Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : Saying goodbye

Aleksander Boleslaw Szustakiewicz

26.2.1928 – 2.10.2016

My heart is too heavy to walk with you today. Some of you will know that Dad died whilst I was in the Algarve. He had a long, and often-times happy life, and made many friends along the way. He was never happier than when surrounded by family, and it brought real joy to his life when he was reunited with those in his native Poland, after an absence of 64 years.

Tomorrow he will be surrounded by love as we say our goodbyes, remember and celebrate his life. He was a wonderful Dad, and was ever present in my life. The loss will be huge, but the connection to Poland will endure, as he would have wanted.

I know you will excuse me from commenting this week, but whilst I was away the walks continued to roll in. I would like you to share them in my absence. Many thanks in anticipation of your tolerance and kind thoughts. I will be back walking with you next week.

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Cathy’s been romping all over Iceland! This is just one of many. Enjoy!

North Iceland : The Black Lava Field & Solfataras of Leirhnjukur at Krafla

Meantime, Becky is edging eastwards with a whole lot of history :

Going east on the Thames Path

Not just the home of golf! Ask Elaine!

St. Andrews

Autumn as you don’t very often see it. Through Cardinal’s eyes :

Autumn Streets

Some day I must make it to Sicily. Pretty please! Lady Lee loves it :

Ancient theatre of Taormina

When Sue waxes lyrical you just have to sit up and pay attention!

Larch Trees in Canada- The Beauty Queens

Serious Sue (I’m differentiating 🙂 ) kindly lets me ride her mobility scooter at Wisley :

Signs of Autumn and a Sculpture Trail

Drake has found himself a jewel of a home in Alsace :

High five surroundings

And Biti, the most beautiful ‘shell’ house you’ll ever see :

Ballymaloe Cooking School- The Shell House

Debbie tells the story of Wojtek, the bear who went to war. If you were curious about him after my last post, here it is!

Soldier Bear

Geoff goes strutting his stuff around London :

Crystal Palace to Grove Park

Let Jaspa take you to another fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site :

The Forts and Tunnels of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

I knew very little about Milwaukee till I read Jackie’s post :

Day 3- Milwaukee

Spicy chilli hot chocolate? Have some with Violet Sky :

St. Boniface and Gabrielle Roy

Navarra has such a nice sound to it. Leya would love to show you around :

Ziga, Baztan- Natural, Yet Sophisticated

Take care of each other.

Jo’s Monday walk : A Royal Odyssey

It was not a promising beginning! I stuck my head out of Edinburgh’s Waverley Station into damp and dreary grey skies. No-one gave the bedraggled looking ice cream vendor a second look. Still I was bubbling over with excitement at a precious few hours in this beautiful city and determined to make the best of it. Where better to start than The Royal Mile?

Approximately a mile long (surprise!), it rolls gently downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the gates of Holyrood Palace. Did you know that miles can vary in length? I was astounded to find that they can indeed, and that a Scots mile is longer than an English mile! No wonder my feet got tired in Edinburgh. The English statute mile was established by a Weights and Measures Act of Parliament, in 1593, during the reign of Elizabeth I. “A mile shall contain 8 Furlongs, every Furlong 40 Poles, and every Pole shall contain 16 Foot and a half”. For more clarity, read this link.

You will observe that Edinburgh has its share of ‘tourist tat’ interspersed with venerable historic buildings. There’s room for all. The Royal Mile is actually comprised of five consecutive streets- Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High St., Canongate and Abbey Strand. I joined High St. directly from North Bridge and was ambling down towards the Palace. Many closes and alleys invite further inspection, but I’m drawn towards the World’s End pub on the corner of St. Mary’s St., a former city boundary. After the English victory over the Scots, in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden, a city wall was built around Edinburgh. Parts of the Flodden Wall still exist in the pub foundations. Brass studs in the road mark the former position of the Netherbow Port, a gateway in the wall.

John Knox House stands on the opposite corner. The gateway was removed in 1764 to improve the flow of traffic where the road narrows. Beyond lies Canongate, literally ‘the canon’s way’, used by the Augustinian monks from Holyrood Palace. Until 1856 Canongate was not only a street, but the name of the surrounding burgh. It was separate from Edinburgh and outside of the Flodden Wall.

The damp persisted, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of a totally unexpected city garden. I had stumbled upon Dunbar’s Close, complete with wonderfully cobwebby Scottish thistle. This 17th century garden was created by Sir Patrick Geddes, an eminent Scots biologist who was aware of the relationship between health and environment. It was restored to its current condition in 1978.

At the bottom of the Royal Mile there’s a choice between the modern and inspiring Scottish Parliament Building and historic Holyrood Palace. You know which I chose, but I neglected to allow you a little glimpse inside. I think you might enjoy this 2 minute video.

Suitably impressed, it was time to make my way back up the Royal Mile. This time I continued on to Lawnmarket, and the Mercat Cross on Parliament Square. Royal proclamations and the summoning of Parliament are traditionally announced here, and a bubble blower was having fun with the crowd. St. Giles Cathedral, on the opposite side of the square, dates from the 14th Century and is the High Kirk of Edinburgh .

The real piper, or a dummy at the traditional kilt store? I liked them both. I had reached the Bank of Scotland, in all its magnificence. Have you noticed that the clouds have lifted and at last the sky is blue? Curious about The Mound, I headed that way. Apparently it’s an artificial hill, built to fill in a loch that was part of ancient Edinburgh’s defence system.

I don’t know about you but I was getting tired and hungry. Up on The Mound, I found the perfect thing.

Haggis, neeps and tatties, of course. Now, I’m not going to take you too much further but my digs are at the far end of Princes St. I decided to walk through Princes St. Gardens. You’d like a quick look, wouldn’t you? The mist is just rising over the castle.

