Travel

Jo’s Monday walk : Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

The lovely ruins of Fountains Abbey

Classic English beauty combines with a watery world for this week’s walk at Studley Royal, in Yorkshire. I’ve been there several times and always been cursed with dismal weather. The balmy Autumn that we’ve been experiencing was just perfect for this visit. A Cistercian Abbey, water gardens and a deer park- irresistible? I think so! But don’t forget to take your purse. Being a National Trust property, it doesn’t come cheap. (currently £10.50- no concessions, unless you are a National Trust member)

Some things don’t change. The monks who came here in 1132 were pretty good at amassing money too. Thirteen Benedictine monks left St. Mary’s Abbey in York to found a Cistercian Abbey in this valley. It became one of the richest in Europe. Something that has changed, since my last visit, is the approach to the park. You used to be able to drive into the estate through the deer park, but traffic now is all routed via the Visitor Centre. Pick up a map at reception, and let’s go.

It’s not long before you catch your first sight of the Abbey

The ruins are extensive and Fountains Abbey Mill is the only 12th century Cistercian cornmill left in the UK. It was in continuous use until 1927, and today houses an interactive exhibition and the water wheel, which can still grind corn.

Wooded cliffs line the valley

Numerous pheasants scuttle around the grounds

And you follow the stream, looking back at the Abbey from time to time

As it recedes into the distance

If you’ve never been here before, you will almost certainly be impressed with what comes next. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the Abbey buildings and over 500 acres of land were sold by the Crown. The property was passed down through several generations until it was inherited by John Aislabie, in 1693. He was a socially and politically ambitious man and became Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1718, but his involvement in the South Sea Bubble financial scandal had him expelled from Parliament. On his return to Yorkshire, he turned the wooded valley of the River Skell into one of England’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens.

A basin of water opens up before you

Beyond the trees, a further body of water

Dramatic sculptures line the canal

Which stretches off into the distance

And the sphinx looks idly on

The reflections in the lily pond are lovely

Reflections sparkle in the lily pond

Yet more sculptures rough and tumble

A group of volunteer gardeners are raking pond weed from the canals- a pleasant enough occupation on such a sunny afternoon. The curve of the Moon Pond stretches ahead, the pillars of the Temple of Piety a focal point on the far side. Originally the Temple of Hercules, it is believed to have been renamed when John Aislabie’s son, William, commissioned a bas relief wall sculpture inside the temple, after his father’s death.

The Temple of Piety, beyond the Moon Pond

Looking out from between the pillars

The bas relief wall sculpture

Corner detail

And looking up, inside the portico

You need to walk along the canal and cross over a narrow bridge to reach the Temple of Piety. From the bridge there’s a good view across the lake to the deer park. I didn’t spot any deer at that distance, but was diverted by one of the park’s follies, the Octagon Tower. A neo-Gothic castle, it looked to me very inviting, but sadly I couldn’t climb it. Beneath it lies a Serpentine Tunnel, originally designed to give people a bit of a fright at garden parties.

The lake, with the deer park in the distance

The Octagon Tower, nestling in the trees

I’m not sure what she was holding?

In her beautiful watery world

I couldn’t climb the tower, but I did find somewhere to look down onto the park. A sign directing me to Anne Boleyn’s Seat and Surprise View could not be ignored. I’ll spare you the climb because it was pretty steep, but I think you’d like the view. You will have an advantage over Anne Boleyn, who never actually saw it. That’s not because she didn’t have a head, but the name does come from a headless statue.

The Surprise View

Anne Boleyn’s Seat and the headless statue

Back on the path, you can return along the opposite side of the canal, steadily approaching the Abbey. There you will have a number of diversions. You can visit the Mill or the tea rooms, and Fountains Hall is a stately exhibition space. (with holiday flats to let!) Any children with you will love the interpretation centre at the Porter’s Lodge. (I did too!) And if you have time and energy to spare, there’s the Gothic extravagance of St. Mary’s Church and a stroll round the deer park.

Fountains Hall

Fun in the Porter’s Lodge

Don’t take my word for all this. The National Trust website will tell you the whole story and provide instructions on how to get there. I think that you would enjoy this World Heritage Site. I know I did. And now it really must be time to put the kettle on, don’t you think?

