Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : City of Sunderland

Looking out at the quay, from the National Glass Centre

You might remember, before I started my regular Monday walks feature, the post A Promenade to Roker? It started from the National Glass Centre and followed the River Wear out to the beach at Roker, north of Sunderland. I always intended to try a walk in the opposite direction, following the river through the city. Since I promised you a level walk last week, I thought this might be a good one to try.

It’s an industrial area and the National Glass Centre is like a jewel at its centre. I’m like a kid with a new toy if I get to visit, so we’ll be popping in later, but right now it’s time to start walking.

We’ll start on the quayside, outside the Glass Centre

A number of boats are casually moored, waiting for an owner

This gently blue one’s a favourite

But I took my eye off the boats for long enough to look at this!

We’re walking alongside the University of Sunderland, and in term time the grass is strewn with students. This morning the sun was glinting prettily on the medieval book, outside the university library. There’s a wry sense of humour in the placement of giant nuts and bolts on the quay.

And the inevitable graffiti, of course!

Compensated for by this willowy creation

It’s base decorated appropriately

With tools

The tree

And a crane

We're walking towards the bridge over the River Wear

We’re walking towards the road and rail bridges over the River Wear

And then beneath them

To a short, pretty stretch of the river

Where barely a ripple disturbs the surface

There are many reminders of the pitheads and the harsh life that miners and their families lived.

Brockwell Bottom, 645 metres deep

An ode to Sarah Seed

Part of the pithead

The ‘black diamond’ warms

The mouth of hell

On the far shore, a crane building factory

Today a ‘crane building’ factory decorates the far shore

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Looking back at the wall plaques (and at Sunderland FC )

Soon after this the riverside path runs out, and we have the choice whether to retrace our steps or to see a little more. Curiosity always takes me onto unfamiliar ground so I followed the curve of the path. It loops up to join the Coast to Coast cycle route, which runs from the east coast all the way across to Whitehaven in Cumbria.

This results in a closer look at the ‘Stadium of Light’

And the Olympic sized swimming pool

Alongside the ‘Black Cats’, as Sunderland are fondly known

Bob Stokoe would have been proud

Of the interesting sculptures outside

I head towards the bridges, cross at the busy traffic lights by St. Peter’s Metro stop, and drop back down to the river path within sight of my start point.

A couple of tugboats are just completing their business

For you and me, a treat awaits

Inside the Glass Centre

A crab sandwich? Don’t mind if I do

And a bit of a browse

Aren’t these simply gorgeous?

Linger as long as you want. There’s always something going on. I noticed on my table a leaflet for ‘Hen Night Heaven!’ Only in the north east! You can learn to blow a glass bauble followed by a delicious afternoon tea, with champagne. Details of all events, and how to get here, are on this link to the National Glass Centre.

Before you leave, take a look up! You’ll probably see people wandering across the roof.

Hello! Can you see me down here?

Don’t worry! It’s reinforced glass.

And that’s the way we walked. Good, wasn’t it?

Phew! Hope you enjoyed our walk today. It’s time to look at some more, then click on my Jo’s Monday walk logo to see how you can join in. You’d better get yourself a cuppa first!

Jude took me back to Grasmere last week. I haven’t been for the longest time :

Circumnavigating Grasmere Lake

I had such fun riding around in the panier on Drake’s bike, but I really should get off and walk! :

The bike as the stowaways

Bird lovers among you will absolutely delight in this. Welcome to my walks, Jo! Please go and say ‘hi’ to Jo everybody :

I just love birds

Laura’s had back surgery, but has put together a wonderful historical ramble in London :

Walkabout 2- the Fleet by foot

If I were to find myself in Amy’s Lan Su, I would think I’d died and gone to heaven :

Lan Su Garden

And finally, Kathryn has brought me the most beautiful light on the Dutch canals :

Mas en Peel

Please go and give Kathryn a hug. Things aren’t going so well. See you all next week, I hope?

Jo’s Monday walk : Whitby cliff tops

St. Mary's Church, suspended on the cliff top

St. Mary’s Church and Whitby Abbey, suspended on the cliff top

Now, I know what you’re thinking! ‘This lady is obsessed with cliff tops and water’. And you wouldn’t be very far wrong. After the cliffs at Sagres in the Algarve, and last week’s Seaham walk, it’s becoming a recurring theme. I do try to vary my walks for you, but I can’t help being just a little biased.

This week we’re going down the North Yorkshire coast to Whitby. Last time I took you there we went window shopping. It’s a small town that has something for everyone, but my favourite part is unquestionably up on the cliff, looking down. First we have to get up there. We’ll tackle the steps pretty soon, to get them out of the way. Your reward can be fish and chips afterwards. Agreed?

The car park is right next to the marina- a good place to start!

I love the eye-catching colours of the boats

Smart as paint!

And today there’s a treat! The swing bridge is opening.

In all my years, I have rarely seen this sight in the bustling little port. A crowd gathers to watch the sailboat go by, and as the gates swing shut again, a queue forms to cross over the bridge. A delightful party of small schoolchildren with cheery blazers were being corralled by their teachers. I’d have loved a shot but they were too fidgety! Over we go, to be met by a confusion of signs.

There is a confusion of signs! And can you see the bubbles coming out of that box?

I thought these bubbles were with the schoolchildren, but apparently not!

Then it’s the steps! Only 199 of them

But don't worry! You can stop to admire the view.

But don’t worry! You can keep stopping to admire the view.

