walk of your own. It can be long, short, or in between- I really don’t mind. For details just click on my logo, or go to my Jo’s Monday walk page. It’s time to say a big thank you to my contributors again this week. Let’s put the kettle on, sit back and enjoy!

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The last of Jude’s Australian walks. Oh NO!

Oasis in the Suburbs

A trip to the loo, with Esther? And a poem to make you smile :

A walk in the dark

A tour of Old Montreal, for history and culture lovers. Thanks, Ana!

Walking tour of Old Montreal

Or an eating frenzy in Vegas with drums and Boba tea?

Chinese New Year at China Town in Las Vegas

These salt fields look very like those in the Algarve, but Kampot is totally different :

Kampot : Colonial town and salt fields

Back to Suffolk with Geoff now. Hope you don’t mind a drop of rain?

Wet, wet, wet- You’ll never walk alone part 2

A little damp on the streets of Strasbourg too, but we can take the trolley!

Walk right In

And finally, Pauline (and Jack) take us to a pretty rural village :

March 1st and a walk through Tyalgum

You can’t beat that for variety, can you? So glad you could join me. I hope you have a happy week and some great walks. You might need to wrap up warm!

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

The fishing community of Portimao revere the Virgin

The fishing community of Portimao are mostly religious

Portimão is that intriguing mix of shabby and chique that, for me, typifies the Algarve. Always assuming you can find it, that is! Portimão is a big city by Algarve standards, but still I struggled to locate it. Fortunately for me, my driver has a much better sense of direction.

Heading for the city centre, we managed to end up at the beach, at neighbouring Praia da Rocha. That was fine and produced a highly enjoyable Monday walk last week. In theory, we then just needed to follow the mouth of the River Arade inland till we came to the waterfront at Portimão. ‘Oops- I think it’s back that way’ sound familiar to you? I think my advice to strangers would be to catch the bus! The bus station is, conveniently, right alongside the waterfront. But if you do manage to find it by car, there’s a generous parking area.

Deep in thought!

So what will you find, and does it repay the effort? Well, boats, of course, and fish (Portimão boasts an impressive selection of fish restaurants). Come stroll with me along the Manuel Bivar gardens at the waterfront. Then we can delve a little into the history of this town.

Did somebody mention boats?

Aside from the fishing industry the city hosts numerous sailing events, and the Portuguese Gran Prix of the Sea, for those who like noisy powerboats. In Summer you can catch a boat all the way up the river to beautiful Silves. At this time of year, the waterfront is peaceful, peopled simply with a series of sculptures.

A tall lady?

Just a few boats, for good measure

Lips, with crooked teeth?

Or a peep hole?

This one’s a little strange

I rather like this mournful face

The promenade continues to Largo de Barca, the home of many of the simple fish restaurants. Sizzling sardines are the staple diet in these parts. A bridge spans the enormous width of the river at this point. On the far shore, pretty Ferragudo. For many years access was by ferry only.

Fish restaurants at Largo de Barca

And a few fish

A popular choice

The railway bridge

Largo de Barca

The bridge to Ferragudo

With its excellent situation, in the natural shelter of the River Arade, Portimão began to develop into an important trading centre from the time of the Phoenicians. In 1435 it was awarded town status and walls were constructed to protect growing prosperity, and prevent pirate raids. Two forts were built at the river mouth- Santa Catarina, featured in last week’s Praia da Rocha walk and, across the river in Ferragudo, the picturesque Castelo de São João. The earthquake of 1755 did major damage to the town walls. Santa Catarina fort was damaged too, but was later reconstructed.

Turn in on Rua Professore Jose Buisel, from Largo de Barco, and you are in a neighbourhood of slightly down-at-heel fishermen’s homes. Many still have original azulejo tiles, with religious images above the door. The road leads toward the pedestrianised shopping area. The spire of the mother church, Igreja Matriz, provides a good landmark in its elevated position above Praca da Republica. A huge Jesuit college dominates the Praca. You are very welcome to look inside.

The Jesuit college

Tiles adorn many homes

College interior and altar

Igreja Matriz

With lovely icons

The bell tower

From the Praca, turn right down Rua Diogo Tome and you are heading back towards the river. The shops in this area are smart, so it comes as a bit of a surprise to come upon some wall art.

