Travel

Jo’s Monday walk : Little Ouseburn Open Gardens

During the Summer months I like to visit an Open Garden or two, if I get the chance. The promise of a whole village in an area I know not at all was simply too good to miss. Situated just 5 miles from Boroughbridge in Yorkshire, Little Ouseburn was ripe for exploring.

It wasn’t an especially nice day, weatherwise, but at least it was dry. A field had been set aside for parking and a minibus was available to transport you through the village- helpful for the less mobile as it proved to be an extremely long village, but an easy walk for the fit. A £5 donation to the village charity bought you a map and details of participating gardens. Time to head for the bridge!

Beneath the bridge flowed a little stream. A connection to the River Ouse, I wondered? But before I could speculate more I came upon the Holy Trinity Church and its mausoleum. A Grade 1 listed building, I was charmed by the interior. Maps and newspaper articles were laid out, detailing the history of the village. An exhibition of lace making was taking place, and the ladies were more than happy to chat about their accomplishments.

In an alcove, steps mounted precariously to the bell ringers hideaway. It brought to mind Bath Abbey and my ascent of the tower. It was quite hard to tear myself away from the church, but there were 9 gardens to visit. Over a field and a right turn brought you onto the main street of the village. Ever wanted a cottage with roses around the door?

Opposite the village hall, where you could partake of everything from a pot of tea to a three course Sunday lunch, delightful Plantation Cottage.

A tumble of clematis were the star of the show, while stately lilies looked on. The lady of the house relaxed on the patio with her toddler, keeping a wary eye on the clouds. Back on the street there were floral distractions aplenty.

Broadlands Bungalow delivered a stunning iris or three, an array of coleums and a confusion of wisteria, poppies and a sparkling rhododendron.

At Broadlands Farm a tea party was in full swing on the back lawn. I couldn’t possibly be a party pooper but I can’t show you the evidence. It was a little tricky balancing the tray and eating the cake. In fact, apart from the chirpy robin at the beginning of the post, I took very few photos there.

I looked wistfully toward the book stall in the doorway of The Old Chapel, but time was pressing on. Orchard House next, for a lovely old stone wall with alliums, more, sumptuous irises and beautifully burgeoning peonies.

The village green had a plant stall, BBQ, icecream and cupcakes. Nobody was going home hungry! At the very far end of the village, Hazel House had a modern garden, with a sunken circular dining area.

Broomfield Cottage had bags of personality and a very friendly owner. A tree surgeon by trade, he sat feeding his log burner, happy to chat about his collection of rare trees and his vegetable garden.

Paddock Cottage had a rather Zen feel and a number of metal sculptures, the aspect to the rear of lawn tennis courts and open countryside.

Just two to go, at Hill Top Cottage the lawn is sheltered by a scintillation of colourful shrubs, some of my favourites.

Lastly, the ‘big’ house, The Old Granary. Approached by an imposing drive, it had the feel of a grande dame. An ultra modern extension had been added and a hedge of pleached horn beams. Not really my cup of tea, but then, I wasn’t invited in.

Value for money and a good afternoon out? I think so. I almost forgot to tell you that the name Little Ouseburn does have associations with the River Ouse. The original source of the Ouse is marked by a stone in the neighbouring village of Great Ouseburn.

Visit Little Ouseburn Open Gardens for details of how to get there. The homeward jouney I found intriguing because we crossed the toll bridge at Aldwark, at a cost of 40p! I didn’t even know it existed till then, but there’s a neat little story about the ticket collector here.

Dashing around trying to fit all the walks in this morning! There are heaps and some wonderful ones, so please try to visit as many as you can. Many thanks to you all! Details of how to join me are over on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Definitely time for a cuppa now!

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We all need a weekly smile, don’t we? 74! That’s more than a year of smiling. Thanks, Lady Lee!

Weekly Smile 74

Miriam can always find words of encouragement, even in troubled times :

Music in the Air

I remember having mottoes on the wall, in the ‘good old days’. So does Jackie!