Did you spot the statue of Wojtek and the Bear? You probably don’t know the amazing story of the bear who went to war. A group of young Polish girls were taking his photo, but moved aside for me, with a giggle or two.

I’m going to say my farewells here. I checked into my accommodation, then did the Water of Leith walk that I shared last week. You can get back to our start point at Waverley Station by tram, if you’d like. I never did manage a tram ride in Edinburgh. Maybe next time?

Hope you enjoyed this walk. I’m going to be putting my feet up for a week or two, but first I have some wonderful shares. Thank you so much to everybody for your enthusiasm and support. My apologies that I won’t be able to share for a while, so please do make the most of the following :

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I cover a decent few miles, and so does my good friend Becky. But sl-ow-ly!

Strolling along the Thames Path- part one!

‘Leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again..’ Or boat, in Drake’s case :

Leaving through backdoor

Them boots are made for… Cardinal!

Hiking Boots

I hope Lady Lee has good boots too!

Hiking in Tenerife

It’s many a long year since I was in lovely Inverary. Let Anabel show you around :

Inverary and Auchindrain

Islands around Toronto are always a novelty. Go hopping with Jackie!

Island hopping

And look at local murals with Trav Trails :

City Walks

What would you expect to see in Bern, Switzerland? Let Laia show you the sights :

Bern : music, roses and … bears?

Making me yearn for the Algarve, Miriam fills my senses with salt spray :

Walking Cape Schank

Some of you will know Kathe from Six word Saturday. She’s sampling a little Scots whisky on this walk :

Yesterday’s short walk to Muir of Ord’s Distillery

And Liesbet is keeping us fit with a bit of rock scrambling :

WW- Gorham Mountain Train in Acadia NP, Maine

But there’s a gentler way too :

The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, ME

Susan has made it to the Baltic, and found a parade and some idyllic shops :

Walking Stockholm, Sweden

Or how about a crazy but beautiful Art Party, with Kathrin?

Anne & Mark’s Art Party 2016

Get those trumpets ready to sound the fanfare! Here comes Badfish :

Strolling Through Prague : One fine day- Part 1

There won’t be another Monday walk until 17th October. Sounds ages away, doesn’t it? I’ll try to keep in touch but I don’t have WiFi in the Algarve. It’s wonderful just to switch off from social media and indulge in friends and places. I’ll miss you, so please take care of yourselves while I’m gone.

Jo’s Monday walk : Water of Leith, Edinburgh

I do find Edinburgh an entrancing city, and one that has so many aspects! I hopped off the train at Waverley Station into dire Scots weather, determined to make the most of my two days. Holyrood Palace was on my list, and I reveled in all of its history. A proposed hike up Arthur’s Seat was doomed by the veil of mist, but I still had another card up my sleeve. There’s something mysterious sounding about the Water of Leith, and I was all set to unravel the mystery.

“A silver thread in a ribbon of green”. How inviting that sounds. The Water of Leith Walkway extends for 12 and a half miles, the river rising in the Pentland Hills, and flowing out to sea at the Port of Leith. I intended to walk only part of its length, as my accommodation was close to an access point at Dean Bridge. Designed by Thomas Telford and built in 1832, the bridge loftily spans a gorge, en route for South Queensferry. I could see the pathway, winding beneath the bridge, but no obvious way down there, as private gardens border the river. I had to backtrack, down through Dean Village, only to find that section closed due to subsidence.

Dean Village is the site of Lindsay’s Mill, one of eleven water-powered mills that rumbled through this valley in the 17th century. The weir held back the flow of water to drive the mills. Nowadays the area has been converted to smart modern homes but reminders of the past are everywhere, if you look. Bell’s Brae was a granary, built in 1675. I left the dog having his splash in the water and climbed back up to the bridge. When a nice old gentleman pointed me in the direction of Stockbridge, I set off to rejoin the walkway.

I love the feeling of being in the countryside, in the middle of the city, and it wasn’t long before I’d edged away from smart Stockbridge and its stylish waterside homes. Arboretum Avenue hints strongly at the Botanic Gardens, not too far away. The path dodges and weaves from one river bank to another, and I’m pleased to spot a reassuring sign. Still on track!

There are bridges aplenty and I’m rather glad I’d printed off details of the walk, or I’d never be sure when to cross over. The terraced houses are the Stockbridge Colonies, originally built by a cooperative to provide low cost housing for mill workers. At Canonmills I again leave the river, to cross a busy street and yet another bridge. My attention is caught by a young man, whose eyes are fixed on the river. Following his gaze I’m thrilled to see a large heron, unperturbed by the presence of humans.

Flood gates control this stretch of river, a warning that things are not always so tranquil. Ducks peck and glide. A parkland opens up before me and, around the corner, a lovely surprise. A fast flowing weir is home to a pair of swans who preen for my delectation.

Ahead lies a quirky section, where I pass through an industrial estate with a sense of humour. I know that I’m not too far from Leith, where I hope to relax and enjoy the evening sunshine. This walk has been full of surprises.

Just one last bridge to go and I’ve reached the Shore of Leith. A place full of history, it started life as a medieval settlement and merged with the city of Edinburgh in 1920. The port is still a commercial enterprise but old Leith has a wealth of charm.

In the quiet of late afternoon I read the displays telling me that Leith was once bustling with activity as tall masted ships unloaded their cargoes. Fish, coal, grain and hides were exported to northern Europe and the Med, in return for wine, fruit, spices and cloth. As ships grew too large for this shallow river mouth, the harbour was moved north. New life has been breathed into old bones and the result is a pleasing melange.

Let’s sit a while with Sandy, with his gently smiling face, before we take a closer look at the Royal Navy War Memorial. The details are on a display board in the square facing the water. Calm reigns supreme under Sandy’s benign gaze.