It’s lovely in either direction

Here’s an interesting place to live! Next to Caedmon’s Trod

And at the top St. Mary's Church is beckoning

And at the top, St. Mary’s Church quietly waits

Whitby has been welcoming visitors for a long time. The earliest record of a permanent settlement is 656AD, when an abbey was founded on the East Cliff by Oswy, the Christian king of Northumbria. Viking raiders destroyed the monastery that followed, and for 200 years the site lay desolate, until after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The area was then granted to William de Percy who, in 1078, donated land upon which was constructed a Benedictine Monastery, St. Mary’s Church and the town and port of Whitby.

The name Whitby comes from Old Norse, meaning ‘White Settlement’. It was here, in Whitby Abbey, that the earliest recognised English poet, Caedmon, a former cowherd, lived and worked. The town has a strong literary history and famously features in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Set on the River Esk, Whitby has a sheltered harbour, and in the 18th century the port was a thriving centre for shipbuilding, whaling and the transport of locally mined alum and jet. The jet became very fashionable when Queen Victoria adopted it for her mourning jewellery on the death of Prince Albert. Whitby jet shops still feature prominently in the cobbled streets today.

The clouds are gathering, so it’s time to move on

Pass by the entrance to the Abbey ruins

And out on the cliff top, look back at Whitby Abbey and the pier

Ahead lies Saltwell Nab

And beyond that, Whitby Holiday Park, balanced precariously on the cliffs

At this point you can turn inland and follow a path back to the coast road, but I wanted to see more. We are only 1 mile out of Whitby, and 5 miles further down the coast is idyllic Robin Hood’s Bay. I continue on, along the Cleveland Way.

Whitby is still visible in the distance

And below, the glistening bay

While colourful Cinnebar moths flutter at the cliff's edge

While colourful red and black Cinnebar moths explore delicious yellow cowslips

Another treat in store next- a former lighthouse and fog-horn station

Another treat awaits – a lighthouse and a fog-horn station!

‘Hornblower Lodge’ is now a holiday cottage, but was formerly a fog-horn station, fondly known as the Whitby Bull. The original horn was switched off in 1987 but before that it worked in conjunction with Whitby High Light. The lighthouse is only 13 metres high but is positioned on the cliff top, 73 metres above high water level, with a range of 18 nautical miles.

The lighthouse also has holiday cottages to let, details included in the link.

Whitby High Light

Wouldn’t you like to live here? I would!

Or how about ‘Hornblower Cottage’?

A lane heads inland from the cottage, taking you past farmland, and soon you are back on the coastal road. You can follow this all the way back to Whitby and visit the Abbey, if you like. It’s well worth a visit, and there is a restaurant on site. Or you can save the visit for another day and take the footpath to your left, just past the Holiday Park sign. This will bring you back into Whitby, threading your way down through the houses to end up almost opposite your start point.

Heading back to Whitby

Down the steps, and past the houses

Back at your start point, at the harbourside

Till you’re back at our start point, by the harbour

These are the newest lobster pots I ever saw!

These are the newest lobster pots I have ever seen!

Speaking of lobster, I seem to remember we had an agreement? Whitby is full of fish and chip shops but ‘Hadleys’ is a favourite of mine. Always busy, I don’t know how the girls stay so cheerful. You’ll find it on the corner, just over the swing bridge and before the Whitby steps.

No, I haven't forgotten! Believe me, they are really good

A little expensive, but very good

Just one last photo, for Jill, who thinks my skies are always blue!

The downpour drove me inside the excellent Tourist Information Centre, right by the car park, but it didn’t last for long. Or I could have gone shopping for Whitby jet.

What do you think?

My walk is about 6 miles in total, or the shorter version 4 and a half. I hope you enjoyed it. If you don’t drive, Whitby is easily accessible by rail from Middlesbrough. This link will give you lots more information about the area, to encourage you to visit.

I’m so lucky this week! Meg has agreed to be my tour guide to the Wilanow Palace in Warsaw :

http://morselsandscraps2.wordpress.com/2014/07/20/a-stroll-through-the-gardens-at-wilanow/

And she doesn’t mind a spot of rain, either :

http://morselsandscraps2.wordpress.com/2014/07/13/walking-in-the-rain/

Drake introduced me to Svendborg in Denmark. What a beauty! :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/an-old-port-out-to-the-world/

Please don’t miss Jude’s Logan Botanic Gardens. You will be bedazzled! :

http://smallbluegreenflowers.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/garden-portrait-logan-botanic-garden/

Sylvia is running out of time for her beach walks, but don’t be sad! :

http://anotherday2paradise.wordpress.com/2014/07/15/another-nostalgic-beach-walk-for-jo/

And I got deluged at the falls with Amy- and loved it! :

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/jos-monday-walk-multnomah-falls/

Pauline (you know her as Pommepal) has sent me a post all the way from Canberra, down under :

http://pommepal.wordpress.com/2014/07/20/welcome-to-cool-climate-canberra/

And I thought I’d just update you on Elaine :

http://elainemcnulty.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/yorkshire-3-peaks-challenge-the-update/

That’s quite a lot of reading for you so you’ll need a cuppa (or two!). I promise to find you a flat walk for next week. If you’d like to join me, just click on the logo for details.

Jo’s Monday walk : Seaham ‘Tommy’

Sculpture Eleven O One, known by the locals as ‘Tommy’

It’s a far cry from the cliff tops of the Algarve to the Green above the cliffs in former mining town, Seaham, but that’s where our walk will take us this week. The campaign to keep Tommy in place has attracted national attention, and I needed to see him for myself.

