Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : “Mind that hole!”

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

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

It was a little cloudy and cool when we set off

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

Like the sandbars, out in the bay

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

And flowering cacti, thriving in the sandy soil

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

In an open stretch, we came upon a well

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

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

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

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

Though the addition of certain art pieces is questionable

Though the addition of certain art pieces could be questioned?

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

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

Is it any wonder I like to linger here?

And linger some more!

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

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

The oleander are lovely this year!

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

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

And then you’re on an unremarkable bit of beach

With a dilapidated but very picturesque shack

Up ahead lies Fabrica (and most of our walkers)

Everywhere, boats bob in the water

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

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

It looks innocent enough, doesn’t it?

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

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

Drama over, we continued around the bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jo’s Monday walk : Barril beach

Barril beach

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

Look what runs alongside the footpath- too tempting!

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

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

Looking back over the pontoon to Pedras d'el Rei

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

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

The sea broome in delicate shades of lilac

The sea broom, flowering in delicate shades of lilac

Isn’t it pretty?

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

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

This one has tiny red ants crawling all over it!

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

The grasses and their seed heads fascinate me

Just bursting with life!

And then there’s this tiny, delicate flower

And the yellow guy again!

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

How about this one? An Aeonium?

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

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

I love the landscape

With the hump of Monchique always in the background

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

Cacti and aloe vera begin to take over

And you’re onto the boardwalk, at Barril beach

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

I liked the crisp catamaran beside the aged anchors

I like the modern catamarans, beached beside the ancient anchors

And there are beach bars , for refreshments

And there are beach bars too , for refreshment

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

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

Who doesn’t love the age of steam?

It carries water, beer and anything else the ilha needs

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

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

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

I guess I have to show you the beach!

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

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

Drake has us perilously climbing a French ruin :

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

You know Yvette loves art? Meet Modigliani! :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy walking, one and all!

Jo’s Monday walk : Sheepwash and the Moors

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

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

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

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

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

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

The National Trust has its priorities right in this area!

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

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

The countryside falls away below us

And we’re walking on the Cleveland Way

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

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

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

The waymarked trail leads off across the moors

With runnels to help the rains to drain away

And interesting whorls beneath your feet

The grasses a tapestry of colours

A tree, braving the elements, alone

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

The gate at the top of the hill

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

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

I always pause to look at the waterfall on Cod Beck

Cod Beck chuckles as it races down the steps

Two shiny red canoes! A rarity at the reservoir

Today they have company- it’s a school trip

But the goslings don’t appear to mind

The gorse is plentiful too

With just a few mallows at the water’s edge

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

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

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

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

Then Sue, slightly crazy in Calgary! :

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

And Drake, in the serenity of Samso :

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

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

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

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

Beautiful and British, stately homes with Elaine :

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

Pauline takes us ‘down under’ :

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

And Jude, in leafy green Ludlow :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yvette can tell you all about olive oil! :

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

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

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

Happy walking folks! Take care till next time.

Jo’s Monday walk : Beside the Wisła

Balon Widokowy and na Skalce

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

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

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

The swans seem happy enough

And there are riverboat restaurants to keep the people happy too

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

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

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

All kinds of craft use the waterway

In Krakow the tourist gondolas are numerous

In Krakow, there are numerous gondolas for the tourists

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

Underneath the arches, Wawel ever present in the background

Always, boats have me reaching for the camera

Gazing down into a tethered boat

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

The Pauline Church and Monastery

The grounds of the church are very beautiful

With a fountain and statue at its centre

With a fountain and statue at the centre

Tall columns and statues of bishops

Majestic heraldry

Combining modern and ancient

While Pope John Paul II looks tenderly on

While Pope John Paul II looks gently on

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

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

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

And sample a little szarlotka? (apple tart)

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

Ending as I began, with the hot air balloon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jo’s Monday walk : Las Wolski and Bielany

The spires of Bielany above the tree line

The spires of Bielany monastery, above the tree line

Every time we drive out to Balice, Kraków’s airport, I can’t help but look skywards at Bielany monastery, high above the tree tops. On the last day of my recent visit, I finally achieved my ambition to see it up close. Well- the outing didn’t go quite to plan!