Toronto Textile Museum

Drake has both feet on the ground this week, but there’s magic in the air :

Completely down on earth

Please go and meet Sheri, and learn a little more about Vancouver :

A Walking Tour of Vancouver’s Hidden Past

Dawn has been lingering by some lovely windows this month. Don’t forget her challenge!

A Lingering Look at Windows- June Bonus Week

Amanda takes us back in time, in Norway :

Roros – A Walk back in ‘Mine’

Join Jolandi in the Spanish mountains- it looks blissful!

Walking in The Alpujarras

Or how about the little known Jura area of France, with Food is Travel?

The trail of the perched cat in Dole, France

Wonderful memories of a city I love, brought back to life for me by Becky :

Porto – a walking city

While Carol solves a mystery or two in the Lake District :

What the Devil’s Going On?

Beautiful blooms from Susan, in New York City :

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden in the Spring

And a fabulous seven-arched bridge in the company of Eunice :

Roaming round Rivington

Ending on an absolute high with a garden post that puts mine to shame. Stunning work, Jude!

Garden Portrait : Dartington Hall

Phew! Just about made it this week! Thanks again everybody. Take good care and I’ll see you soon.

Six word Saturday

It’s that time of year again!

Very cute, our seahorse, isn’t he? Yet again the good folks of Saltburn by the Sea have decorated their pier with yarn bombing. It’s a Summer tradition. Are they in good Order? I think I should let you be the judge of that.

There are some wild hairdo’s, aren’t there? You can probably tell that there was a fresh breeze that day, but still lots of people.

Let’s end with a bit of a gallop, down by the sea. Such skilled handiwork, as well as being completely adorable.

That’s it for another year. The next day it simply poured, and has continued to do so. The shopaholics amongst you will adore Debbie’s Six Word Saturday this week. Me, I just want to go to Madrid! Wishing you a happy weekend!

Restless by name, restless by nature

Restless? Who me? You could say that. I don’t know quite when or where it all began, nor do I know when it will end, but I hope to enjoy it while I can. It’s not as though I don’t have beautiful places to wander to.

It’s sometimes a blessing and sometimes a curse. How is it that some people never have the urge to roam? (my husband being one of them) I only have to see a boat moored up to be champing at the bit. Take me with you!

Debbie set the theme Restless on her One Word Sunday challenge this week. How could I possibly not join in?

Jo’s Monday walk : Blast Beach, orchids and P’s in a Pod

Just south of Nose’s Point at Seaham, on the north east coast, lies a stark, uninviting stretch of beach. I’ve walked along the cliff top, looking down on it, many times. On a warm and hazy May day, I was somewhat surprised to find myself descending steps that led directly to Blast Beach.

It was a day of surprises. Up on the cliff top I had already met Devon sculptress, Louise Plant , watering her P’s in a Pod. The art installation was being newly installed and my first thought was that she was reviving the grass surrounding the P’s. Not so! The pieces were being watered to enhance their patina. You can read the story of the P’s and their journey on the link.

A damp ‘P’

3 ‘P’s in a Pod’

The cliff top location

They represent a new approach to exhibiting art in County Durham. The cast iron structures will be displayed at 4 different sites in the region, the idea being that a different backdrop will enable us to respond differently to them. The reclaimed coastline at Seaham is the start point for their adventure. After chatting to Louise for a while, it was on with my own mission- to seek out a few orchids. Around this time of year wild orchids sparkle in the long grass of the cliff tops like incandescent fireworks.

It’s always hard to find the first of the orchids, but many follow in its wake. Continuing along the cliff, I noticed a pathway I hadn’t previously taken much notice of. It could only lead downwards to the beach. Why not take a look?

It’s not an inviting stretch of beach but the stacks do add interest, and close to the shoreline the rocks begin to develop an iron colouration.

Blast Beach was once the scene of coal production on a massive scale and the waste from that process defiled this beach and much of the surrounding area. Bleak though it may still look, huge efforts have been made to clean up this stretch of coast and restore it to nature.

End to end, this is a long beach. I circle both stacks and head back slowly towards Nose’s Point.