Fishermen, of course, plying their trade

And a gull or two

I was heading towards Largo 1st de Dezembro because I’d read about some azulejo tiled benches there. If you saw my Six word Saturday this week you’ll know that I’ve been collecting bench photos lately. The benches commemorate famous dates in Portuguese history.

Pretty Largo 1st de Dezembro

Faded loveliness

A little more bold

The benches are a little shabby these days, and slightly incongruous in a busy city square, but you can still admire the artistry. I imagine on a fine day in Summer that the benches would all be taken with office workers on their lunch break. I stole a longing look at the most elegant of cake shops, but it was time to return to the waterfront, just ahead of me. I reflected as I did how foolish that I had been unable to find this vast river in a city which orients itself totally to the sea.

Main square at the riverfront

Had it been worth it? I think so. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Portimão a little better. I hope you did too. If you prefer to see it bustling with people, a huge market wraps around Largo de Barco at the beginning of each month.

Lots of walks to share this week! You’ll need plenty of stamina. And a cuppa or two! If you’re new to my walks just click on the logo to find out how to join in. To everybody else, thank you for your fantastic contributions and for making Jo’s Monday walk a success.

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As always, Drake is here, waiting, to make me smile. Isn’t he the nicest guy?

Step on Stones

Paula always has something beautiful to share, and this week is no exception :

Summer Bloom

Tobias is in the woods this week. My favourite is number two. How about you?

A Walk in the Forest

If anyone you know can have fun with symmetry, it has to be Yvette!

Symmetry

Anabel takes us walking by Loch Lomond. The islands are beautiful!

Balmaha and Conic Hill

Jude’s taking us to sunny Australia. Form an orderly line, please!

The Manly Eastern Hill Heritage Trail

Please welcome newcomer (to my blog) Geoff! As the song goes…

You’ll never walk alone!

Or you could venture into the Polish capital, with Meg. Please do! She’d love your company :

Walking through the heart of Warsaw

And there’s the cutest squirrel in this one!

A walk in Lazienki

Esther charmingly rhymes as she walks :

Walk on the Beach

Elizabeth revives some beautiful memories :

Walking in the Mountains above Interlaken

And Minou takes us canal rambling in Holland (or you could grab a bike!)

Following the footsteps of pilgrims in Leiden

And then climbing the most beautiful windmill. You can just watch if you’re tired.

Climbing Leiden’s Windmill

Pauline is posting a storm warning. By the time you read this it will have passed over, with not too much damage, I very much hope.

Storm Warning

If temple ruins in Laos appeal, this is the post for you!

Vat Phou, the Angkor-style temple in Laos

So many fantastic places to visit in this world, aren’t there? Thanks again everybody. Have a happy week, and keep walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Winter in the Algarve- the deserted beach at Praia da Rocha

Despite the high rise, I’m sure you can see the attraction? Praia da Rocha was the Algarve’s earliest resort, and it still makes a pleasant place for a winter stroll. I don’t have much time to create a walk post, having just arrived home, so I’ll be starting you off very gently.

Praia da Rocha and the city of Portimão meld into one where the River Arade empties into the Atlantic Ocean, on Portugal’s southern coast. Next week we can wander the river bank at leisure, but let’s start simply, with the beach, shall we?

Smart hotels line the promenade

In contrast, the remains of the 17th century Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar come as something of a surprise. Testimony to the days when pirate corsairs raided these shores.

Pirates beware!

But these days it’s more of a look out

And isn’t that the most inviting causeway stretching out into the sea? I think I can spy a lighthouse at the end. Zip your jacket up! A windsurfer or two is testing the breeze.

The empty beach tells it’s own story

I bet those waves are cool!

Still quite a way to go

Just a puff of cloud on the horizon

But here we are at the lighthouse

Hiding from that breeze!

And playing with the shadows

Collar huddled against that bracing wind, it’s a brisk stride back to the shelter of the cliffs. You can feel yourself relax then, as the warmth tickles your shoulder blades.

Near perfect weather for sailing

But it’s the boardwalk that beckons, and those mysterious stacks at the end of the beach.

You can walk back along the beach, admiring the cliff face in detail, or return to the cliff top. There are several sets of steps. Most of the available parking is around the marina, at the east end of the resort. Let’s just pop our noses in there first, then go looking for something to eat.

Take your pick!