If you saw my Six word Saturday you’ll know that the day started damp and drizzly but, undeterred, my cousin Adam drove us out to the Las Wolski woods and deposited us there. My rainproof jacket was about to be tested again.

A long sweep of pebbly drive carried us upwards through dense greenery and opened out at a large car parking area. We had reached the zoo! At 10 in the morning nobody much was about- just one inquisitive red squirrel, who didn’t stop to chat. We debated what to do while the weather cleared, and the zoo seemed a reasonable option.

The path through the woods

Zoological gardens!

I don’t know that I expected to find elephants in the woods

But the meerkats were keeping a sharp lookout

While the peacocks performed a merry dance

But my out and out favourite was this fella

My out and out favourite was this shy fella

And his friends- messy eaters, aren’t they?

But great at posing!

The sun was breaking through in patches by the time we left the zoo. A map gave us a rough direction, so into the dappled sunlight and shade we went, full of hope. It was really just a case of follow your nose. At crossroads I always defer to Michael’s choice because I never get it right! It was a lovely woodland wander, but the clues were scarce.

Excuse the grafitti near Bielany! You are here?

Finding a clearing with a woodcutter busy at work, I dug into the phrase book for the Polish word for monastery- klasztor! It didn’t sound quite right, but the woodcutter wasn’t phased by a grinning idiot in the woods. He waved his saw in an uphill direction, which seemed to make sense. It definitely would be at the top of a hill.

And so it was! The sun was radiant by now and the photo opportunity had me skipping forward, camera at the ready.

The entrance to the monastery

Promising, isn’t it?

And in the doorway, even better!

The artwork was beautiful

In each alcove, a pictorial

Saints or sinners?

But the door was firmly closed!

Should I ring the bell?

The temptation was too great. By now, you know that Michael had retreated to a safe distance. He didn’t want to incur the wrath of the monks! A sign by the door gave the opening times, and it seemed the last tour was at 11.30. It was now 11.45! If only we’d walked faster, or not spent so long with those giraffes.

Tentatively, I rang the bell, and waited. And waited. No sound from behind the doors. Should I ring again? Michael’s expression, from far away, down the path, suggested not, but what the heck! I had my idiot English grin at the ready. Still- nothing! They must be deep in prayer within? I had to content myself with taking what photos I could from the grassy courtyard.

If only I could get closer!

It looked so intriguing!

But there was nothing else to do but make our way down to the road, and seek out a bus back to the centre. It was a glorious afternoon and we spent our final hours in Kraków by the river.

Arriving home at teatime, I explained our adventures to the family, to be greeted with hilarious laughter. It seems that the monastery is open to the public just one day in the year. And to men only! Next time perhaps I should do a little more research before my walk. But back in the UK, I found this link, on Wikipedia. Confused? Me too, but I hope you enjoyed the walk anyway.

I’ve been sharing Monday walks for a while now, and I love it! Can’t wait to see where you take me this week. You can post a link in the comments below or in the body of your post, whichever you like. And no, you don’t have to walk on a Monday! I will add your link to the bottom of my post next week so that everybody gets to see them all. Half the fun is sharing! Happy walking!

Here are last week’s walks :

Don’t miss Pauline’s scarecrow-

http://pommepal.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/a-walk-in-a-heritage-garden/

Or Yvette’s video-

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/monday-walk-with-jo-canal-walk-video/

And you just know you’ll get a lovely poem with Viv-

http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/blooming-bocage/

Jo’s Monday walk : the Dunajec Gorge

Shall we start at the chair lift?

To be fair, I have so many photos it’s hard to know where to start! After the wedding, my Polish family were wonderfully indulgent of my wandering ways. I had booked into an old wooden villa for a couple of nights, in the upper part of the thermal spa town of Szczawnica, right down on the border with Slovakia.

Why there? Well, I already knew that the scenery in nearby Zakopane was beautiful. Part of the Tatra Mountain range, it is renowned for Summer hiking and for Winter sports. But, as always, I wanted to see somewhere new, yet still within reasonable distance of Kraków. The Pieniny Mountains are not so high, nor so busy, and they have a beauty all their own.

Szczawnica (rough pronounced ‘Sh-chav-nitsa’) sits in the river valley of the Grajcarek, a tributary of the Dunajec River which forms the border with Slovakia.