Built out of special corten steel by local sculptor, Ray Lonsdale, Eleven O One is so named for the armistice which came into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918. His air of total bone weariness and despair makes you want to throw an arm around him. Originally intended to be in place for just 3 months, Tommy has touched so many hearts that donations have almost raised the £85,000 needed to keep him.

I’ve taken you to Seaham before, though not on my Monday walks. It has a long seafront and a pretty little marina. Come with me and I’ll show you a bit more.

I’m starting at the car park at the far end of the front

And walking back along it towards the lighthouse

Pausing to admire the many rock pools

There’s a lot of cloud today

So the sea isn’t quite at it’s twinkly best

But it’s still a place where the starfish like to play!

For the moment we will bypass the Green, where a crowd gathers to have a photo taken with Tommy. I will come back when it’s quieter, to lay a hand on his knee and try to console him. Instead, we will drop down into the marina, not looking quite so pretty today with heavy skies.

Boats can always snare my attention

With a waft of flowers to cheer them up

And a few noble weeds

Can you see the birds nesting on the back wall?

I always like to have a few boat shots!

This reflective one is my favourite

There are good views out to the lighthouse from the cafe that sits above the marina, and the RNLI have an excellent museum, showcasing the lifeboat, if you have time to browse.

Leaving the marina, I look out to the lighthouse

And back across the bay, at Seaham , above the cliffs

There are miles of cliff tops so you can extend the walk as far as you want. There are parking facilities at both ends of the seafront and also by the Green. A lower promenade takes you closer to the beach, or you can check out the craft shops and sample local cuisine if that appeals more. But now it’s time to return to Tommy.

Too tired for thought

The eternal weapon in his hand

Rations and the cares of the world on his back

Sunk in despair

Tommy’s story

If only it were over!

Could anything be more sad?

Time I shared with you some brilliant walks from last week. You can click on the logo above or my Jo’s Monday walks page for details of how to join in. You’re always very welcome.

First up we have Elaine, fresh from the Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday. I think she’s earned a rest this week! :

walking The Ridgeway from Tring Station to Wendover

Drake has been a loyal supporter since I started my walks. Come with us to lovely Strasbourg :

Age do charm

Jude always has an eye for a beautiful garden and this week is no exception :

Garden Portrait: Glenwhan Gardens

The Alcazar in Seville is a special place, especially when seen through Amy’s lens :

Jo’s Monday Walk: the Alcázar Gardens

You need a strong stomach for Sue’s post this week. Deep fried Oreos? After you! :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/07/11/chocolate-dipped-bacon-and-scorpion-pizza-eating-at-the-calgary-stampede-a-wild-ride/

Happy walking folks! I hope to see you next week.

Jo’s Monday walk : Fortaleza de Sagres

The Wind Compass, inside the fort at Sagres

When we started our epic journey, I had the west coast of the Algarve firmly in mind. Known for its cooling breezes on warmer days and its wild stretches of Atlantic facing beach, I planned a visit to the Costa Vicentina. Unfortunately, by the time we had completed last Monday’s walk at the Barragem de Bravura and our sojourn at Figueira beach, it was already mid afternoon.

The uppermost thing in our minds was a drink. Water, wine, orange juice- almost anything would have done by this stage! So, what did I end up with? A tin of Sagres, the locally brewed beer. I am not, by nature, a beer or lager drinker, but the popping of the can was bliss to my ears. Parking the car on the clifftop at Sagres, we almost ran downhill to the nearest kiosk. Michael selected his favourite, Fanta orange, and sat, staring vacantly at yet another beach.

Mareta, the town beach at Sagres, with the Fortaleza in the distance

I had planned to call at Sagres on my way back from the Costa Vicentina. The last time I had been, it was a chilly, overcast day, early in the year. Not today!

The town has an interesting history and is closely linked to Henry the Navigator, who set up a nautical school locally. He helped to finance the Portuguese voyages of discovery, and by the time of his death, in 1460, landings had already been made at Sierra Leone in Africa. An amazing achievement for the tiny caravels! The Sagres link above takes you to Wikipedia, for some details.

Having got a second wind, it was time to stroll through the town and along the Rua de Fortaleza, the approach to the mighty fortress. Of course, Michael wanted to know why we couldn’t just have parked in the enormous parking bays beside the fort. Where’s the drama in that?

The Rose Compass, or sundial

The approach to the fortress walls

Details of the Rose Compass

The church of Senhora da Graca

Inside the simple church

The beautifully peeling bell tower

The original church plan

The padrao

The purpose of the Rose Compass is a little uncertain. It may well have been a navigational aid, or just a sundial. The setting is undeniably powerful. Soaring cliffs drop away on either side of you, as you gaze out at the open sea.

Work on the huge battlements is ongoing, and not entirely sympathetic, but I found myself moved my the place. A path leads out around the headland, with majestic views.

The shoreline crumbles beneath you

With canon still poised, ready!

In the far distance, Cabo S. Vicente lighthouse- the most westerly spot in Europe

Far distant Cabo S. Vicente lighthouse- the most westerly spot in Europe

The beacon, closer to hand

Yellow polka dots strewn among the plummy aliums

Yellow polka dots mingle with the plumy aliums

The view back to Mareta beach

The feet were tiring as we headed back through the hefty tunnel entrance. Tiny Praca da Republica, the main square, has a choice of restaurants with outdoor tables. ‘A Cabana’ suited us nicely. I imagined it would be a lively spot on an evening but it was time for the drive home. It had been quite a day!