Click on the logo to visit my Jo’s Monday walk page for details on how to join in. As always we have a wonderful variety of walks to share.

How about a sample of Finnish nature with Vasilis? I hope you’ve met before? And the lingonberry tart looks so good! :

Finnish nature

Yvette’s taking street portraits and searching for a missing lady. Please share this one :

Street photos from Charlottesville, VA

Join Drake, very thoughtfully making war on waste :

Escape from the Cityscape

Making people happy in Jerusalem- that’s Cardinal this week :

Street Portrait : The Photographer

Amy has been having some more fun with her bird friends :

Yoga on Water

And Jude has the most delicious selection of Michaelmas Daisies you ever saw! :

Celebrating Saint Michael

Welcome a Blogspotter please! Violet Sky has a very fun post to add to the collection. Do go and say ‘hello’. :

Lost and found

Pauline is in transit again, but has been kind enough to share a trip ‘over the border’ to New South Wales. Safe travels, Pauline and Jack! :

Lingering look at Heritage windows

That’s it for this week. It just remains to wish you all ‘happy walking!’

A festival of damp leaves

My Virginia Creeper- clinging on!

I’m being a little bit naughty this morning, but hey, it’s Sunday! I’m allowed? I just have time to squeeze in two challenges before I go walking again tomorrow. The forecast is wet so I’ll have to take the sunshine with me.

An abandoned leaf- but it’s still green!

This one’s properly ‘washed out’

And this one- a brittle brown

But I do find colour hard to resist

Do you have a favourite? Or some leaves to share?

I’m contributing to Festival of leaves- week 3 and also squeezing in a last minute entry to 1 Day 1 World Project 9:00 to 10:00. I should just get away with the latter because Lisa is all the way over in Seattle so way behind the UK in hours. I’ve been meaning to rejoin her challenge for weeks and time is just slipping away. I took these yesterday morning, on my way to zumba, in the rain.

If you can squeeze some time, please join in with either or both of these challenges. They’re so worthwhile. Happy weekend!

Six word Saturday

Didn’t we have a lovely time…

At the White Rabbit Teahouse

It was ‘oh so naughty’ but very nice

Did you notice the Geisha nails?

And the elegant tea spoon too!

There were lots of teapots

And the prettiest wallpaper

And a rabbit- clinging on for dear life!

The White Rabbit Teahouse, in Nottingham, was just one of the many places I visited with my daughter last weekend. We did, indeed, have a lovely time… Click on the gallery to see it in detail.

Hope you have a nice weekend planned. Don’t forget to share it on Six word Saturday. Cate at Show My Face will show you how it’s done.

Festival of leaves- week 2

Solitary on an Algarve bench

Or even on an Algarve beach

Have you seen any lovely leaves lately? This is an Autumn challenge I discovered just last week. Rather nice, isn’t it? Just click on the link to start those leaves falling. I was out kicking the English leaves about today. Just as beautiful! Join me next week and see.

Tavira House Hotel

The lounge with its extraordinary ceiling

The ballroom, with its extraordinary ceiling

Having a home in Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve, I don’t normally devote space to local hotel reviews. But there’s always an exception, isn’t there, and this is it.

I was leafing through the East Algarve Magazine when an article on Tavira House Hotel caught my eye. I didn’t recollect seeing it and no address was supplied, but it was stated to be within the old castle walls of the town. It looked very beautiful and my curiosity was piqued. A stroll through Tavira is never a hardship, especially one with a purpose, and the hotel wasn’t too very difficult to find.

The front door was closed and I stood gazing up at the balcony, trying to get some impression of the inside. Rather taking me by surprise, a young man appeared at the window. “Would you like to come up?” he enquired. I couldn’t have been more delighted!

At number 47

I could just make out the dim outline of a chandelier

The reality was beautiful

And the gilded swans, a complete masterpiece

Casa Alice, as the house was originally called, was built in 1860 for a high-ranking Portuguese army officer. It was a maze of corridors and false walls, allegedly for hiding his many mistresses. When it was purchased by the present owner it had been uninhabited for 20 years and was in a poor state of repair. By 2006 permission had been obtained to renovate this listed and protected building. The work, over 8 years, was laborious but the finished result is a triumph.