Come with me on my walk, and see what you think.

From the chair lift we’re going to walk alongside the river

Using this lovely boulevard

And crossing some of the many bridges

And sometimes looking back to check the view behind

Not forgetting to look back to check the view behind- peaceful, isn’t it?

This was one of my favourite houses- just look at that roof!

And always, the river, rushing along beside

After many twists and turns the Grajcarek flows into the Dunajec, and the beckoning scenery becomes much more dramatic.

One of my reasons for choosing Szczawnica is that it sits at the end of a stretch of the Dunajec famed for river rafting. Not the white knuckle ride that phrase might conjure up for you, but nevertheless, a strong test of the skills of the boatmen. The Dunajec Gorge drew me to the area.

Szczawnica przystan, or marina

The view from the landing stage

A peaceful island lures you for a closer look

A frail bridge lures you for a closer look

A rather strange bird, guarding his territory

At this strange bird, guarding his territory

No wonder the benches are empty!

And you never know what might lurk in the caves

I wonder what might lurk in these caves?

But the flora are delicate and pretty

The water and trees are so many different shades

The trees and water are a myriad of colour

And what do we find, patiently waiting on the river bank?

Wooden canoe trips have been organised through the Gorge since the early 19th Century, when customers came primarily from nearby castles at Niedzica and Czorstyn (more of these in a later post). The Gorge loops through the valley, the limestone rock reaching 300 metres in height almost all the way. It makes for some very beautiful walking and cycling, not to mention the opportunity to river raft.

Hues of gentle aquamarine

Still, smooth water

And interesting patterns in the cliff face

Wandering through light and shade

The deeper shadow adding an air of mystery

Families, walkers and cyclists all have access to this dramatic beauty, though Spring and Autumn are probably the times to see it at its peaceful best. In Summer and on public holidays there are mountain huts where you can find food and information.

I found this sign quite interesting

And then a further clue- welcome to Lesnica, written in Slovak

Without realising it I had crossed over the border into Slovakia, part of which is formed by the River Dunajec. It felt quite strange, and looking at the remaining distance to Cerwony Klastor (approximately 2 hours, according to the sign) it seemed a good time to retrace my steps. But not without first paying homage to one of the nation’s favourite sons, who loved to hike and ski in the mountains.

Just one more sign- a view dedicated to Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II)

The view is dedicated to Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II)

In no time at all I was back at the marina, with a hard-earned beer

Fast approaching, round a bend in the river, some boatmen!

Where I saw, fast approaching round a bend in the river, the boatmen!

But that needs to be the subject for another post. For now, I’m hoping that you’ve enjoyed our Monday walk. I certainly did!

If you’d like to join in, you’re more than welcome to add a link to a walk you’ve enjoyed in the comments, or to link back to me from your post. Either way, I really don’t mind. I try to keep it free and easy so you can join in any day of the week. The more beautiful walks, the better- right?

Whilst I was in Poland, kind people continued to contribute walks to cheer me up on my return. I’m delighted to be able to share them with you. Enjoy your walking. See you next time.

Way out in Western Australia we have Pauline, walking on the foreshore :

Geraldton Foreshore Walk

Sylvia is busy packing up her home in South Africa, but still found the time to cherish a few memories in her walk :

Sand Between the Toes for Jo’s Monday Walk Challenge.

Tish Farrell brought me back to her home in Much Wenlock, a beautiful part of Shropshire :

http://tishfarrell.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/much-lettered-at-much-wenlocks-poetry-festival/

A lovely surprise from a lady I’d not met, Gunilla, but will certainly spend some time with :

http://gbkoru.blogspot.fi/2014/05/bloggers-sunday-walk-spring.html

And last, but never least, my sunny friend from Virginia, USA- Cathy, with an arboretum walk :

the state arboretum of virginia

Here are some of this week’s walkers,

Paula has been to the zoo :

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/a-visit-to-the-zoo-part-ii/

And Elaine introduced me to Finsbury Park in London :

a walk in Finsbury Park

And who can resist Amy’s Iphoneography? (is that spelt right?) What that girl can do with a flower!

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/phoneography-for-jos-monday-walk/

We’re going to be busy reading this week, aren’t we?