So many facts, I can’t begin to reproduce them all, but if you delve into this Wikipedia link I’m sure you’ll find something of interest. I didn’t have time to walk as far as the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s former floating home, now docked at Ocean Terminal. Reason to come back one day?

A fascinating place, I think you’ll agree? I didn’t intend for this post to be so long, so my apologies if I don’t offer you haggis, neeps and tatties. Just take my word for it- they were delicious. Kettle on time, at last!

Thank you so much for your indulgence and your generous support. Again I have some wonderful walks to share and it’s all thanks to you. If you’d like to join in at all, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or click on my logo above. You’ll be very welcome.

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Always charming, often funny and never boring. It has to be Drake, doesn’t it?

Speedy walk on water

I’ll never be able to produce jaw-dropping photography like Cardinal’s, but I can admire :

A Walk Through Praha- Part 2

I cannot resist sharing Meg. She finds such pleasure in the small things in life :

Walking Warsaw with a friend

And rather more seriously, some Polish history :

A walking tour of Jewish Warsaw

BiTi’s here again, with some great photos. Shame I’m no cook!

Ballymaloe Cooking School Gardens

Remember Smidge? I stepped back into her territory last week so I thought I’d give her a shout :

I heart North Berwick

And for those of you who don’t know, lucky Sue lives on Samos in Greece :

The house with the pink shutters- The Potter, Samos Island

You know that game, ‘Where’s Wally?’ I’m playing ‘Where’s Susan?’ :

Walking Oslo, Norway

Kathrin takes us down Memory Lane to an area of Cologne in Germany :

My weekly ramble

Delighted to welcome Amanda to my walks. Make sure you don’t miss this one!

Hanging Around in Helsinki – Part II

That’s it for another week! Perhaps now is a good time to tell you that I have one more walk for you next week and then I’ll be taking a 2 week break in the Algarve. Poor me! If you’d like to join me next week get those walks in soon. Have a happy one!

Jo’s Monday walk : Rosedale, sheep and heather

The North York Moors are all about the sheep! They have a very important role to play in managing these moors. In late summer, plum and purple swathes of heather swaddle the moorland. Cocooned in this bounty, red grouse nest, feeding their young on juicy shoots of heather. For centuries sheep grazing has been the traditional way of keeping the heather short and encouraging new growth. Without the heather, highly invasive bracken would take over, destroying the habitat.

I love the wildness of the Moors and can’t get enough of them in their rose-hued mantle. The weather up there has a mind of its own, and I was a little disappointed to leave sunshine at home and descend into Rosedale in gloom. Nothing for it but to hope that the rain kept off.

The calves were feeling frisky, the field of sweetcorn swayed in the breeze, and at the camp site someone had the kettle ready. As luck would have it, the wind eventually swept away the clouds, but you can never be quite sure.

The walk starts beside Sycamore Farm, just before the village of Rosedale Abbey. A track leads downhill and over a stream. Crossing a field, Blakey Ridge looms ahead. Don’t worry! I don’t expect you to climb to the heights. Instead, turn right to follow a lane through the tiny hamlet of Thorgill.

Suddenly the sun peeps out, and what could be more tempting than this flight of steps? My husband shakes his head. The sign says Farndale, and that means up and over the top. I can’t resist just a quick look at the tumble of cottages. And a plum tree, alone in a field.

Over the top? Maybe another day. For now it’s gently upwards through Rosedale’s peaceful valley. And look how blue the sky has become!

Looking over the drystone wall, I spotted some Rosebay Willowherb. A fancy name for a wildflower. You probably don’t remember but there was a big clump of it in my last walk. Badfish asked me jokingly if you could smoke it. His latest post reveals a much more serious side. Don’t miss it!

Such a rural landscape and yet there are still traces of an industrial past. If you look into the distance you can see the dramatic remains of the East Mines, and the colour of the water in the River Seven might give you a clue what was mined there.

Rosedale East Mines opened in 1865. Visible today are the remains of the calcining kilns, where ironstone was roasted to eliminate impurities and reduce its weight. The iron ore was taken by rail from Rosedale over the moorland to Ingleby, where it was lowered down the northern edge of the moors by tramway on the 1-in-5 gradient Ingleby Incline. It would have been anything but peaceful as up to 15 wagons at a time were steam hauled around the top of the valley.

It was brutally hard work in the mines. It has been described as a ‘regular slaughter place’ where ‘both men and horses are getting killed and lamed every day’. Despite this the mines continued in operation until the General Strike of 1926.

These days the silence is only broken by birdsong, cows lowing and the occasional growl of a tractor. The farm with an idyllic view had a runaway mother hen as I passed by. She clucked anxiously back and forth, trying to chivvy her offspring back through the fence. I watched at a discreet distance till I was sure all were safe, before heading past the former miner’s cottages and back to my start point.

The village of Rosedale Abbey is barely a mile down the road. It was named for a Cistercian Priory, founded in 1158, of which only a fragment remains today. The main attraction is the village green, and a choice of two cafes or a pub. I can highly recommend Graze on the Green. One of the best scones I’ve ever eaten. (and you know I’ve had my share!)

Nutrition accomplished, it’s time to go and seek out some of that glorious heather. The road back across the moors dips and twirls, offering up breathtaking views as you crest Blakey Ridge. ‘Pull in, pull in!’ I admonished the partner, careless of what might be behind us on the narrow road.

Some of you know what happens next. The edges of the moors road have a little ditch where the rain drains off. Out I leapt and straight into a ditch, with a sickening jar to my ankle. Why do these things happen to me? Careless, that’s why! It was some minutes before I could take the desired photos, but here they are. The sheep never even blinked.

I’m still a bit of a hop-along but I’m getting there. So glad you could join me. The Rosedale Abbey website offers a wealth of helpful details, and I even noted a ‘Tea Shop walk’. Sound promising?