If you’re not too hungry, you can wander out around the marina. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, even though many close in the winter. I’m moving on to Portimão, and I hope you’ll join me there, next Monday.

I had a wonderful two weeks ‘away from it all’, and I have so many of you to catch up with! Thank you for your patience. I’ll stop by as soon as I can. Meantime, there are some wonderful walks to share. Some of you have been very diligent. For anyone new to my walks, the logo or my Monday walks page will give you more details. Goodness- I’m on to my second cuppa already!

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Any of you know Warsaw? That’s where my lovely friend Meg is right now, visiting family :

Shopping in Praga

Paula has been checking out ‘restless fliers’ in Zagreb. No, nothing to do with me!

Shooting birds on the lake

I can’t ski but I’m always game for a chair lift or two! Thanks, Drake :

Off-white or rough white

Two Megs this week, just to confuse you! This one’s in Virginia :

A Winter walk

Lucy often stays in Paris, lucky lady! Share a beautiful walk with her in St. Germain :

The streets of St. Germain

What about a little poetry next? And a classic from Dionne Warwick- thanks, Esther :

Walk on By

Amy really does take wonderful photos. Just check these out! :

Architecture walking tour of downtown Fort Worth

Welcome to Anabel, who introduces us to a beautiful light show in Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Jude- you’ll like this!

Electric Gardens

And you can rely on Elena for quirky!

Hundertwasser House in Vienna

I’ve always wanted to visit the Far East, so I’m very happy to tour Vientiane with Colibrist :

Experimental travel in Vientiane, Laos

Who wouldn’t want to eat with Yvette, and share music with Frizz? What a combination!

Pasto Italiano (and Belichick quote)

Or maybe try beachcombing with Tobias :

A Walcheren walk

The Eternal Traveler has joined us this week with some stunning views of Japan. I’m so jealous!

Unusual, unexpected, unbelievable

I’m delighted to end with lovely Sherri Matthews. You can’t help but enjoy her stories :

Virginia Woolf’s Round House and Lewes Priory

That’s it for this week, folks. I didn’t think I’d make it! Thank you for all your brilliant contributions, and I can’t wait to see what next week brings. Have a good one!

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

The Golden Hind II, on Bankside

I had a brilliant time in London this weekend, staying at the Mercure London Bridge hotel for a 6 Friends Theory event. I’ll tell you all about it later in the week, but first things first- my Mondays always start with a walk.

You can imagine the amount of walking I did in London! Let’s just say, my boots need re-heeling. Friday saw me striding out along South Bank, the air crisp and bright! On Saturday I took to the canal paths, sandwiching this with a superb guided walk round Old Camden Town. Judith, from London Walks, had a merry twinkle in her eyes as she shared stories of the neighbourhood- everything from George Bernard Shaw to George Melly!

I’m a little short on time to do those walks justice, so I thought I’d do something a bit different this week. How about a moonlit stroll? It’s not often that I get to see our capital by night, and it’s a glorious sight. I had to cut it shorter than planned when the skies suddenly opened!

I’ve always loved a Tall Ship, and this one’s so colourful!

Golden Hind II, an authentic replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, has resided in her berth at St. Mary Overie Dock, Bankside since 1996. She’s had her share of colourful adventures and has cicumnavigated the globe and featured in four films. These days her chief activity is to provide living history lessons about Elizabethan maritime history. The children can swashbuckle a little and dress up as Tudor sailors. Details of her voyages, along with Drake’s own round the world trip, from 1577 to 1580, are provided in this Wikipedia link.

A complication of rigging!

I mentioned moonlight, and the night was clear and crisp when I left the hotel, on Southwark St., for a short walk to Borough Market. At Fish the food was delicious! I needed a stroll afterwards.

How I found space for pudding, I’m not sure

I maybe should have stopped at fish

But really- would you?

From Borough Market, I headed through Clink St. towards Bankside, and lingered by the dock. The lights from the towering buildings and the bridges danced playfully on the water.

Southwark Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral

A shock of colour in close up!

The air was turning damp and it seemed a good idea to head back towards Clink St. A familiar shape loomed overhead. It’s London’s latest landmark, The Shard.

The Shard- visible everywhere!