Jo’s Monday walk : Nesbitt Dene

Thorpe Bulmer Farm

This week I’m going to take you for a simple little stroll from Hart Village, through Nesbitt Dene and back again. Hart is only 2km north of Hartlepool, and if I’m not walking on a beach, the chances are I’ll be somewhere near this village. It’s not very big, but has 2 pubs, a village hall (where I do t’ai chi on Wednesday mornings) and a lovely little church. More of this later. Time to put on the walking shoes.

From the main street, a public footpath sign directs you through a gap in the housing, down to a little stream and round to St. Mary Magdalene’s Church. Sometimes it’s open and you can take a look inside, but if the sky is blue we’ll keep on striding. A right turn onto Butts Lane will lead you out of the village, towards farm land. You’ll usually pass a nosy sheep or two on the way.

Today they look like teddy bears and are busy 'tucking in'.

These two look like teddy bears, busy ‘tucking in’.

There’s an old barn, of course

And sometimes hay ‘rolls’ in the fields.

The sea is over on your right, across the fields

The sea is over on your right,in the distance

The road heads gently up an incline, and you should carry on until you see Thorpe Bulmer Farm ahead of you. It’s a large white building and not easy to miss. When you reach the farm a path splits off to the left, taking you around the side of the farm to the lovely view in the top picture.

I was surprised by the bright yellow of the seats by the duck pond. Last year they were a more soothing duck egg blue. Either way, the ducks don’t seem to mind, and wouldn’t it be a nice spot to recline? But not for us! We’re going to the woods.

The leaves are unfurling nicely and there are hens in the farmyard

The leaves are unfurling nicely, and soon there will be a canopy of green

But the woods are still breathing quietly

But the woods are still a little sparse, and breathing quietly

Wood anemones flourish

Pine cones litter the path

And a twinkling or two might catch your eye

And celandines sparkle amid the green

Following the path to the side of the farm, you very soon come to the woods, on your right. There are a number of paths leading through them, crossing a little stream, and back out again. Take the steps down and over the bridge, then continue straight ahead.

Emerging from the dene you will see Nesbitt Hall across the fields ahead of you. It is a Grade ll listed building, dating from 1697. Keep it on your left hand side and follow the edge of the field.

Nesbitt Hall, and a lot of clouds!

The fields are full of rape seed at the minute

And great heaps of rolled hay

With rusty old bits of farming equipment

Not good for pollen sufferers, I’m afraid! Take the path to your right, away from the Hall, and continue downhill, back into Nesbitt Dene and the woods.

I cannot resist a blossom shot along the way

Or even two!

And then you’re back beneath the feathery trees

Beside a stream, primulas thrive, liking the mossy surround

Beside a stream, primulas thrive, liking their mossy surroundings

The trees, reflecting in the shallow water

Then you are climbing back out of the dene and retracing your steps to Hart Village. Here you might want to linger in the churchyard. Or try one of the village pubs. I can personally recommend ‘The White Hart’. If you have driven to the village there is a car park conveniently beside the church, signed Butts Lane.

St. Mary Magdalene’s and the churchyard

Inside the church, a peaceful scene

I can guarantee you peace for a week or so, because I’m heading off to Poland tomorrow. I hope to have time to respond to your comments before I go, but if I miss anyone, my apologies in advance. I’m hoping you’ll join in and share a favourite walk with me. If not this week, then maybe when I return? You have a little extra ‘think time’.

As usual, you can leave a link to your walk post in my comments, or you can link back to me from the post. I really don’t mind, and any day of the week will do. It would be lovely to have some walks to cheer me up when I return. I’ll try to entertain you with a Polish walk in exchange. Seem fair? Great! I’ll see you then. Take care in the meantime!

Just got time for some shares before I go. Don’t miss Amy’s lovely River Walk :

https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/jos-monday-walk-river-walk/

And Yvette, being zany 🙂

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/monday-walk-with-jo-street-shots-bread-and-jim-gaffigan-clip/

And you simply can’t miss Sonel taking a Mantis for a walk, in her own inimitable style!

http://sonelcorner.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/jos-monday-walk-a-walk-with-mantis/

Bluebell woods, anyone? Thanks, Elaine!

http://elainemcnulty.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/tiptoe-through-the-bluebells-with-me/

Jo’s Monday walk : Guisborough Forest and the Priory

The ruins of Gisborough Priory

On Easter Monday I wasn’t sure whether I should take you on a little local walk, or something more grand. Well, Gisborough Priory was once very grand indeed. Now just a ruin, it nevertheless sits at the heart of one of North Yorkshire’s finest market towns, Guisborough.