Even as I was taking this walk, I just knew it had to be one of my Jo’s Monday walks. What I could never have imagined is what took place last week. On Sunday, 30th June, I received a walk from Christine at Dadirridreaming, back in Australia after a wonderful European holiday. She and Stuart had taken the walk up Glastonbury Tor one rainy day on their visit to England. We joked about the weather!

In this virtual world of ours, it’s easy to miss comments sometimes. Christine’s last comment to me, on 1st July, I didn’t spot. She was advising me that I should link my walking logo to my Jo’s Monday walk page, as she had done. I have, Christine. I have! How very typical of this dearly loved woman, and I’m in tears again as I share this with you.

http://dadirridreaming.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/glastonbury-tor/

It’s hard to follow that, isn’t it? But when you have some time, please return here and share the walks of my other contributors last week. There are some very fine ones.

Drake takes us to beautiful Berchtesgarten :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/on-the-edge-of-the-bavarian-alps/

It was wonderful to have been joined this week by Laura. And only 3 weeks after back surgery, that’s impressive! : http://telltaletherapy.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/walkabout-1-st-margarets-to-rye-house-circular/

Jude took me down Memory Lane with a glorious evening stroll around Derwentwater : http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/a-lakeside-evening-stroll/

You will certainly not have ‘the blues’ when you see Elisa’s post! It made my heart skip : http://elisaruland.com/2014/06/29/hiking-shorts-the-pacific-blues/

A friend you may not know, Kat, has introduced me to beauty and thrills in Corsica. It’s one not to miss : http://www.thecorsicablog.co.uk/2012/09/hiking-la-restonica/

And last, but never least, Yvette has gone on a Summer break, but not without leaving me a great post : http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/07/02/walking-in-rva-street-portraits-3/

It’s been an emotional week, hasn’t it? I’m off out walking very soon but will catch up with you all this evening. Have a good week my friends.

Jo’s Monday walk : Barragem de Bravura

The colour of this water delights me

Over the weeks I’ve shown you quite a few different aspects of the Algarve. Today we’re going to what the ‘Rough Guide’, my travel bible, describes as ‘the most picturesque’ of the Algarve’s many reservoirs. I could find no reason to disagree.

Situated north of Lagos, at the western end of the Algarve, we drove first to the village of Odiaxere and followed signs from there. It is also signed from Bensafrim on N120. Unspoilt countryside rolls away beautifully to either side.

I wasn’t sure if this meant we were welcome, or not!

This sign confused me rather, and I worried for a moment about overt commercialism, but nothing could have been further from the truth. The restaurant appeared closed and I don’t think we passed more than 4 people on the entire walk. The car park lay just beyond this point, and from there a pebbly path wound down to the dam.

Past what I presumed was the dam keeper’s cottage, in a lovely situation

And there was the dam

Crossing over the dam leads to a rough track around the edge of the reservoir. It wriggles prettily in and out of coves, disappearing into the distance. An invitation to follow.

Looking back at the dam

And out across the lake

The eucalyptus forms a screen

And that alluring water beckons!

While wispy leaves disguise

The wider vista beyond

Now is probably a good time to mention that at the outset I had no idea of the length of this walk. I expected to find an information board or two along the trail, as is customary, but none materialised on the stretch I walked.

You might have realised by now that I’m not always a practical, sensible creature. While full of good intent, I had omitted to bring bottled water with me on this warm Summer’s day. (In my defence, I did have a map and a guide book!) There was nowhere around at which a purchase could be made. Looking across the lake I could see from the many inlets that walking right around it was not going to be an option. So it was a case of walking to a point at which I could bare to turn back, and then retracing my steps.

This was no hardship, as the views in either direction were lovely. The additional good news was that I couldn’t possibly get lost.

The path continued to meander

Guarded over by the eucalyptus

Hiding amongst the tree roots were delicate flowers

Mr. Frog!

And little ‘lemon drops’, grabbing the shade

At one point we came upon a couple with a picnic. Now, wouldn’t that have been a sensible idea? You would certainly have needed insect repellent though.

Still, the water was exquisitely turquoise

Winding around the lake

And back to our beginnings

On my return to the UK I tried unsuccessfully to find a website with a few more details about the trail around the reservoir. The nearest I came was a German walking site which suggested that a full circuit would take between 7 and 8 hours! This was not recommended because at some point the trail leaves the water’s edge and crosses higher ground, without benefit of any shade.

My cycling friends would probably be quite happy to make a full circuit. For the less energetic of us, I would suggest that it would be a grand spot to take a book and just listen to the birds. And picnic too, of course.

For me the walk was part of a three way adventure. I’ll tell you more about that next time.

Now it’s time to share last week’s walks. I have created a Jo’s Monday walks page, which I hope will answer any queries. Click on the logo if you need help, or come and meet my lovely friends.

Drake is quick off the mark! He was first again last week, with beautiful Strasbourg :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/cityscape-walking/

Some wonderful surprises occurred! Colline joined me, all the way from Toronto, with an expedition to Chinatown :

http://collinesblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/out-shopping-in-chinatown/

And Sylvia brought the Indian Ocean right to my doorstep :

http://anotherday2paradise.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/jos-monday-walk-challenge-up-the-hill-and-back-along-the-beach-front/

Remember Amy’s wonderful ‘hacienda’ in Spain? I bet you’d like to see more! :

https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/jos-monday-walk-ronda-countryside/

I was a little scared about the ghosts till I read Sue’s post. Then, I was gobsmacked! What a stunner! Take me to Banff, please :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/06/23/lake-minnewanka-banffs-lake-of-the-spirits/

Please do join me if you can. I love a bit of company when I’m walking.