Beads of rain speckled the sign

The remains of Winchester Palace

The rain was gathering conviction and I hastened my steps, though still held in London’s night time spell. Hood pulled up, it was time for my camera to retreat to safety. Just a last couple of shots, then it was time to step out swiftly, back to the hotel.

More enchanting by night?

Back on Southwark St. the rain bounces!

If the weather had been better, I might have followed the Thames all night, so perhaps it’s just as well the rain came. The next day dawned clear and sharp, and I was off again.

But those stories will have to wait. Next Sunday I’m off to the Algarve, so Jo’s Monday walk will be taking a two week breather. I already have several walks lined up in the Algarve, so I hope you’ll join me when I get back. (16th February)

I am so grateful to all the people who have shared walks with me. You take me to places I could never reach under my own steam. I only hope that you enjoy my walks as much as I enjoy yours. Please feel free to share them at any time. My Jo’s Monday walk page will give you the details.

Time to put the kettle on for a cuppa. There are some wonderful walks coming up!

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Paula has agreed to show us a little of her home city, Zagreb, currently cloaked in winter bareness

A fun walk by the lake

Richard has been a friend for the longest time, and knows the BEST places to go!

The Watergate Bay sunset walk

A walk that I meant to share after my trip to Paris, done beautifully by Debbie. Thanks for the memory!

Promenading the banks of Canal Saint-Martin

Something I’m very familiar with, but Jude makes it look good!

Wintery Blues

Natural sounds, presented with flair, from Amy this week. I adore a hibiscus in the rain!

Sounds in Nature

A first for my walks- some wonderful poetry from Esther! She’ll make you smile, I guarantee :

Walk in the Woods

Elizabeth is walking home from work, but don’t feel sorry for her! I certainly don’t :

Walking home from work

Is it possible to walk with Drake without smiling? I don’t think so!

Walkabout in Strasbourg

And Kathryn had me smiling so, with her sweetness. Let’s go tracking, in the woods!

Monday walk with Jo in mind

Thank you to all my kind and lovely friends! I’ll try to catch up with you during the week. Then I may have earned a rest. Happy walking, everyone!

Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

The bridge crossing the railway lines

I was a little conflicted over which walk to share with you today. Logically, it should be the one which culminates with Penshaw Monument, which intrigued many of you last week. But I’m often not a logical creature, and I’m always susceptible to the pull of the sea.

Hartlepool has three golf courses. I’ve never especially felt the need to wallop a golf ball, though I did once demonstrate a mild talent for pitch and put. All 3 courses have sea views, but by far the most scenic is very close to the sea. I would never be able to concentrate on the ball, so it’s a good job I’m a walker. Our start point is on the Hart to Haswell walkway, just north of Hartlepool Headland. Are you ready? We’ll need to step out briskly to keep warm!

You can already see and smell the sea as you cross the bridge

You can see, and almost smell, the sea as you cross the bridge

Through the gate, the path leads down towards the sea

And then, a glimpse of beach

The gorse is beginning to flower- always an encouraging sign. Depending on how high the tide, you will probably find a ribbon of water, wriggling its way towards the sea.

The curve of an errant strip of water

With the sun so low, the water glimmers electric blue

With the sun so low, the water glimmers an electric blue

You have a choice at this point. You can stay down at beach level or ascend a gentle gradient to the golf course. There is a public right of way, but you venture there at your own risk.

In other words, keep your head down!

I prefer to climb a little for the views along the coast

In both directions

I like an empty golf course!

Maybe the wind has deterred them

But I don’t mind

Just a little windswept?

Probably not 'sitting on a bench' weather!

Certainly not ‘sitting on a bench’ weather!

The advantage of being up on the tops is that you can remain in the sun for a little longer. Below, on the beach, the shadows rapidly lengthen and you need to increase your pace.

The shadows have swept the beach almost bare

As the sun retreats, out to sea

I gallop along, but pause, intrigued by the sand patterns

And the blueness of the sea

Fascinating, aren’t they?

We’re not too far from the Headland now, and you may recognise a landmark ahead. The pier that once belonged to Steetley Magnesite, and betrays our industrial past, has featured in several of my posts. I find it a compelling sight.

Steetley pier in the distance

And in close up

It’s a little like a magnet to me, and I have to admit that I probably overdid it on this walk. You can about face and retrace your steps at any point, but having reached the pier I had determined to continue to the Headland. It’s the only place nearby where you can obtain refreshments.