Nuno Reis, the young hotel manager, was extremely pleasant and happy for me to look around and take photos. The only exception was the bedrooms, because the hotel was fully occupied, but an offer was extended for me to come and view one the following week. The Mediterranean Diet Fair was in full swing in the town, and the 9 bedrooms were all needed.

The folk troupe, in ‘full swing’!

Being fully engaged in the fair, I never managed a return, but the website gives a very good impression of the bedrooms, and I’m sure they’ll be of a standard with the rest of this immaculate building. They are named for flowers that grow locally and range from a small double, accented in gold, the Mimosa, to the Geranium suite at the top of the house. Beamed ceilings and a view over the rooftops of Tavira makes the latter rather special.

The dining room, with a touch of flamboyance

A snippet of the outside space

Fireplace and paneled walls

And that wonderful ceiling detail, again

Spend a little time on the website. It will tell you about the preservation of the Algarvian arched walls and the painstaking reconstruction of the unique ballroom ceiling. In the ‘Explore Tavira’ section, there’s also a link to an engaging Daily Telegraph article about the town. You don’t just have to take my word for it- it’s a beautiful place! And I would be more than happy to stay at Tavira House Hotel.

Jo’s Monday walk : gliding high!

Hello-o-o, up there!

You’re probably thinking that lack of sunshine has gone to my head! No, I’m not planning a sky walk this week. What I would like to do is to take you up Sutton Bank, on the Yorkshire Moors, to the glider school. I actually took this walk a couple of weeks ago when I was out searching for purple heather on the moors. A road diversion had us approaching from the wrong direction, and by a very roundabout route, so that I was in despair of finding any blooming heather. What I did find, though, was gliders! I guess it’s an ok substitute.

The heather has already bloomed and waned, but the gliders still fly high. You won’t need to do any climbing to see them. I hope you’re game to come with me?

Oh, really?

We parked at the Visitor Centre on Sutton Bank, properly known as Roulston Scar. When I spotted a sign- ‘The finest view in England’- my expectations were pretty high. At the viewing platform binoculars were clasped in several hands, but the day was heavily overcast. I admit, I was a little disappointed. Still, you couldn’t fault the other half’s enterprise in bringing me here. Perhaps the clouds would lift?

Promising, but not spectacular?

Not destined to be my favourite view

But there was a choice on the signposts

And so, the White Horse it was to be. Sound more promising to you? The trouble is, The White Horse is better seen from afar. Never mind. I’ll do my best! In the meantime, I was approaching the glider station. Surely there wouldn’t be much to see from up there on a day like today?

The sign looks full of promise

And there was a glider at the ready

Control tower also ready?

The sky was even beginning to clear a little

Revealing the beauty of the countryside

The path is level and it’s just as well because you’re constantly stopping and gazing skyward. There’s a low drone as the plane tows the glider past you and in seconds they’re airborne. Soaring out over the cliffs, it’s a heart stopping moment as the plane leads the glider ever higher and then releases into a thermal or rising air current.

The plane whizzes past, towing the glider

Clinging on, in search of a thermal

Then freedom! And a patch of blue sky!

Back at ground level, the path continues on. The White Horse of Kilburn is not far away. I’m not sure what kind of view of it I will have, as it lies on the cliff face below me.

The sign shows an aerial view

As half expected, it’s easier to get a wild flower shot

Steps lead down the cliff to a car park far below. I look back at my husband, who shrugs and turns to walk away. I start down the steps in search of a better view.

This is the best I can do!

Or this bench, thanks to Fred Banks

And a lovely patch of heather

Unless you want a long descent down the steps, and then an aching clamber back up, this will have to do for now. You could, of course, be enterprising and drive to the car park below. I’m sorry to tell you that we didn’t. The clouds closed in again- that’s the nature of the moors- and it was time for a hasty retreat from a squall of rain.

But at least I’d had a glimpse of ‘England’s finest view’

And a little moorland heather

I hope you enjoyed our walk? This link to Wikipedia will give you a few more details of the whereabouts and geology of the horse, and the village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, where I remember a rather nice pub.

I won’t be home till teatime today, but I’m hoping you will still have received this walk, which I scheduled. Early or late, I’ll definitely be there. Once again, I have some wonderful shares for you. Many thanks to all of you who take part.

My first walk this week is very fittingly titled but, more importantly, it’s full of wonderful photos. Thank you so much, Meg. This is beautiful!