Huge thanks to everybody for offering up your walks to share, and for ambling along on mine. I love your company. If you’d like to join me, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo. Settle in now for a good read!

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Inspiration must surely be Drake’s middle name :

Whence inspiration arises

Food, fun and frolics in Canada, with Jackie :

Let’s Go to The EX!

If you’re still hungry, head on over to Violet’s place :

Ribfest

Nothing I like more than a touch of Capability Brown! And fuzzy sheep! Thanks, Elaine :

Charlecote Park

A lovely old house and a sculpture trail sounds good to me. BiTi will show you round :

Ballymaloe House- Part 1

A Yorkshireman in NZ has found a place that looks like home. Please go and say hi?

Pineapple Track, Dunedin

My favourite early riser takes us for a twirl by the Wisła. Thanks, Meg. You’re always a joy to accompany :

Vignettes from a morning walk, 8

Random, but comprehensive! That’s Prague through Cardinal’s lens :

A Walk Through Praha

From Italy next I’d like to introduce Discovermarche, with a fun walk :

Li Vurgacci : among waterfalls and rock monsters

And if you’ve always wondered about the German capital, take a trip with Kathrin :

Berlin, I love you!

That’s it for another week. I’m hoping to post on Thursday but I might be a bit slow with my comments. I’ll be in Edinburgh, waiting to meet up with the delectable Jude. Take care till then!

Jo’s Monday walk : South Shields to Souter

Many of you seemed to enjoy my visit to the Tall Ships Regatta at Blyth last week, so I decided to stay on this same coastline for today’s walk. South Shields is just a little way down the coast, and if you look closely at the photo above you might just make out a Tall Ship on the horizon.

I’ve brought her a little closer! She was just hovering offshore, admiring the view.

As you can see it’s a rugged coastline, but the Blue Flag beach at South Shields is superb. We’ll start our walk from the car park behind the beach, along the new promenade. In the distance Tynemouth Priory is just visible, across the river mouth.

Walking south, in the direction of Souter Lighthouse, the sand is lovely and firm beneath my feet. At the end of the beach a path leads up to The Leas, and from there it’s 2.5 miles of coastal footpath to Souter Lighthouse.

I’m not going to talk much today. I’ll simply let you enjoy the humps and bumps of scenery. It’s a sight that always fills me with awe.

I was astounded when reading the information board in Frenchman’s Bay. I knew, of course, that this area was once popular with smugglers. What I didn’t realise was just how much coastal erosion had changed the landscape, and the timescale involved. This bay was once sandy and wooden steps led down to the beach. Long, long before that, these rocks were formed- 245 million years ago, when South Shields lay close to the Equator.

In the far distance I can make out Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Rock. The Rock is a 30 metre high sea stack of magnesium limestone and periclase. These days it’s only home to seabirds, though once it was joined to the land. At this point I turn back. I’ve visited Souter Lighthouse before, as the link will show, and I have a different goal in mind today.

I’m heading back towards the River Tyne and South Shields, and the mighty pier that stretches 1,570 metres out to sea. I keep an eye on the Tall Ship, out at sea, and am delighted to find that my arrival coincides nicely with hers. Tynemouth Priory, on the far shore, is beautiful in close up.

South Pier is an astonishing length and I’m entranced by the railway lines that once ran along it. I would love to bombard you with statistics and information but I’m finding myself sadly short of time. South Shields has a fascinating history and the Wikipedia link will give you all the facts you need.

It was a lovely day and we wandered into South Marine park, licking an icecream. The boating lake and miniature steam train were busy, and I was pleased to see Shields thriving. I know you’ll be gasping for a cuppa, and I can only apologise that this post is picture heavy, and not as factual as I would like.

Thank you so much for the many and varied contributions I’ve received to my walks this week. I struggle sometimes to keep up, but it’s always a joy to share with you. Please join me, if you’d like. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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Paula always knows how to make me happy :

Hell’s Mouth – Not so Hellish

Lady Lee knows a good-looking city when she sees one. She’s lived in this one for 27 years!

A Day in Munich

Jackie does us proud this week with some fabulous murals :

Islington Village of Murals

And Cardinal treats us to the sight of his ass- suitably clothed, of course!

The Majestic Jotunheimen

Kathrin has heaps of sea glass to share, but you musn’t take it away from the beach :

Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

Check out what Liesbet gets up to mid-week? Lovely sunsets and sideways houses!

Feeling the Bern in Burlington, VT- a Mid-week “Weekend Away”

Fancy a bit of teeter-tottering with Violet? You’ve come to the right place!

Heritage Village

Drake has us stepping back into the past too. Always with a smile :

Just around my corner

Stained glass fans? Step right this way! BiTi has some beauties :

La Couvertoirade Village

Spectacular walking with Cathy this week. 16,453 steps in total, but you do get to stop for lunch!

Iceland’s Golden Circle : Gulfoss and Geysir

Yvette is content to share the simple wonders of the beach. Timeless images and wiggly ones!

Simple Things at the Beach

Susan gives a very personal take on her impressions of Berlin :

Walking Berlin, Germany

I simply had to steal this one away from Meg! I know this palace, but had no idea of its splendours :

Palace on the island

And I know that Meg will approve Susan’s architectural details too :

Art in the details : Looking up in the Financial District

That’s it folks! Hope you enjoyed it, and that you have a happy week ahead. See you soon!

Jo’s Monday walk : Tall Ships Regatta at Blyth

You might know that I couldn’t stay away from a Tall Ships return to the north east of England. I spent 4 happy days admiring them when the race came to Hartlepool in 2010. This time it was the turn of Blyth, on the Northumberland coast. I didn’t think you’d object to coming along and having a look over my shoulder. I can promise you a little fun, and a pirate or two.