The promenade on the Headland

The sun was rapidly sinking as I walked

And my reward- a dazzling sunset

I confess that I did not walk all the way back. There is a bus from the Headland which would take me home. I was rather lucky on this occasion, and met some friends, who’d been having scones with jam and cream in Mary Rowntree’s. They kindly offered me a lift. You just never know what might happen when you go out for a walk! I hope you enjoyed this one.

Time to thank all my lovely contributors again this week. They will take you to some ravishing places! Pop the kettle on and settle down for a good read. If you happen to have a walk you’d like to share, I’d be delighted. My Jo’s Monday walk page tells you how.

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No-one can tell a story like Tish Farrell! I know that you will enjoy…

To the Isle of Dwynwen, Welsh Saint of lovers

Another shot full of drama from Cardinal! Anyone been to Oslo?

Winter Sunset

Debbie takes us to Ljubljana. That girl gets to the loveliest places!

A Short Plecnik Walk

No need to venture beyond this garden, in South Africa! Let Sonel show you around :

In our Garden

Amy’s educating us about the Banyan tree next. Who knew?

Which Way?

And there’s a beautiful sequel to Paula’s walk from last week. Don’t miss it!

A Walk among the Menhirs- Sequel

You knew that Drake would be here again, didn’t you? Indoors, this time!

Indoor walking!

Use Feng shui and prayer flags to boost your energy? Like Elena :

Wind Horse in the Mountains

For complete contrast, a luxurious stroll, with beetroot tart and salad- with Rosemay :

On the Heritage Trail, South Perth

And while we’re down that way, let’s finish the day deliciously, in Canberra with Jude.

R G Menzies Evening Walk

What’s better than a walk? A walk and a steam train ride, of course! Many thanks to Lisa :

Kawakawa-Opua Cycle Trail

Absolutely fantastic walks! I really hope you can find time to read them. I’ll be back with you next Monday, but after that there’ll be a short break. Happy walking in the meantime!

Jo’s Monday walk : Roker pier

Roker lighthouse

There’s nothing I like better than standing at the foot of a lighthouse and looking up! Especially when, as in this case at Roker, Sunderland, the pier has been newly restored and it’s possible to walk right out there.

Newly restored Roker Pier

Last week I mentioned that I might have to repeat some of my walks. This is a variation on one I’ve previously done but with the addition of the newly accessible pier. Mind you- it was bitter cold out there, but it didn’t seem to deter whole families of hardy northerners. Toddlers skippetty-hopped along, tugging parents hands, or racing ahead on ‘Christmas-new’ bikes and scooters.

600 metres long, Roker Pier is 111 years old and grade II listed. Enormous seas had rendered it unsafe for the public, and a restoration programme began last June. It reopened in November. Further work is planned to both pier and lighthouse, but I really should start at the beginning of the walk, so grab your warmest coat and woollies. It’s time to go.

This was my start point- note the frost!

The evidence!

You may remember the ‘coat’?

Shame the fire wasn’t burning!

There’s a message here somewhere

The sun was fighting hard to melt the frost

One last remnant of chimney pot

Part of the Riverside Sculpture Trail, the group above are entitled ‘The Red House’, and are just beyond the National Glass Centre, where you can park for free. The trail continues towards the marina which, because of its situation, is probably the warmest spot on our walk today. In fact, I distinctly remember an elderly couple sitting on a bench, backs to the wall and faces lifted reverently to the sun. Overcoats on, of course!

Interesting Celtic design on the steps

Plenty of boats idling in the marina

I do really like these steps

Silly buoys!

The first sighting of the pier- note the hard frost on the ramp!

Just beyond the marina and the boatyard, a vista of beach and pier opens up before you. The concrete bowls on the beach are filled to different levels, representing different phases of the moon. A promenade leads past a children’s playground to the final item on the Sculpture Trail. This highly polished granite monolith, designed by Andrew Small, has a circular cutout which makes a fine frame for Roker Lighthouse.

The children’s playground

The marble monolith and the pier

Roker as described by Wikipedia is a seaside resort. I doubt that many would lay that claim in these days of exotic holidays, but it still retains a certain charm. It was news to me that the Roker story goes back to 1587, when the Abbs family were granted land on the north shore of the River Wear. It was a condition that they provide six soldiers to defend the mouth of the river.