Ahead lies a steep climb up to the cliff top. Let’s take a deep breath and go for it.

Made it! I bet you’re in need of a cuppa now. Actually it’s a good place to bring a flask and a picnic, but if you’ve come unprepared you can head into Seaham. There are a couple of good cafes. Back at the cliff top a young man was busy taking photographs of the P’s. I moved aside to be out of shot but he waved me back in. He was taking promotional shots and wanted a willing admirer or two. Myself and husband duly obliged, but so far I’ve been unable to track down his work. Maybe just as well…

I wrote most of this post while watching the concert in aid of the victims of the terrorist attack on Manchester. It gave me hope for our future. The love was palpable and I was proud of our young people. Just 24 hours before I had been watching as horror unfolded at London Bridge. I feel blessed, because my son had been at London Bridge station at 9pm that evening, but was out of range and blissfully unaware when the nightmare hit.

Many thanks to you all for your continued support. I love sharing walks with you. Details of how to join me can always be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Definitely time for a cuppa now!

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Becky goes her own sweet way in the Algarve this week :

Serra de Monchique

A double dose of delight from Drake, in the beautiful village of Èze :

High level of atmosphere 1/2

High level of atmosphere 2/2

Fun and beer with Lady Lee :

Cycled to Waldwirtschaft

All singing, all dancing, with Jackie!

Bloomin Vegas

And something a little more exotic from Indra :

Sikkim Odyssey 1… Rumtek Monastery

Say hello to Gina! She takes us walking in one of my favourite parts of the Lake District :

Ullswater Way

And if you’ve been waiting for Susan, then Part 2 is definitely worth the wait :

East Harlem Jane’s Walk 2017 (Part II) : Community Murals

A bird watching walk next, from Mari- Becky, are you paying attention?

Bird watching in Malaga

An amazing dawdle or two with Meg. I just can’t choose :

Following my nose

Last day in Melbourne

Three friends and so much more! The delights of Venice, with Paula :

Tra Amici

Then a very English stroll with Carol. Such cute bunnies!

Meeting the Locals

Yesterday I came across a lady called Anne-Marie and a series of walks you may not have heard of. Please say hello :

Portuguese Camino in May

And we’ll finish with a rather interesting sculpture trail, from Cady Luck Leedy :

Jo’s Monday walk : Mainz, Germany

That’s it for another week. I hope this one brings you some happiness. Take care, and God bless!

Six word Saturday

What is it about the oriental?

Remember I mentioned a quilt exhibition in my walk at Belsay Hall and gardens on Monday? I thought that some of my craft working friends might like a closer look. Personally, I can look and admire, but I’m not much good at the making.

The hall is a mighty Palladian building and you step inside respectfully. The wood panelled walls and lofty ceilings create an interesting exhibition space, where my eyes are drawn immediately to the kimonos, bobbed hairstyles and coy smiles of the oriental ladies. There are many more traditional quilts, ranged throughout a series of rooms, with knowledgeable ladies, poised to enlighten and inform.

It was the last week of the exhibition when I was there, but Belsay regularly hosts events in the house, castle and magnificent gardens. Debbie has us dangling this week in Six Word Saturday. Why not join in?

Wishing you a great weekend!

Looking east in the Algarve

Branching wistfully

eastwards. Tortured by the breeze.

Always in motion

I did say I was leaving my Algarve behind, but you can probably see why it’s hard to do so. For Paula’s Pick a word in June I am illustrating Branching and Continual. For Gilly, a little haiku, because I miss her. Thursday’s Special, isn’t it?

Jo’s Monday walk : Belsay Hall and quarry

If there’s anything in life that gives me a kick, it’s a rhododendron! Find me a quarry full of rhododendrons and perhaps you can imagine the effect. So I was very happy to make a return visit to Belsay Hall in Northumberland, a week or two ago.

Managed by English Heritage, the Belsay estate dates back to 1270, when it was first bought by the Middleton family. Heritage on the grand scale, it comprises a medieval castle and a Greek Revival mansion from the 19th century, linked by some truly wonderful gardens.