Although it’s only 50 miles north of me, and the birthplace of my late Aunt Isa, I have seldom visited Blyth. I was surprised at the amount of information it generates in Wikipedia. The name Blyth comes from the river of that name which flows through the town, blithe being an old English adjective meaning ‘merry’ or ‘gentle’. Isa would have liked that. Back in her day the town thrived on the industries of coal mining and shipbuilding. During the First and Second World Wars the local shipyards built many ships for the Royal Navy. Among them, the first aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal, in 1914. Like many another, the town has struggled to reinvent itself for the changing times. A visit from the Tall Ships is a real coup.

What a thing of beauty they are! I knew my Dad would be bursting with pride at the Polish representatives. Dar Młodzieży, The Gift of Youth, is a Polish sail training ship and the largest of the ships present. It made me smile that comparatively tiny Fryderyk Chopin is the youngest of the Polish Tall Ships. Let’s stroll along the Quayside and take a closer look.

The British contingent was headed up by Lord Nelson, the flagship for the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Their mission is to promote the integration of people with disabilities, enabling them to meet the challenge of sailing tall ships on the open seas. Quite a formidable challenge it seemed to me, as I looked up at all the ropes and pulleys.

Next in line I found Oosterschelde, the last remaining representative of a large fleet of schooners that sailed under the Dutch flag in the early 20th century. The name comes from the eastern part of the River Schelde, which flows through Belgium and the Netherlands on its way to the sea.

Now I realise that not all of you share my fascination with ships. Let me just introduce you to a pirate ship and then your attention can wander. The Shtandart is a replica of the 1703 frigate built by Peter the Great, in St. Petersburg, Russia. You can imagine the excitement that this one generates, with its swashbuckling appearance. I think it had the longest queues for boarding. And where there’s a pirate ship… “arr, Jim lad!”

In addition to the amazing vessels themselves, every effort has been made to beguile and entertain. There are fairgrounds, trading stalls, and a grand stage. An invitation to observe the activities of Port of Tyne includes a wind hub and renewable energies centre, looking to the future. A band marches smartly past, and I cease the opportunity to ‘guess the number of Lego bricks’. A minibreak to Amsterdam surely has my name on it!

Strolling on into Ridley Park, I’m glad to see that the children have not been neglected. Magicians perform their tricks, eliciting broad smiles from the parents and the usual serious attention of the youngsters. I applaud the dexterity, and cheer along with the crowd.

But it’s impossible to ignore the presence of the great ladies. Their masts loom on the waterfront and the crowd sways toward them. Some of the ships are open to the public for a few hours each day. The Polish ships and Lord Nelson have already closed but I still have one option.

My Dutch friend comes with a bonus. Tethered just behind her is the clipper Morgenster. When I have looked my fill I can clamber over into the smaller ship. I’m helped aboard by a smiling crew, and just look at this little beauty!

See what I mean about all those ropes and pulleys? Morgenster has an interesting history. She started life in 1919 as a herring lugger named Vrouw Maria. In 1927 she was motorised and given her current name. She worked as a fishing boat until 1970, when she was sold and used for sport fishing day trips. Certification problems led to her being sold again, this time to a Rotterdam singer, who apparently wanted to use her for ether piracy. Prosecution was unsuccessful but the ship was allowed to degenerate into a terrible condition. Happily she was bought in 1983 and lovingly restored. It would not be until 2008 that she made her way back to sea. The life of a boat! Many such facts are found in the event guide.

Nothing more to do now than absorb the atmosphere of so many people having a good time. At the main stage the Irish Dance music has toes tapping. Mine too! It was a reluctant farewell from me.

I hope you didn’t mind my little bit of self indulgence. The event guide has full details, just in case you can make it in time for the Parade of Sail this afternoon. Torrential rain caused car park difficulties on Sunday but the skies are clear again today. A cuppa now, I think!

Many thanks to all of you who read and encourage me each week, not to mention those who walk with me. As always I have some great walks to share. If you’d like to join me at any time, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. You’ll be very welcome. Just click on the logo above.

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Starting with a bit more of Toronto from Jackie this week. Quite a big bit, in fact!

High Park

Walking with tigers could be dangerous! You’d better stay on the bus :

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Violet Sky has some quirky carvings for you this week. You’ll like them!

Carvings

Kathrin has a beautiful time spotting elks, and admiring ferns :

Fern Canyon, Humboldt County

This city has been waiting for me eternally! I’ll get there one day, Biti!

Rome again

The rough with the smooth with Drake this week, and some superb shots :

Quiet flows the River Rhine

A perilously placed chateau caught my eye, over at Denzil’s place :

Modave: A Chateau and a Country Walk

Not so far away, Susan check’s out Amsterdam’s rival. A good-looking city!

Walking Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Make time for a canalside stroll with Adam and Harriet? I’ve done some of this one :

Kennet and Avon Canal – Bath to Bradford-on-Avon

And Becky just barely scraped in! I haven’t even had time to read it yet!

Returning to Wells for an ecclesiastical stroll

Wishing you all a very happy week, and if you can make it to Blyth today I can highly recommend it. Take care till next time!

Jo’s Monday walk : Canalside in Skipton

What drew me to Skipton, in the Yorkshire Dales, for our wedding anniversary? Heaven knows, I’m no cricket fan (sorry, Freddie!) Why boats, of course! This little market town is at the heart of a network of canals where I could walk the towpaths to infinity. (well, Liverpool is 99 miles away- that’s infinity to my husband’s way of thinking, but then he’s a cricket lover)

Skipton sits on the River Aire and the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Perfect for walking. York is a mere 38 miles away. Is that too ambitious? It was only an overnight stay, so boundaries would definitely have to be set.