Did I mention that further work needs to be done on the pier?

The railings could definitely use some TLC!

But out on the pier it doesn’t seem to matter

And there it is!

Complete with fishermen

And a fine view back to the mainland

The history of the pier

Beautifully striped!

I didn’t have a band of Northumberland Hussars to pipe me off the pier, like the Earl of Durham, but it would have been nice. As would a hot drink! But for that we need to return to the National Glass Centre. You can pass through the tunnel at the end of the promenade, into Roker Park, and complete a circuit back to the front, or simply retrace your steps.

Be sure to leave yourself time to loiter in the Glass Centre. You’re bound to like something!

Even if it’s only an angel in a bauble! So, that’s another walk completed! I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week, and we’ll wander some more.

If you’d like to join in my Monday walks, it’s very easy to do. Just click on the logo or my walks page. Many thanks to this weeks contributors. Now, let’s put the kettle on and settle back to read!

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Lovely Debbie from Travel with Intent is joining us this week. I know you’ll enjoy Glasgow through her eyes. Many thanks, Debs!

The Banks of the Clyde

Paula has an on-going love affair with Corsica and it’s not hard to see why :

A Walk among the Menhirs

You can count on Cardinal to have a unique viewpoint! :

Oslo- a Village on Steroids

Again, Jude has me wishing I was on the far side of the world! :

Hills Road walk

Amy’s back with a bang! Well, maybe that’s not the right expression around a volcano!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A Monday walk wouldn’t be a Monday walk without Drake, would it?

Friendly minded castle conquest

Please welcome a very distinguished newcomer, from Australia. Many thanks for joining us, Elizabeth!

New Year’s walk : a giant stairway and a miniature train

And a lovely lady called Lisa joins us from the Bay of Islands :

Opua-Pahia Coastal Walkway

Rosemay finishes off her zoo walk. It’s hot!

Tales from Perth, part 2

And then Yvette comes in with a blockbuster of a post!

Shadows in New York City

If you’re not totally worn out, you can even do an evening walk? Welcome Bon Minou!

Amsterdam at Night

What a selection! Brilliant, aren’t they? Have a great week everyone, and happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Whitby in Winter

In short supply, the winter sun sets over Whitby harbour

I’ve taken you walking along the Whitby cliff tops in summer time, but winter can be a very different proposition. Yet I was amazed at how many people thronged the narrow cobbled streets, leading to Whitby Abbey, on New Year’s Eve day this year.

It was bitterly cold, but I expected the numerous steps around Whitby would soon warm me up. And on such a day, fish and chips would be almost compulsory. Anyone fancy joining me?

James Cook has a beautiful, if chilly, view

The road across the York Moors had the merest dusting of snow- delicious and crisp, though I don’t know if the sheep would be impressed. I didn’t stop to ask. Stepping out of the car on West Cliff, the air was bitingly brisk. The good news, though, was that parking, often scarce in this town, was free of charge until the end of March.

My destination was St. Mary’s Church, clearly visible on the cliff top across the bay. That meant either steps down, a meandering road downward, or a combination of the two, and then steps up the other side. I paused for breath, and to admire the view, alongside the statue of James Cook, who served his apprenticeship in the town. HMS Endeavour, commanded by Captain Cook on his voyage to Australia and New Zealand, was built in Whitby, in 1764.

I started down the steps from the Whalebone Arch, symbolic of the town’s whaling past. A ‘halooo’ in the ‘Screaming’ tunnel, allegedly associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, just had to be done. Childish, I know! If ghost walks are your idea of fun, it’s possible to tour the town with a guide who will point out all the Dracula connections.

The iconic Whalebone Arch

Looking out from the ‘Screaming’ tunnel

Through the tunnel, the steps continue on down, winding between the backs of houses until you reach the quayside. Easy going from here, as you make for the Swing Bridge.

The Swing Bridge spanning the River Esk

There are plenty of shops and cafes to distract you in the cobbled streets beyond the bridge, but inevitably you will arrive at the foot of 199 steps. The Abbey, and St. Mary’s Church, await on the cliff top above. Take your time. It doesn’t matter if someone overtakes you. There is space, and opportunity, to loiter and enjoy the view of Whitby harbour down below. Fill your pockets with goodies from Justin’s before you start. It might help!