Six word Saturday

Jo’s Monday walk and some scarecrows

It’s scarecrow time again in the villages

And the ladybird came to the Ugly Bug Ball

‘Let us crawl, let us crawl…’

It’s quite a horsey kind of village

Which can be exhausting, at times!

What a beautiful garden for a swim!

Naturally, we’re all set for the Tour de France

Is this a disappointed spectator?

Or is she keeping her eye on the children?

Or is she just keeping her eye on the children?

I thought that was big sister’s job!

But it wouldn't be an English village without a patriotic gnome

It wouldn’t be an English village without a patriotic gnome, now would it?

The scarecrows ‘speak for themselves’ , but I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce my Monday walks page. I’ve been posting Jo’s Monday walks since March and they’ve had a wonderful response. I’m very grateful for all your support, and thought it was time I constructed a page to explain a few details. A click on my new logo will take you to the page.

Speaking of logos, you won’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face, will you? She’ll be waiting expectantly for your Six word Saturdays. Whether you’re chasing scarecrows, out walking or just relaxing at home, I hope you have a happy Saturday.

Jo’s Monday walk : “Mind that hole!”

Isn’t this a view worth falling down a hole for?

Well, don’t worry! I’ve already done the falling, and you really won’t need to. The view above is at Cacela Velha, the midway point in a beautiful walk. Let’s proceed with caution, shall we?

It was a little cloudy and cool when we set off

Good walking weather! We started from behind the broad beach at Manta Rota, in the Eastern Algarve, and picked our way through the madly flowering sea broom. We were heading west, towards Cacela Velha, with plenty of distractions along the way.

Like the sandbars, out in the bay

Like the flowering cacti- almost as plentiful as the broom!

And flowering cacti, thriving in the sandy soil

There was a bit of a scramble at one rather steep point, but the men in the group shepherded us through, and then it was easy going again.

In an open stretch, we came upon a well

Well-rusted in close up, but still with water in the bottom

The clouds were beginning to break up as we skirted the stream

At this point, we trod quite carefully. Sandy, the walk leader, emphasized we should keep clear of the slippery rim. Normally the stream was forded by stepping stones, but they seem to have disappeared. It wasn’t particularly tricky, so long as you kept your eye on the path.

In any case, the village of Cacela Velha lay just ahead of us, and a coffee stop was planned. I make no secret of the fact that this is one of my favourite Algarve places, and that neither time nor man has been able to spoil it.

Though the addition of certain art pieces is questionable

Though the addition of certain art pieces could be questioned?

You might recognise that lamp in the corner of the shot. There are several about the village, and one made a very discreet appearance in my Lingering look at Algarve windows last week.

The view really doesn’t need any enhancement, does it?

Is it any wonder I like to linger here?

And linger some more!

The church was busy with a funeral, so we kept a respectful distance

At this point it had become quite hot, and it was wonderful to be going down the steps to walk further along the beach, in the direction of the next small village, Fabrica. Not so charming as Cacela Velha, but you probably wouldn’t mind owning the large property erected by a builder, right on the shoreline.

The oleander are lovely this year!

And the columbine are doing battle with the cacti. Losing, I think!

There are a LOT of steps, but down is ok!

And then you’re on an unremarkable bit of beach

With a dilapidated but very picturesque shack

Up ahead lies Fabrica (and most of our walkers)

Everywhere, boats bob in the water

Have I lulled you into a false sense of security yet? It’s so peaceful, isn’t it? Time to head for home.

There is only one road out of Fabrica, so we turned inland and followed it, back towards Cacela Velha. As walkers do, we were chatting away, discovering fascinating facts about the surrounds, and about each other. We pass a couple of horses and a donkey in a field, and turn back down to the coast. Crossing over the bridge, we are back on our original trail.

It looks innocent enough, doesn’t it?

See that lip of soil, at the forefront of the photo? Suddenly my feet shot off the edge and I was plummeting down, towards the stream! Fortunately, one of the men had the presence of mind to grab for me, and then I was dangling by a hand. As my feet scrambled for non-existent footing, another of the men grabbed my other arm and I was hauled unceremoniously out. Bruised, shaken, and the cream shorts a bit the worse for wear!

I can’t even remember whether I took that photo before or after my fall! It doesn’t really show the wicked little curve that I missed while I was busy talking. My husband was far ahead but said that when he heard the shout go up, he knew immediately who’d fallen! I was very lucky because I would certainly have broken something if they hadn’t halted my fall. As it was, I escaped with a wrenched shoulder and a few cuts and bruises.

Drama over, we continued around the bay

The skies the clearest of blues, with just a few wispy clouds

The sky the clearest of blues, with just a few wispy clouds

I have to admit, I was happy to arrive at the restaurant, on the edge of Manta Rota, where we gathered afterwards. I needed a steadying drink! In the shade of the vines, with good food and company, I was able to laugh about the entertainment I had provided.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s walk. The surroundings are lovely, aren’t they? Both Manta Rota and Cacela Velha are signed off the E125, the Algarve’s coastal road.

I have acquired a faithful little band of walkers, and I am extremely grateful for their company. Each Monday I share the walks posted in the previous week. Please join me and my friends if you would like to. Let’s go visiting, shall we?