In any case, the canal basin seemed like a good place to start. I had an ancient town guide to hand and one of its recommends was a walk along Springs Canal. This takes you around the back of Skipton Castle and promises fine views. Unfortunately it was dull, verging on damp, at the time so my photos are much less splendid than I would have liked.

Continuing past an old sawmill, the walk weaves through Skipton Woods, a leafy stroll, and a favoured promenade since Victorian times. It’s an atmospheric place, yet busy with dog walkers. A circuit takes you past the Round Dam and parallel to the Long Dam, before climbing steps to follow the top edge of the wood, back into town via The Bailey.

At this point you might want to visit Skipton Castle. Dating back to 1090, it is a wonderfully preserved Medieval castle, with an early Tudor courtyard. I’ve visited the castle before, but not the neighbouring 14th century Holy Trinity Church.

Emerging onto the High Street, I found the market in full swing. I hadn’t come to shop, but there was ample opportunity and I enjoyed the lively atmosphere. More to my taste, the ‘ginnels’ and narrow alleyways linking many of the side streets. I couldn’t resist a few brollies for Meg, but then it was time to eat. And just to prove that I don’t only eat cake…

A saunter down delightfully cobbled Sheep Street offers plenty of choices. The Three Sheep Tea Rooms has remarkably fine cake, and I can vouch for the pear and apple chutney. Even though I managed to squidge some down my white trousers! Time to get back to the canals.

The day was brightening beautifully, and I crossed over Belmont Bridge to join the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Few things delight my heart more than a narrowboat. Wreathed in smiles I set off, reveling in such beautiful surroundings.

There are all manner of diversions along the way. Curious wildlife inspect the prowess of the boat crews. “Hold steady while I take this selfie!” “Watch out for those cows!” Just when all is going smoothly, lock gates present a challenge.

So much to love! Smiling faces on board, and on the towpath. Boat names. Pretty gardens to admire. A slow, peaceful way of life.

All too soon I have to return to the canal basin, for one last linger. Watching the canal boats depart for their half hour trips, I strike up a conversation with a couple, over a drink outside The Boat House. They used to own a barge in Belgium, and are as enamoured with the narrowboats as I am. It obviously suited Freddie Trueman too. He made his home in The Dales and the dynamic statue by Graham Ibbetson is a fine tribute.

I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing my anniversary walk with me. It’s been a pleasure to take you along. Time now for my second cup of coffee!

Many thanks to you all again for sharing and caring this week. The weather’s been great and I’ve barely been indoors. Got to make the most, don’t you? I have some wonderful walks to share. If you’d like to join in any time, it’s pretty easy. Just click on the logo or take a look at my Jo’s Monday walk page. You’ll be very welcome.

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Who knew a walk round a pumping station could be so interesting? Thanks a lot, Violet Sky!

High Level

Take a ride through some lovely countryside with Lady Lee?

Thekkady Jeep Safari

My good friend Leya is joining us with some real enchantment this week. Please pay her a visit :

The Enchanted Monastery

In case you were in any doubt, Debbie shows us just how beautiful is Corsica :

Stroll around Ile Lavezzi

No place like Glasgow! Just ask Anabel. She knows!

Glasgow’s Clyde

Got to love Jackie’s energy! Toronto is another good-looking city :

Summer in the City

Liesbet knows I love waterfalls. They always make a walk worthwhile :

Hiking to Tannery Falls

You could say Drake is a black pearl. What do you think?

A pearl without a hard shell

Laia reflects on life in beautiful Switzerland. Wish I was there!

A walk along the Lake Leman

Please welcome Hanna to my walks. She’ll show you a little of life in wonderful Copenhagen :

An Entertaining Stroll in The Citadel

I didn’t have Elaine down as a wicked temptress, did you? But just look at the evidence!

A blustery afternoon in Largs

You couldn’t find a greater contrast than our Becky, in the Algarve. Blue skies and beautiful wildflowers :

A stroll down memory lane, also known as PR5

Lovely Gilly has found a calm and peaceful place this week. Come with us and enjoy!

Buckfast Abbey

That’s it for another week. It’s a Bank Holiday next Monday and I don’t hold out much hope for the weather. I’ll still be here though. And smiling! Take care till then.

Jo’s Monday walk : Scarecrow fun in Kettlewell

This week photo quality has lost out to Fun. I’m hoping you won’t mind though, because it’s all in a good cause. The village of Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales is throwing open its doors, from 13th to 21st August. I know it’s short notice, but you won’t regret a visit.

The scarecrow festival has been running here for more than 20 years, and it must have been in its infancy when I last visited. Coming over the tops from a rain-soaked Malham, sunlight beamed across the valley. An afternoon of smiles had begun, and what a cast of characters!

It is the most picturesque of villages, and the surrounding scenery could steal any show. A field just beyond the village has been earmarked for parking, at a cost of £3. Smiling villagers direct traffic, and sell trail leaflets for a further one pound. The map shows the route to follow through the village, with the added bonus of a riddle to solve on the reverse. For a prize, of course.

Food is widely available, and everywhere a gentle Yorkshire sense of humour prevails. There are village matrons, with a refined glass or two. A maypole, with scarecrow children dancing, and Red Riding Hood, tucked quietly in a corner. Someone always ends up in the stocks, and someone else gets eaten, while a soldier looks gravely on.

The festival has grown hugely since my last visit, but still retains warmth and intimacy. I chat freely as I wander. ‘Isn’t it lovely to be here?’ One lady says she lives in Skipton, at the head of the Dales and just a few miles down the road, but has never thought to come before. This time the whole family are here, and having a great day out.

One of my best memories is the lovely bridal scene outside St. Mary’s Church. Now the doors of the church have been flung wide, and inside the bishop awaits. He’s in wonderful company.