Skyspace

The Cardinal took us to Petra in Jordan, for the sunniest of smiles :

Street Portrait

Paula knows us Scorpios don’t mind water, or even occasionally…

Getting Wet

If you haven’t seen any of Amy’s photography lately, you’re missing a treat. Goodbye Summer! :

It’s last Beauty

Drake was back on Samsoe this week, with some Norwegian love :

Vikings, potatoes and Norwegian love

Hands up those of you who’ve been to Odessa? No- I thought not! Jouena has a lovely share :

Mosaic in Odessa

You can share a walk with me any day of the week. The details are all in my logo. Have a great week and happy walking!

Six word Saturday

Remember the lady with orange hair?

And her husband

Yes, that IS an octopus fascinator and she calls him Ishmael. I will be in Loughborough at a coffee morning for the Macmillan Nurses when you’re reading this. Leo’s Dad died of cancer last year and his Mum is bravely hosting at her home. I foresee a little fun in my weekend, though I won’t be wearing an octopus any time soon.

I don’t know if I’ll be able to respond to any comments today but I hope you’ll all still be playing Six word Saturday. Cate at Show My Face hopes so too. I’m scheduling this post because I’m away all weekend. Catch up with you next week! Take care!

Thursday could be special

An evening’s reflection

I love a bit of drama, and I rather think Paula does too, so I thought I’d post a couple of night time/evening shots from my recent Algarve visit. Every day is special in its own way, isn’t it?

Can you feel the warmth?

Of the setting sun

Gently captured in the windows

Or the patterns on the wall

While the boats lie stranded on the river bed

I hope your Thursday is special too. You have the power to make it so. Paula thinks every Thursday’s Special. Visit her to see why.

Jo’s Monday walk : Santa Luzia

The patron saint of the village

I could wander around Santa Luzia all day and every day. So many of the houses are clothed in beautiful azulejo tiles. Just 2 km west of Tavira, this fishing village has an identity all of its own. Modern housing has been added, and a new seafront promenade since my first visit, more than 10 years ago. Yet somehow this village is timeless and defies outsiders to change its true nature. Would you like to share it with me? We’ll take just a slow walk today. There’s plenty of time.

The waterfront is where I usually start

It’s an easy place to spend time

The palm trees don’t provide much shade, but there are plenty of cafes lining the waterfront. It’s a place where you could idle away many an hour, just watching and wondering. Avenida Duarte Pacheco is the village’s main street and behind it there are only a handful of others. Getting lost really isn’t an option, but you’re welcome to try.

A typical house on Duarte Pacheco, next to a cafe

Every street has its patterns

Some adorning lovely old houses with balconies

And a protective saint

Or a family name

The street signs are lyrical (Baker’s St.)

Isn’t this just beautiful?

I’m going to be a very lazy tour guide today and simply let you wander. The details that appeal to each of us are different, aren’t they? I think you should have time to choose where to linger.

Choose a street and head inland

There’s a small square with the church

Some of the tiles have seen better days

While some houses are grander

And newly whitewashed

The whole seems to me to blend together. The locals go about their business, paying little heed to the tourists. I always venture a smile and ‘Bom dia’ and without fail there is a response.

Splashes of colour call out to me everywhere

And those details that I love

The tiles not always to my taste

But so many things please the eye

I’m going to be just a little naughty now. You remember my fondness for boats? For just 3 or 4 months in Summer a ferry runs from Santa Luzia across to the ilha, Tavira Island. It’s only a 10 minute crossing, so just about time to get comfortable. One of the nice things, though, is the opportunity it gives you to observe Santa Luzia from the water. Would you like to see? And if you’re full of energy, you can have a swift stride down the beach. I’ll be right with you!

The ferry’s in!

And away we go

Past the fishing fleet

And working boats

Across the channel of water

And we’re there!

Pulled up at the ‘ilha’

Looking back towards Tavira as the ferry departs

There’s plenty of space down at the beach

Or you could collect up umbrellas

Or maybe a quick paddle?

And then it’s back on board

And return to Santa Luzia

Not so bad, was it? Just one last look at Santa Luzia and you’ll want to eat. Casa do Polvo, at the eastern end of the front, is great if you’re an octopus fan. On some evenings you can listen to fado there too, and even join in and sing a little if the fancy takes you. Away from the front there are a number of small restaurants. Most will feed you well. It’s just a matter of taste.