This week, Drake shares a little more of his delightful birthplace, the island of Samso, Denmark :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/the-heels-of-village-people/

And you should see the lush gardens Amy found in Ronda! :

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/06/17/jos-monday-walk-a-garden-walk-in-ronda-countryside/

Speaking of gardens, are there any more beautiful than these in Cornwall? Thank you, Jude! :

http://smallbluegreenflowers.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/garden-portrait-trebah/

It was a late night for Sherri, but she still managed to take me to Barrington Court! :

http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/2014/06/20/june-in-england-glastonbury-stonehenge-and-a-country-garden/

Come to think of it, Yvette likes to be out in the dark :

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/06/22/a-walk-on-dock-street-and-a-dozen-doors/

Have a great walking week, everybody, but do be careful, won’t you?

I just realised, this is my 400th post. No wonder I’m feeling tired!

Jo’s Monday walk : Barril beach

Barril beach

I’m sure that some of you will be delighted to know that this is a walk where you can cheat hugely. It’s definitely one to take the children along on, or maybe you have a husband who always wanted to be an engine driver?

Look what runs alongside the footpath- too tempting!

I can’t remember ever visiting the Eastern Algarve without a visit to Barril. Come along with me and I’ll try to show you why it’s such a favourite.

If the weather’s not too warm and you’re feeling fairly energetic, you can start in the nearby village of Santa Luzia and complete a circular walk. I’ll give you more details later. For now, we’ve tossed the coin and decided to do it the easy way, from Pedras d’el Rei. Your start point is beside the salt marshes and all you need to do is cross over the pontoon.

Looking back over the pontoon to Pedras d'el Rei

Looking back across the pontoon, to Pedras d’el Rei

There are distractions, of course. A box of ripe figs alongside the pontoon! I didn’t want to carry them with me on the outbound journey but I really hoped there might be a couple left on my return. One thing’s for certain- the sea broom will be your constant companion along the way.

The sea broome in delicate shades of lilac

The sea broom, flowering in delicate shades of lilac

Isn’t it pretty?

One of the big attractions for me is the variety of wild flowers you will find alongside the path.

Many of them, I don’t know the name of

This one has tiny red ants crawling all over it!

This one’s plain. It reminds me of broccoli!

The grasses and their seed heads fascinate me

Just bursting with life!

And then there’s this tiny, delicate flower

And the yellow guy again!

I know this will be a challenge for my friend Jude. She loves to identify flowers.

How about this one? An Aeonium?

And you know this is my absolute favourite! The Ice plant

Tiny crabs caper in the mud of the salt marshes. I stopped to watch two in a courtly dance, but I don’t have a photo for you. I’d left my ‘still ailing slightly’ camera back at the house, with the battery on charge, and I didn’t have the presence of mind to borrow Mick’s camera till we were part way there! (he didn’t offer till then, but he could see I was getting desperate)

I love the landscape

With the hump of Monchique always in the background

As you approach the beach the flowers I have been calling Livingstone daisies, but I now find are Ice plants, appear in the dunes. I featured a hot pink in my Six word Saturday, but in the Algarve they are more commonly lemon yellow.

Cacti and aloe vera begin to take over

And you’re onto the boardwalk, at Barril beach

A little detour to the anchors, of course! They always capture the imagination. A reminder of the days when the tuna fishing industry thrived in this area, the rusting “Cemetery of Anchors” provides a wonderful photo opportunity. I would love to be there are sunset.

I liked the crisp catamaran beside the aged anchors

I like the modern catamarans, beached beside the ancient anchors

And there are beach bars , for refreshments

And there are beach bars too , for refreshment

Here you have a choice. Remember I suggested a circular walk from Santa Luzia? If you turn left when you reach the beach, 20-30 minutes walk along it will bring you to a point opposite Santa Luzia, to which a ferry runs in Summer. Access is across a long boardwalk. My husband suggests that you should do this longer walk the other way around, starting with the ferry from Santa Luzia, to ensure that it is running. He is a very practical soul.

But you and me are going back the way we came. I still have those figs to collect, remember? We might even cheat and take that train. It’s a holiday, after all!

Who doesn’t love the age of steam?

It carries water, beer and anything else the ilha needs

The little train carries water, beer and anything else the ilha needs

Crossing back over the pontoon, I’m not very surprised to find the ‘fig man’ gone. But then I spot him, coming towards me, wheeling his bike with fresh supplies on the saddle. He sees me too, and stops, the bike propped against his leg. ‘Help me, please’, he says, in smiling English, and invites me to take a plastic bag from under his arm. In doing so, I catch the edge of his cardboard box and the figs start to tip! We both lunge for them and manage to stop all but one from crashing to the floor. Phew! They are 5 for 1 euro, and he pops an extra one into my bag. Thankfully all his customers are not as ‘helpful’ as me.

I haven’t even shown you the beach yet, but it’s a beauty. Barril is just a small area of Tavira Island, which starts at the mouth of the River Gilao and rolls westward. If you don’t have a car, a bus will take you from Tavira town centre to Santa Luzia, 15 minutes away, and continues on to Pedras d’el Rei, just a few minutes further west.

I guess I have to show you the beach!

Next week I think I might take you on the walk where I fell down a ‘hole’. Life’s seldom dull, is it?

I think I should maybe design a ‘rules’ page for the walks, too. Not that there are any rules really, but then I wouldn’t have to bore you with the details each time. Please spend a little while visiting these walks. They give me an enormous amount of pleasure and I’m very grateful.