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There are many crowd pleasers and figures from popular culture, and all within the most beautiful setting.

There is the prettiest of village greens, and beekeeper’s rule, you’ll be glad to note. Hard to stop smiling, isn’t it?

‘Star Wars’ is a obviously a village favourite, along with ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’, of course.

‘Ding, dong, the witch is dead! Which old witch? The wicked witch.’ I hope you’ve had as much Fun with this stroll as I did. It’s not at all the walk I intended to post today, but the timing makes it imperative- just in case you should be in the neighbourhood. I’ve only shown you a fraction of the whole but I hope it’s enough to whet your appetite. The proceeds all go to the school and village funds.

Even if you miss the festival, you will still receive a warm Kettlewell welcome. This website guides you round the village, accompanied by a wealth of historical facts. And now, I really must have some breakfast!

Many thanks to you all again, for your good company and contributions this week. If you’ve never joined in with a Monday walk before, I’d love you to do so. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo. Now, settle in for a terrific read :

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Debbie was swift away this week, with a stunning coastal walk :

Maidencombe to Babbacombe

Meet Judith, as she shares some lovely woodland walking in France :

A Path Through the Woods

Jackie does history again, coupled with a nice bit of sculpture :

Canary District

High in beautiful Andorra is a fine place to be with Drake :

Morning mood on the edge

You all know Cindy? Glorious photography is her middle name :

Eastern Sierra High

Do you find Meg’s graffiti disturbing, or not? Don’t be a fool like me- click on the gallery!

Vignettes from a morning walk- 7

Pretty and peaceful with Jaspa, in the capital of Slovenia :

The Streets of Ljubljana Old Town

Anyone fancy meeting Jude in Coffee House Passage? Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Scrobbesbyrig/Shrewsbury : Town Trail Part 2

Get set for pagodas and shopping! That’s Cathy in Myanmar for you :

City Walk : Yangon’s Colonial Treasures

Anyone for waffles? Don’t mind if I do, Susan :

Walking Brugge, Belgium, Without Regrets

Mesmerising colours in Kathrin’s walk this week. I know you’ll love it :

Garfield Peak Trail, Crater Lake

That’s it for another week. I hope you have a good one. Next week I’ll be showing you a little more of what took me to The Dales. The ladies from Monday Escapes are about again, if you’d like to join them. And, of course, I’m up for the Daily Post challenge.

Jo’s Monday walk : Burton Agnes

I promised you a gentle stroll this week, far from the bustle of the city. Burton Agnes, in East Yorkshire, will deliver in spades. I can find you a bench or two to loiter on, and maybe a game of chess or snakes and ladders. Too taxing? You can do what I did, and simply stand and smile.

There’s much to smile about at this Elizabethan stately home. The elegant facade looks over a sweeping expanse of the Yorkshire wolds, but the owners have retained a sense of playfulness in the gardens. They are a joy to behold.

When I was there they were setting up a grand marquee for the July jazz event. The weather was steamy, as it rarely is in England, and the ice cream vendor was in full flow. Or should I say scoop?

You’ll know by now that I have a thing for water lilies and reflective surfaces. I could have played all day.

Gryphons, lions, statuary, all come as standard in these formal gardens.

But come on! We’ve mosaics and a rose garden yet to explore.

Can you see what lies beyond the rose arbour? Anyone for chess? Or draughts? Maybe the ladies would be better at snakes and ladders.

The rooms lead one to another, with tantalising glimpses of distraction. The reflections soon entrance me all over again.

The roses smell wonderful and I bury my nose deep into their luscious beauty.

‘I’ve found an elephant’, says the other half. Really? And a very endearing creature he is too.

It’s such a delightful garden, with so many aspects. Do you remember the wire mesh gardener tending his veg? He’s here too.

I believe there’s an Open Day for charity, so I can join Jude’s Garden Challenge this month. I expect she’ll be disappointed there’s no cake, but I have a good reason. This was the second garden we visited that day and we’d already eaten. It was quite a long way from home, but well worth the journey. I’ll show you the other garden soon. That was a water lily bonanza!

A closer look at these gardens and instructions on how to get there are on the website. I’m off to put the kettle on for breakfast.

Many thanks to all of you for being such loyal supporters. Every week I’m delighted by the contributions you make to my walks. If you’d like to join me and haven’t done so it’s easy enough. The details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above. If I spot a good walk when I’m reading posts, I’ll simply ask if I can include it. We have some great ones again this week.

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Starting with some beautiful gardens from Lady Lee :

Packwood Gardens

Cathy takes us to a stately home in the US, as well as it’s lovely garden :

Winterthur Museum, garden & library : a Delaware country estate

I’m discovering that Jackie is rather fond of history!

A history lesson

A hot, prickly walk from Ana. And keep an eye out for rattlers! Heavens!

The trail to Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park

Liesbet uses camping as a means to an end- ‘roaming about’, of course :

The Art of Being Flexible (and Realistic)

I always like something a bit different in my walks. How about this one? Thanks, Shazza!

Llama Trekking in the Lakes

A great one for the bird watchers from Denzil this week (paying attention Becky?) :

Het Zwin Nature Park on the Belgian Coast

This is a country I’ve always wanted to visit, and a very beautiful post from Maris Travels :

Walking in the Japanese Alps

The Pyrenees are equally beautiful, especially if you’re with my good friend Drake :

A bit higher level of walking

Warsaw street life and a fantasy of umbrellas – it’s Meg, of course!

Vignettes from a morning walk-6

Meet newcomer to my walks, Stephanie and the crew of S.V. Cambria, with a bit of a mystery :

A Walk on the Wild Side/Downtown Ocean Falls

Yvette embraces summer with her usual enthusiasm, and beautiful Crepe Myrtle :

Street Shots (#summer2016 a to z Letter S) summer walk with Jo

Come and be nosy with Susan (and me) while we look over a few fences :

Walking Cherbourg, France

Some people keep on dangling serious temptation my way. You know who you are, Carol!