Another lovely street sign

And yet more tile patterns

A collection of quirky chimney pots

And a letter box I love!

I’m hoping you enjoyed this week’s walk. Not too strenuous, was it? And the Eastern Algarve is easy on the eye, I always think?

Next week will be an English walk and very different. I’m going to my daughter’s in Nottingham next weekend and will be travelling back on the Monday. I’m going to attempt to schedule a walk. I’ve never done that before but am hoping it’s easy. If all else fails, I will be home by teatime and will post the walk then. Wish me luck!

Wow! What a week! So many fantastic entries. You’re definitely going to need a cuppa, or even two, to read your way through. I’m off to put the kettle back on. Thank you so much, everybody, for joining Jo’s Monday walk. The details are in my logo.

I simply love Drake’s Beatles walk! :

Let it be

The Botanical Garden in Zagreb is beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Paula :

Monday Walk in the Botanical Garden

And, in case you missed it, atmospheric castle ruins near Bratislava, also in Paula’s delightful company :

A walk around Devin Castle

Meg tackled a tricky one this week. All in a good cause! :

On Nerrigundah Ridge

My lovable friend Cathy is finding her way around Nanning in China. Go and say ‘hi’ please? :

A Monday morning walk on Campus

A water lily from Israel! And incredibly beautiful, thanks, Cardinal :

Water Lily Porn

Gardens! Gardens! And more lovely gardens! Thanks, Jude :

Garden Portrait : Westonbury Mill Water Gardens

Garden Portrait : Sezincote

Fabulous, aren’t they? And wait till you see Amy’s playful walk beside the river! :

Walking along the river

A town with less than 1000 residents but lots of history is Yvette’s contribution :

A walk in Scotsville, VA

And from California, please give a warm welcome to Elena :

Big Bear Lake

With a destination that keeps getting higher on my ‘must see’ list, Debbie’s sharing a real beauty! Treat yourself- say ‘hello’ :

Walking on Top of the World in Marseille

And in this topsy turvy world of ours, Pauline is beautifully immersed in Spring. Don’t miss it!

Totally immersed in the splendour of Spring

That’s it for now, folks. Have a very splendid week and happy walking!

Six word Saturday

The tents were up- show time!

The row of white tents transform the riverside

Whenever there’s a fair or an event, a sea of little white tents mushroom along the riverside at Tavira. Usually it’s confined to one bank of the river, alongside the gardens. When I saw tents lining both river banks, I knew something big was happening. The second Mediterranean Diet Fair had come to town!

Time to eat healthy!

Some of the products on display didn’t quite fit with my idea of healthy eating, but it’s all about selling as much as you can of locally produced goods. You’ll see what I mean.

Anyone got a sweet tooth?

As the sun goes down the atmosphere builds

The tents look so cute

But most people just want to eat!

Maybe sample a little chocolate?

I tasted- it was delicious!

And of course there’s cake!

And more cake!

And you’re bound to try the ginja liqueur, in a chocolate cup

It’s not just food. There are all kinds of things to buy. Owls, for instance!

Anyone have a weakness for owls?

In cork?

Or as tealights?

The cork was used for larger products too

And there were some rather strange things!

The local shopkeepers are not always so keen on these events. They take away precious customers. But most people are happy to browse a little.

Casa das Portas is ever popular

And Karisma always looks very inviting

With its pretty ceramic tiles

The chimneys are very popular tile patterns

But l especially liked this piece! How about you?

I hope you enjoyed your Saturday browse round the shops and stalls. The fair was accompanied by entertainment every evening too. What a treat! The Eastern Algarve usually is, I find.

Don’t forget to play Six word Saturday will you? Cate at Show My Face is our hostess and will tell you the ‘rules’. Have a happy weekend!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Travel

Jo’s Monday walk : Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

A festival of damp leaves

Six word Saturday

Didn’t we have a lovely time…

Festival of leaves- week 2

Tavira House Hotel

Jo’s Monday walk : gliding high!

Six word Saturday

Remember the lady with orange hair?

Thursday could be special

Jo’s Monday walk : Santa Luzia

Six word Saturday

The tents were up- show time!

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Didn’t we have a lovely time…

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Remember the lady with orange hair?

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The tents were up- show time!

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