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
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.
Today a ‘crane building’ factory decorates the far shore
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’
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! :
Bird lovers among you will absolutely delight in this. Welcome to my walks, Jo! Please go and say ‘hi’ to Jo everybody :
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 :
And finally, Kathryn has brought me the most beautiful light on the Dutch canals :
Please go and give Kathryn a hug. Things aren’t going so well. See you all next week, I hope?
restlessjo 
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