English being the funny old language that it is, Guisborough town is spelt with a ‘u’, but Gisborough Priory and nearby Gisborough Hall are spelt without. You can check the Wikipedia links for the where’s and why for’s later, but it’s time to grab your coat, and off we go.

From the car park, at the back of Westgate, turn right down Bow St. The houses are an appealing mix of stone and whitewash. In gentle sunshine, a magnolia unfurls. Just before the railway bridge, a series of steps lead up to a footpath. If you turn left, it crosses over the bridge. The railway is long gone but it makes a pleasant enough path around the back of Guisborough.

This magnolia’s a beauty!

Choices! Choices!

You can turn right and head for the forest, but beware! You never know what creatures are lurking in these woods. It’s ok though- most of them are friendly.

Good morning Mr. Fox!

Sssh! Don’t wake the owls!

But today we’ll take the shorter route. Choose the junction to the left, signed Cleveland Street Trail, and follow the path. You will cross an open field and might have a friendly encounter with a sheep or two. A frisky herd of horses live at the top of the field. Normally they’ll just keep an eye on you. Don’t panic if they come to investigate.

The trail ends opposite this gatehouse

Nice, isn’t it?

Not this grand entry for you, though! Tradesman’s entrance! A few yards to the left, a more modest footpath skirts the boundaries and takes you along the Monk’s Walk, through the woods.

And there’s the priory, across a field

There’s not much to it, when you get up close. Gisborough Priory is a ruined Augustinian priory. It was founded in 1119 as the Priory of St. Mary by Robert de Brus, an ancestor of the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, and became one of the richest monastic foundations in England. In 1289 a fire destroyed much of the Romanesque Norman priory, but it was rebuilt in yet grander style.

The priory was prosperous until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540. At this time it was demolished and the stone re-used in other buildings in Guisborough. The east end of the church was left standing- a rather romantic image.

With rather pleasing arches

If you are interested in the history there is a quite substantial amount of it in Wikipedia. Also on the site are fragments of the lower courses of the west range, a vaulted undercroft, a gateway and a 14th century dovecote, along with the Priory gardens.

Gisborough Priory is an English Heritage site and instructions on getting here are contained in the link. There’s also the cutest ‘Brother Ted Bear’ for sale but I warn you, he doesn’t come cheap. Nor does the parking in the main town car park. You can also walk from nearby Pinchinthorpe through the Guisborough Forest into town if you’re feeling energetic.

In Guisborough centre you will find a number of tearooms- mostly hidden around corners, so poke about a bit. A more substantial meal can be had in several of the pubs on the main street.

So there you are. I hope you have a lovely day! If you would like to join in with Jo’s Monday walk, it’s simple enough. You can link a post back to me, or you can simply leave a link to a walk you like in my comments below. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you like, and you can join in any day of the week. I just like to see where you’ve been. Nosy, I guess. Happy walking!

First up, Yvette’s taking us to Richmond, VA :

http://priorhouse.wordpress.com/2014/04/22/short-walk-around-my-town-jos-mw/

Then Amy- avoiding the snakes, I hope! :

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/04/22/jos-monday-walk-countryside-part-2/

And Dale, having fun in the sun :

http://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/2014/04/22/monday-walk/

Jo’s Monday walk : A Saltburn stroll

Huntcliff Nab from the cliff top

I’m back on the north east coast of England for my walk today. Saltburn-by-the-Sea may be familiar to some of you. Anyone remember my yarn bombing post, on the pier last Summer? The place really has so much charm.

But it can receive the full brunt of nature sometimes, when the North Sea comes thundering in. I was there last week and repairs to the promenade were ongoing from the latest onslaught, just a few weeks ago. Happily the Victorian Pier has resisted the storms so far. The wind whips at the waves, but if you drop down into the Valley Gardens it’s a different world.