Drake has us perilously climbing a French ruin :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/no-ordinary-forest-outing/

You know Yvette loves art? Meet Modigliani! :

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/dinner-with-modigliani-monday-walk-wjo/

Alberta is staggeringly beautiful, until Sue almost comes nose to nose with a bear :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/06/10/canmore-abandoned-coal-mines-and-a-black-bear-bonus/

I got really excited when a newcomer to my blog took me on a walk beside the Seine :

http://kanwalkwilltravel.com/2014/06/14/a-walk-along-la-siene/

And my plant expert, Jude, has excelled herself in the Lost gardens of Heligan :

http://smallbluegreenflowers.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/garden-portrait-the-lost-gardens-of-heligan-part-ii/

Paris is popular this week! Isn’t it always? Christine’s is delectable! :

http://dadirridreaming.wordpress.com/2014/06/17/walk-around-la-madeleine/

Happy walking, one and all!

Jo’s Monday walk : Sheepwash and the Moors

Got any sheep you want washing? Here's the place!

Got any sheep you need washing? This is the place!

And now, as they say, for something completely different. In more senses than one because some of you will know that this isn’t the walk I originally intended taking you on this week. Fortunately, I have walks to spare! I’ll tell you the story first, before we head to Sheepwash.

Last Monday I was at Carlton-in-Cleveland with my walking friends. The area is pretty steep and, as it half-promised to be a warm day, I decided to take water with me in my newly acquired, hands-free, sling over the shoulder, cool bag. Foolishly I slipped my camera inside, without any cover or protection. When I came to extract it an hour later, it felt a little moist. Keen to get snapping, I gave it a swift rub with a tissue and off I went. The brave and obedient camera performed as usual for the first few shots, then suddenly it ‘locked up’. When I looked at it properly, the screen was all misted. The poor soul had drowned!

In these kind of circumstances (yes, I am pretty careless!) I normally hand the camera to Michael, and with a bit of ‘tutting’ he resuscitates it. Not this time! We took turns at snuggling it in our pockets, hoping to dry it out and breathe new life into it. Quite understandably, the camera refused to respond. I have to say that it ruined my walk, through magnificent countryside, but just maybe I’ve been taught a lesson. With love and affection (and a warm seat on the radiator) the camera finally came back to life the following day. Will I ever learn!

I hope you like my substitute walk, from Sheepwash. I haven’t ever actually seen a sheep being washed in the stream, but that is where the name derives from. Cod Beck is a small tributary of the River Swale and the picturesque area known as Sheepwash is a popular picnic spot.

The National Trust has its priorities right in this area!

As the walkers set off, I crouched in the grass to inspect this little beauty

Soon we are climbing up the hillside, away from the road

The countryside falls away below us

And we’re walking on the Cleveland Way

Sheepwash is situated just outside the pretty North Yorkshire village of Osmotherley. From the village centre, take North End and continue on to Quarry Lane, passing Cod Beck reservoir on the way. There are a couple of parking bays, just beyond Sheepwash.

North Yorkshire is a superb place for walking. The Lyke Wake Walk starts on the moors above Osmotherley and ends down the coast at Ravenscar. Bill Cowley, a local farmer, claimed that you could walk these 40 miles on heather all the way, except for crossing a couple of roads. For me, there is no finer sight than the vast sweep of purple heather in Summer. Osmotherley is also on the 110 mile long Cleveland Way, from Helmsley to Filey, just skirting the Moors.

A solitary sheep keeps his distance across the field- no sheep wash for him!

The waymarked trail leads off across the moors

With runnels to help the rains to drain away

And interesting whorls beneath your feet

The grasses a tapestry of colours

A tree, braving the elements, alone

It’s a bit of a steep haul up the trail but you can always stop to admire the view. A bench awaits for the weary, or you can continue on through the gate, and turn left. It’s downhill from here.

The gate at the top of the hill

The name says it all. That’s Michael, caught on the phone, in the background

The path drops back down towards Quarry Lane, with views over Cod Beck reservoir, our next destination. Cross straight over the road and take the path down to your right. There’s a caravan park at the bottom which always looks inviting, but we continue over the bridge and then left through the trees, which brings you out at the reservoir. But first, the waterfall!

I always pause to look at the waterfall on Cod Beck

Cod Beck chuckles as it races down the steps

Two shiny red canoes! A rarity at the reservoir

Today they have company- it’s a school trip

But the goslings don’t appear to mind

The gorse is plentiful too

With just a few mallows at the water’s edge

Walking the length of the reservoir will bring you back to Sheepwash. Maybe you’ll stop for a picnic, or return to Osmotherley for something more substantial at one of the village’s three pubs. It depends a little on the weather. Today was perfect!

I hope you enjoyed walking with me. I like a bit of company so if you have a walk you’d like to share, please do join in. All you need to do is leave a link in the Comments below this post, or if you prefer, link to any of my walks from your own post. Normally I will round all the links up and post them at the bottom of next week’s walk, so everyone gets a chance to see them. Next Monday I’ll be in the Algarve and I won’t have any technical stuff with me (just the camera, if I’m lucky!) so there’ll be no walk posted. Sorry! I’ll try to add your links to this week’s post before I go, but any I miss I’ll add to the following week.