As you can see, it’s not only rhododendrons vying for first place in this beauty contest. Bypassing the more than stately hall, I cannot wait to feast my eyes. Frilled tulips and those with plainer frocks, delicate iris, and a shy magnolia are just some of the blooms that greet me. The grounds are the very essence of grandeur. There’s even a croquet lawn, for that most refined of pastimes.

Tree heather lures me on and I find myself shoulder to shoulder with these beauties. Don’t they just sing with colour?

Even looking at them in photographs, I am mesmerised. But this is only a beginning. Next, the quarry, with its magical patterns of light and shade.

The colours are rich and mellow, and the quarry towers above you. It’s like a fairy glen, scaled up for a friendly giant.

Are you speechless yet? I don’t know where I’ve ever seen a better display. The castle is close by, approached through a bluebell wood.

In this serene and pastoral setting it’s hard to credit that a family would need a castle for protection. When it was constructed, in the 14th century, conflict and border disputes were commonplace between England and Scotland. The castle has one of the best preserved examples of a pele tower- built by rich families in this area in the Middle Ages for self defence.

From past experience, castles make a good subject for Paulas’s After and Before in Black and White Sunday. What do you think?

The Middleton family lived in the castle, with modifications, until the completion of their mansion, at Christmas, 1817. Inspired by a honeymoon in Greece, Belsay Hall was built with rock carved from their own quarry. Let’s stroll back round there now, past the lake and the grazing sheep. I try to get a close up of a cluster of cygnets, but they’re too far away to be more than a splash.

There was an exhibition of quilts taking place inside the hall, but I’ll save that for another day. Let’s adjourn to the tea rooms.

Directions on getting to Belsay are on their website. I hope you enjoyed our visit. Many thanks for your support and the wonderful contributions I have received again this week. Details of how to join in are always on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Let’s settle in for a good read:

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Almost missed Eunice last week, so she’s starting us off today :

A reservoir ramble

Can there be anywhere lovelier for a dawdle? Thanks, Drake!

Wet wet streets

Budapest has a lot to recommend it too, as Anabel can show you :

Budapest: Margaret Island and Obuda

Jackie gets up to some strange things, doesn’t she?

Dirty laundry

Geoff, Dog and a lighthouse- I’m happy!

A wander about#sundaywalks

Ann Christine takes us back to terrible times in Irish history, but with a happy ending :

A Peaceful Walk in Belfast

A whole heap of lovely photos from Lady Lee :

Thursday’s Special: Traces of the Past

If ever you’re needing a beautiful view, or three, tap Debbie on the shoulder. She’ll have them :

Moorish to more Moorish

Becky uses that eagle eye of hers to good effect in the Algarve :

The Military Stairs of Alcoutim

That lass Jude knows how to make me smile. A splash or two of azalea in a National Trust garden:

Garden Portrait: Coleton Fishacre

SO excited to be sharing this from Madhu! A small part of her beautiful Indian heritage :

Kashmir – Afoot in Shehr-e-Khas

How would I describe Gabe? Warm and whimsical, I suppose. Go and see for yourself :

Hiking in Venice

So lucky and privileged this week! Another wonderful share from Paula. Don’t forget to listen too!

Light Catcher

What do you know of Peru? Not much? An interesting read here from Jill :

Ollantaytambo at dusk

And, much closer to home, Carol finds me some stone circles :

Walking in Circles

That’s it for another week. All gems! Hope you enjoy your long weekend (if you’re having one). Take good care!

Six word Saturday

Light fades on another lovely memory.

It’s more than 6 weeks since I got back from Tavira, in my lovely Algarve. Time to round up a few of those photos I never got around to sharing, and move on. A new roof top bar provides a great overview of this beautiful place.

The river runs bronze after heavy rain

One of those shabby doors Sue loves

A hint of castle wall

Up on the castle walls

Down in the riverside gardens

A riot of colour

Such a pretty letterbox

And a little bit of magic on the rooftops

Until next time…

Don’t forget to share your six words on Debbie’s little bit of fun, and have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with a very English walk.