A Morning in Port Douglas

Becky and birds are synonymous, aren’t they? Even in Lymington, it seems :

Didn’t get very far because of the birdies

That’s it for another week. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did. Now, where can I take you next week? Take care till then.

Jo’s Monday walk : City of Birmingham (24 hours in Brum)

Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham, stormed my senses from the moment I first saw it. Approaching by coach from the north, I gazed in horror at the piles of rubble and the cranes, skulking behind billboards. In these testing times, it felt not a little like the scene of a recent disaster. But I needn’t have worried. Apparently Birmingham is constantly reinventing itself, and I very much liked where my footsteps led me.

Frugality being one of my traits, I was staying a little off the beaten track. As I raised my camera to take a shot of some Lemonade Fizzballs in a shop window, I was unaware that I was colliding with the city’s industrial past. The Back to Backs on Hurst St. are all that is left of the cheap housing, swiftly erected to cope with the boom times of the Industrial Revolution. Every imaginable type of industry thrived in Birmingham at that time. James Watt, Matthew Boulton and William Murdoch, the luminaries in my lead photo, were pioneers and members of the Lunar Society- a melting-pot of scientific and industrial ideas. I hesitate to admit that ‘rag rugs’ are part of my childhood memories.

Directly opposite, ‘The Old Fox Theatre Bar’ gave me a warm welcome, as it waited for customers from The Hippodrome Theatre. The area adjoins Chinatown. Noodle bars galore and a feast of eating opportunities. The following morning was not quite so welcoming, and I returned to the city in a fine drizzle. Still, I had a smile on my face, for I was going to be Meeting Gilly. The couple of hours till her arrival time were not to be wasted, and I set off in a clockwise direction. The landmark buildings The Mailbox and The Cube were on my agenda.

Cheerful lanterns lit the path beneath the subway, then I dripped my way up The Mailbox steps. What a revelation!

The Mailbox is a combination of art gallery and shopping complex, within the structure of Brum’s old postal sorting office. I was in need of a little warmth and comfort, and the tulip-shaped chairs of the Bellini & Espresso Bar were pure invitation.

Just as I was settling in to a mouthful of luxury, the alarm bells began to ring and a stern voice announced that an investigation was taking place. Evacuation might soon be called for! Fortunately, nothing further occurred, but just for a moment…

All too soon I was back on the streets, if anything, even damper than before. Well, if I was going to be wet, I might as well head for the canals. Boats always boost my mood. As I turned the corner to The Cube, I glimpsed water. Closely followed by soggy boats and dripping padlocks!

You might recollect that this pub in Gas Street Basin is where, later, I ate with Gilly. The vegetarian menu looked promising, if a little damp! As I looked back at The Cube, I thought I saw just a hint of sunlight. Was I fooling myself?

Back under the subway, I headed along Navigation St. in the direction of New Street Station. This building had been beckoning to me for a closer look ever since my arrival in Birmingham. A futuristic train shape, from a distance it intrigued. Close quarters revealed a multitude of reflections.

And THEN my eyes lit up. Trams! A source of much childish delight for me. I studied their comings and goings for a few minutes, but it was almost time to go and meet my accomplice for the day. The skies had brightened at last as I headed towards the coach station. Just as I was consulting my map, looking for an elusive Mill Lane, a burst of sunny rain hit me. Up went the brolly again, and I hopped onto the steps of a small, friendly-looking police station. Seconds later, my phone rang. ‘Where are you?’ a smiling voice asked.

Now I don’t know quite why, but a little voice inside my head was singing ‘if you want to know the way, ask a policeman!’ Well, why not? In I went, and the police were every bit as friendly as their station looked. They insisted on going online to find Mill Lane for me. By the time they had done so, my ray of sunshine had arrived. Grinning from ear to ear.

Meeting Gilly tells the story of our day. Linking arms we set off, first in search of refreshment, and then in the general direction of Birmingham Library. A peep inside St. Martin in the Bullring was just enough to reveal the ravishing stained glass windows by local artist, Edward Burne-Jones. (Sorry- no photos allowed). Bypassing The Bullring, reincarnated in style, and on into New Street, where we both delighted to find old style shopping arcades with beautiful ceilings.

So much to love about Brum! By now I was starting to take the cranes and the billboards for granted. I could forgive much in a city with a library like this one. I wish I’d had time for the Secret Garden on the 7th floor and more than just a glimpse at the Shakespeare Memorial Room.

I guess what I’m saying is that 24 hours in Brum is not enough! I still need to know more about Brindley Place and the sensory clock. And we never did manage to fit in St. Philip’s Cathedral with it’s Burne-Jones stained glass masterpieces. Nor even try Fumo’s restaurant, recommended by my good friend Richard (A Bit of Culture) and the Rough Guide.

Get yourself a city map and take a walking tour. You won’t regret it! And now, for goodness sake, where’s the coffee?

Thank you so much everybody, for putting up with me and my rambles. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Birmingham with Gilly. If you have a walk you’d like to share, you can join me anytime. The details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or just click on the logo. And now the best bit- some wonderful shares!

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First past the post again this week! Drake’s lovely ‘home’ island :

Same style, but different

I missed one last week so humble apologies to Liesbet in Massachusetts :

(Super)Natural Wonders around us

Becky made me smile with some wonderful memories of Lisbon (and a bit of humph-ing!)

It’s a Monday so it must be time for a walk

And from the Azores… be still my beating heart! Thanks, Susan :

Walking and Walking and Walking in Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Prepare for a lot of knowledge about the Hurons! Jackie’s on the case :

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

Something a little different from BiTi this week :