So, park up on the cliff top and admire the view above. I’ve ordered sunshine but there’s always the chance of an April shower. A choice of several footpaths take you down through the gardens but they all end up in the same place- some more steeply than others, so I’ll let you choose.

Fancy a game of I-spy?

In the dene this chap will keep an eye on you

While you dabble in Skelton Beck

Then follow it through the valley towards the sea

At Easter there’s a bustle of excitement because ‘Prince Charles’ is released from his winter hibernation and whistles his way through the gardens. The miniature railway has been delighting Summer visitors for as long as I can remember.

The promenade leads directly to the pier

The promenade runs beneath the cliffs and past the pier

You can walk out to the end of the pier, if you like

And look back

Or you can carry on walking, if it's too cool

Or if it’s too cool, carry on walking

The pier has the usual entertainments, and there’s always a bag of chips to be eaten, out of the paper, as you’re strolling. It’s a good way to keep your hands warm.

The inevitable chips!

Before you reach the end of the promenade

And turn inland

Back to the cliff top

Where Henry Pease awaits

In sculpture form

A ‘man of energy and imagination’

With Quaker roots

And a fine cliff top view

Pease was a local industrialist who had considerable impact on the way the town looks. When Saltburn was just a green and pleasant valley he had a vision of the jewel it could be and set about fund raising to make it happen. This wasn’t too difficult as his father was wealthy and influential in the development of the Stockton to Darlington Railway.

The streets were constructed on a grid pattern with many of them running towards the sea, and named after precious jewels. The buildings were faced with a white brick, locally made, with the name Pease engraved on them. In prime position sat the Zetland Hotel- one of the world’s first railway hotels.

Marine Dri ve follows the cliff tops with beautiful views

Marine Drive follows the cliff tops, with lovely views out to sea

Until you reach the iconic cliff lift with its stained glass windows

And the distinctive housing on the cliff top

Map of the town and Valley Gardens

The former 'Zetland Hotel' was the world's first railway hotel

The illustrious former ‘Zetland Hotel’

Just after the Zetland you cross over the road and find yourself back at your start point. The whole will only take you an hour or so, but there are places you might want to linger. If you arrive by train it’s just a 5 minute stroll downhill to Valley Gardens.

Two charming Victorians loiter by the Valley Gardens

Two charming Victorians, loitering by the Valley Gardens

This would make a perfect expedition for the Easter weekend. It might even be fine enough to take a picnic? Happy walking, everybody!

If you have a walk you’d like to share with me, I’d be so pleased to see it. It can be as detailed or as simple as you like. I really don’t mind. I just love seeing new places. Put a link in my comments, or link a post to me, any day you like. I’ll have another walk for you next Monday.

I’m starting my shares this week with beautiful Lewes, in Sussex. Many thanks, Sherri :

A Lingering Look at Windows and A Walk In Lewes, Sussex

http://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/2014/04/13/picture-this-springtime-by-the-river/

Dale got so enthusiastic, he’s given me a choice of two, so here’s the other :

http://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/2013/09/08/picture-this-return-to-watersmeet-valley-of-the-rocks/

Jo’s Monday Walk: A Countryside Walk

A walk in the night

http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2014/04/16/a-stroll-around-ludlow-castle/

Jo’s Monday walk : Along the Clyde

Underneath the arches

It’s Monday again and you know I’m bursting to share a little of Saturday’s day trip to Glasgow, don’t you?

Now you may think that it’s a long way to go to take a walk, but if I tell you that the four and a half hour coach trip in each direction was totally worth it… well, I wouldn’t disagree if you thought I was crazy. It’s a city that I’ve wanted to see for many years and the opportunity just never comes up. So, I made it happen.

What a city! Despite leaky grey skies I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps because of the switchback of streets and the endless vistas, or maybe the feistiness, it reminded me in many ways of Barcelona. And that was truly a love affair. Glasgow architecture was an exhilarating mix. I’m a long-time fan of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and I managed a fascinating glimpse into his world, but I’m going to start you off gently.

I hope you have a sturdy pair of shoes (I ruined mine!) and a waterproof with you. It’s another wet one! Straight down the hill from Buchanan Bus Station I came upon George’s Square, where quite a vocal gathering was taking place. I told you they were feisty!