Later that same day…

For those of you who feel sorry for me, getting nibbled by insects in my quest to bring you an interesting Algarve walk… this is what came next.

It was surprisingly breezy at the coast that day, which gave me an opportunity to pull up a seat in a sheltered spot and watch the waves. You understand that I only did this to show you the diversity of the Algarve, not purely for enjoyment.

I can never sit still for too long and I soon needed to get a little closer to the action.

Armacao de Pera is far from being my favourite Algarve resort, but there’s a time and a place for everything.

What’s more Evanescent than a wave as it pounds the shore? But there is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be back for more.

Jo’s Monday walk : Sitio das Fontes

Time to return to the Algarve for this week’s walk, on the estuary of the Rio Arade. It’s a good distance from my normal stomping ground, but I had reason to be curious about Sitio das Fontes. Earlier this year, Dave Sheldrake began to conduct photography walks, for a donation to charity. I haven’t managed to go on one yet, but my interest was piqued when he went to this particular site. I had to take a look for myself.

Sitio das Fontes is an area of wild parkland formed around natural springs (or fontes). Sitting in tidal salt marshes, it’s a wonderful place to explore the diversity of nature. The tidal mill overlooks a wide stretch of nature in the raw, with birds and bees aplenty.

Captivated by the tiny frogs, I’m getting ahead of myself. The parkland lies just north of the village of Estombar, and on a sunny weekday in early March I had the place almost to myself. An old waterwheel lethargically guards the entrance to the park.

Follow the path round to the tidal mill, or dally by the spring. There are plenty of good sized rocks to sit on and contemplate nature, or simply daydream a while. A new-looking bridge crosses the spring and you can take the long view or gaze deep into the clear waters.

The map at the entrance to the park wasn’t very clear, or maybe I hadn’t been paying enough attention. It didn’t seem to matter in the stillness of the lovely morning, the snail suspended somnolently on his stilts, and bee on blossom.

Beyond the tidal mill, a path leads off around the estuary. The water was very low, exposing vast tracts of salt marsh and sludge, but still it was a pleasure to follow. Shrubs and all manner of plant line the path, so progress is slow as you stoop to identify or smile in admiration.

Incredible to find two different types of bee orchid within feet of each other! The path ends on the edge of the Arade. Looking across the estuary I wasn’t sure if it might be possible to cross over the mud flats with the water so low. Good sense prevailed. I didn’t really want to end up floundering, but I was curious about the ruins on the far shore. No great hardship to retrace my steps.

A less obvious path runs along this shoreline, but with the bonus of more orchids, some tiny iris, not yet open to morning, and a large cricket who made me jump. Beyond the ruins the path begins to ascend quite steeply. I climb high enough to appreciate the view.

But it’s not apparent where the path might lead. It’s getting warm, the insects are buzzing and it feels like a good time to head back. There are picnic tables, a children’s playground and a visitor centre, still closed at the time. Best of all, the tranquil and lovely spring.

How very different from the thermal springs in Bath, that I wrote about last week. Yet all part of our strange and wonderful natural world.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s walk. Details of how to get there are contained in the links, and of how to join me, on my Jo’s Monday walk page . Now for some sharing. You’ll have your work cut out, because I have heaps of walks! Please make sure to visit anyone that you don’t know. Many thanks to all my contributors, and to you folk in the armchairs, it’s time to put the kettle on.

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You might like to compare Alison’s walk from a couple of years ago? Your secret’s well and truly out now, Aly!

Our secret Sitio das Fontes

The most beautiful rainbow and frescoes from Drake this week :

Cruise through idyllic city

AND the bonus of a trip to Monmartre :

On the edge

Lots of garden shots and a cute little bug from Lady Lee :

How does your garden grow?

Sunny California, sunny Jackie!

Day 7 So Cal Bakersfield CA to Las Vegas

Becky always knows the way to my heart, and to some lovely places too. This one’s in the Alentejo :