Justin’s can tempt at any time of year

And take your mind off the climb

But soon you’ll be looking down

You may think I’m a sadist dragging you up here, but there is a purpose. Originally the Church Stairs were wooden steps leading to St. Mary’s. The church can be reached by road, by a circuitous route, but more often a coffin would be carried up the steps for burial in the churchyard. There are resting places to make this an easier passage.

Our journey today is not so sad. I’m climbing the steps to see the Christmas trees donated to St. Mary’s by local businesses each December. Schools take part as well, and it is a lovely enterprise. I noticed this year a Prayer tree where you can tie on a shred of ribbon to leave your personal prayer. My Six word Saturday featured many of the tree decorations so here I’ll concentrate more on the church.

There was a lovely atmosphere as people came and went, and the volunteers shared their knowledge of the church, some of which dates from the 12th century. The link will give you much more information. Meantime, I had a rendezvous with the pier in mind. The decision whether to have your fish and chips before or after is up to you. I should tell you that Rick Stein favours The Magpie Cafe, over on Pier Street, but I have a preference for Hadleys, which is just around the corner from here, at 11 Bridge St.

At the bottom of Church Stairs there is a right hand turn into Henrietta St., a row of fishermen’s cottages. If you follow it past the Smoke House, where you might catch the delicious aroma of smoking fish, it will take you down steeply to one arm of the pier. This is the point at which you will need that warm hat!

The steep descent to the pier

Beware people doing a crazy dance (to keep warm?)

And turn your attention to the view

The sun is starting to set so you don’t have long

You can see right into the estuary

Spot a fossil or two

Or look out to Saltwell Nab

But I think it must be time to go

Retrace your steps to the Swing Bridge and you will see a narrow street ahead of you, rising towards the West Cliff. It’s a little steep for the first few yards, but then you can distract yourself by looking in the shop windows as you follow the gentle curve back around to the car park.

NB. You can walk out along the other arm of the pier, which is less strenuous but just as chilly!

I hope you have enjoyed our outing today. I know some of you will have seen parts of this walk before, but I thought that it was a story worth telling. As time goes by I will probably need to revisit a few old haunts, but they look different as the seasons change. I will try to keep them fresh for you.

Over the festive season, people have been too busy to do much walking, but I’m happy to say that I still have some walks to share with you. If you’d like to share a walk in the future, that would be great! My Jo’s Monday walk page gives you the details, or you can just click on the logo.

Extra special thanks to my contributors this week. Let me just pop that kettle on and we’ll start.

It was so peaceful with Jude this week, I was compelled to sit a while. Yes, even me! :

Garden Portrait : Harmony and Balance

Meanwhile, Drake has excelled himself, again! Don’t miss his beautiful mill in Samso :

The Walking Mill

Gilly has a gentle riverside walk for us and you’ll love it!

Strolling the Byes

Anyone chased their grandbaby round a zoo lately? And in the heat of the day, too! Thanks a lot, Rosemay :

Zoo tales from Perth

Hope to see you all out walking again next week. Till then, take care!

Thanks for a great year!

It might come as no surprise to you to find that my most popular posts this year were my walks. Along the shore came out marginally ahead, and I only have to look at the blue sky and shimmering sea to want to be transported back there myself.

Could anywhere be more different from the Algarve than Fountains Abbey, in Yorkshire? But I did have a blue sky day, again. And it WAS beautiful!

But I was delighted that my personal favourite was popular too. The Village of Giverny was very special to me because I spent my Silver Wedding anniversary there. (with a certain other someone too, of course!) I’d wanted to visit for many years, and it totally did not disappoint.

Isn’t this perfection?

Monet’s garden at Giverny was one of the most enchanting places I have ever been. How about you? What was the highlight of your year?

I don’t have much of a plan in place for next year, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll still be out and about walking. And you are all more than welcome to join me. We’ll stop and have a cuppa and a chat somewhere, won’t we?

I really just wanted to thank you all for making this such a happy year of blogging for me. I look at the world differently when I know that I’m going to be sharing it with you. Wishing you all a New Year full of love and kindness.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : Just boats!

Jo’s Monday walk : Farms of Cacela

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

Jo’s Monday walk : Roker pier

Jo’s Monday walk : Whitby in Winter

Thanks for a great year!

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