I already have a superb selection of walks from last week, so put the kettle on and let’s go armchair walking! First we have Paula, at lovely Lake Lugano :

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/a-walk-around-a-lake-for-jo/

Then Sue, slightly crazy in Calgary! :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/05/26/hazards-of-spring-running-beavers-geese-and-killer-bunnies/

And Drake, in the serenity of Samso :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/sunshine-walking/

Cardinal is in Jerusalem- a place I’d love to visit! :

http://artishorseshit.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/elephant-0987/

http://cardinalguzman.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/follow-the-arrow/

Beautiful and British, stately homes with Elaine :

http://elainemcnulty.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/woburn-abbey-deer-park-and-gardens/

Pauline takes us ‘down under’ :

http://pommepal.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/mullewa-meander-walking-with-jo/

And Jude, in leafy green Ludlow :

http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/priors-halton-loop/

And from this week’s walkers, we have Paula again, feeling energetic in London, this time :

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/first-impressions-of-london/

And Drake is taking me to the cemetery. But don’t worry, it’s by a lovely route! :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/the-shade-of-the-history/

If you’ve ever wanted to see the fabulous Lost gardens of Heligan, Jude has the shots! :

http://smallbluegreenflowers.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/garden-portrait-the-lost-gardens-of-heligan-part-i/

I’m blessed this week. My travelling Australian friend, Christine, has joined in from the Alpujarras in Spain :

http://dadirridreaming.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/walk-around-berchules/

Yvette can tell you all about olive oil! :

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/monday-walk-with-jo-olive-oil-and-flower-walk-by/

And wow! I am so honoured. Madhu has been walking in Bologna, in the rain too! :

http://theurgetowander.com/2014/06/02/bologna-a-walk-in-the-rain/

Happy walking folks! Take care till next time.

Jo’s Monday walk : Beside the Wisła

Balon Widokowy and na Skalce

Isn’t this just a strange sight? The hot air balloon, hunkered down on the banks of the river, dwarfing one of Kraków’s biggest churches!

I think this might have to be my last Polish Monday walk. I’ve been home for a couple of weeks now, and already have English walks that I want to share. So let’s take a city stroll, beside the River Wisła (Vistula). I think you’ll enjoy it.

It’s quite an idyllic scene on a sunny day, isn’t it?

The swans seem happy enough

And there are riverboat restaurants to keep the people happy too

Though you couldn't tell from this face, could you?

Though you’d never guess from this face, would you?

The Vistula is quite an amazing river, which flows the entire length of Poland, 651 miles in total. In doing so, it passes through many of Poland’s finest cities. From Silesia in the south it meanders through Kraków, then via Sandomierz to the nation’s capital, Warsaw. Continuing north it sweeps past Płock and Torun, finally emptying out into the delta beside Gdansk, on the Baltic.

All kinds of craft use the waterway

In Krakow the tourist gondolas are numerous

In Krakow, there are numerous gondolas for the tourists

You can stroll through the centre on either river bank, and both will afford you fine views of Wawel Castle. If you’ve never been, my K is for Krakow will take you on a tour of the heart of the city, Stare Miasto. It is a beautiful place. Or you could sit on the terrace of the Japanese Cultural Centre, gazing across the river, and sip your wine in style. But for now we’ll keep walking, under bridges and over bridges, in the delicious sunshine.

Underneath the arches, Wawel ever present in the background

Always, boats have me reaching for the camera

Gazing down into a tethered boat

Just beyond Most Grunwaldskiego, with its rattling trams, you can see the spires of Na Skalce, the Pauline Church- a special place. Let’s take a little diversion there before we return to the river.

The Pauline Church and Monastery

The grounds of the church are very beautiful

With a fountain and statue at its centre

With a fountain and statue at the centre

Tall columns and statues of bishops

Majestic heraldry

Combining modern and ancient

While Pope John Paul II looks tenderly on

While Pope John Paul II looks gently on

Named for the rocky hill, Skalka, on which it was built, this is Kraków’s oldest shrine and Poland’s second holiest sanctuary after the Jasna Gora monastery at Czestochowa. King Boleslaw II, the Bold, had Kraków bishop Stanisław put to death here in 1079, creating another martyr in the battle between Church and State. Stanisław was canonised and throughout the Middle Ages his cult was pivotal in forming the Polish nation, with an emphasis on the accountability of those in power. Following their coronation, Polish kings made a point of doing ritual penance at this sanctuary.

Beneath the church is a crypt, cut into the rock of the hill, now a mausoleum to famous Poles, including Stanisław Wyspianski, locally born painter and writer.

Back on the river bank, it’s time to board one of those restaurants

And sample a little szarlotka? (apple tart)

I’m going to leave you sitting in the sunshine while I amble a little further. I can’t sit still for too long and you won’t get lost if you stay by the river. See you soon!

Ending as I began, with the hot air balloon

I’ll end as I began, with the hot air balloon

For anyone not familiar with my Monday walks, I host this feature every Monday and anyone is welcome to join in. All you need to do is send me a link to your walk in the Comments below, or include a link to my walks in your post. It’s up to you which you prefer to do, and you can join in on any day of the week. I will include your link at the end of next week’s walk, to give everyone a chance to see it, and share on social media when I read it. Happy walking!

I had a terrific response to my walk last week so there are some wonderful shares below. I’m going to start you off though with a Memorial Day posting from Yvette. Such is her charisma that she even got President Obama to join my walks! :

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/walk-with-jo-navy-monument-and-obama-walk/

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/monday-walk-in-montmartre/

http://morselsandscraps2.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/walking-round-ljubljana/

http://pommepal.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/exploring-greenough-river-jos-monday-walk/

http://dailymusing57.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/monday-walk/

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/whom-the-bell-tolls/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/jos-monday-walk-clouds-come-floating/

http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2014/05/17/a-spring-walk-in-herefordshire/

http://morselsandscraps2.wordpress.com/2014/05/20/a-monday-walk/

Please spend some time with my friends. These are all terrific reads!