Gladstone knew a thing or two about debate, too! And stormy weather.

It was peaceful enough

And well supported, despite the weather.

The lion was keeping a watchful eye

While the locals maintained a sense of humour!

I nipped through the arches at the Royal Exchange and found myself on Buchanan St. Shopping heaven, I’m led to believe, but today I’m on a mission to walk beside the Clyde. The sound of pounding drums waylaid me for a while.

The street life was certainly compelling!

Rounding the corner I was on famous Sauchiehall St. Striding along, I encountered the Willow Tea Rooms. Pinch me, somebody- am I dreaming? My first glimpse of Rennie Mackintosh.

The original tea rooms!

I succumbed to a little slice of whisky and sultana cake

An excuse for a peek at a Rennie Mackintosh building

Got to keep my strength up, and I needed an excuse to see inside

I was wondering if I had time for a tour of the Glasgow School of Art, just round the corner on Dalhousie St. I stuck my head inside and gazed with longing. As I stood, looking up, the door behind me swung open and cracked me on the head! The young students were highly apologetic, but laughing too. A stupid, but very understandable, place to stand.

Pain on the threshold!

But I soon recovered when I saw inside.

I had intended to follow Sauchiehall St. all the way to Kelvingrove Park and the Art Gallery, then down to the river, but the rain was quite persistent. I don’t quite understand why squelching along the riverbank seemed a sensible option but I was determined to see the Clyde Arc. The hill dropped away and I with it.

Splashing downhill, this building intrigued me.

Splashing downhill, this building surprised me. It was to let!

And there I was, at the river bank.

I wasn’t totally alone but there weren’t too many misguided souls, I have to confess. My shoes were feeling a bit squelchy and as I walked west, scanning the horizon for the Arc, I realised that the riverside walk was being renewed. Diggers in lime green lay forlorn and abandoned in the rain. As the traffic hurtled overhead on the M8, some swimmers brought a little smile.

Something for the builders to admire in their lunch hour

Is she breathing clouds?

But then I had my reward- a first glimpse of the Clyde Arc

A little soggy, but still, rather grand

The views beyond, even better!

Though these were a sad reminder of unhappy lives

But sad memories for some

At this point things went a little awry. I had intended to cross the bridge and follow the opposite bank of the river back to the next bridge, but the footpath appeared to be barriered off. Two cheery cyclists explained that the residents of this smart housing development at the water’s edge did not appreciate people wandering past. I thought it a little selfish but I imagine they pay high rates for the view.

I looked at the path along the river bank and debated. I could get back to the river around the estate or retrace my steps. Best foot forward, you know the choice I made. And it resulted in some interesting architecture along the way.

Kingston Halls- a former library, or functioning still?

But I was relieved to see the bridge ahead

And to cross back over it

It’s a beauty, isn’t it?

Looking back along the river

While under the railway bridge the reflections were epic!

More bridges lay ahead and Palace Green with the People’s Palace, but I dare not walk too much further. The coach departure was imminent. Just time for a look at one more bridge then it was all the way back uphill to my start point.

A wistful look at one more bridge

And a tiptoe past a handsomely fiery tiger

Glasgow’s graffiti was something else, and I have many more shots to share, but for now I expect you’re ready for a cuppa?

You know I love to walk but I could have wished for better weather. I hope that if you take this walk someday you have sunshine, and the roadworks along the riverside will certainly be completed. There’s so much to see! A Tall Ship and the Science Centre- doesn’t that sound wonderful? Of course, I could have used the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus which departs from George Square, where we started. There you are- you have an easy option.

Meantime I’m hoping you’ll find some photos of a walk that you can share with me. I’m ready to sit back and admire. Just post a link in my comments, or link a post to me. Any way and any day you want to do it. I’ll always find time for a walk. I hope you enjoyed this one, and many thanks to everyone for sharing.

The shares for this week are below, starting with a stunner from Paula :

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/the-jewel-of-veneto-for-jo/

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/04/07/a-walk-in-london-or-wrestling-at-the-changing-of-the-guards/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/jos-monday-walk-texas-bluebonnets-and-wildflowers/

http://diannegray.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/come-on-were-going-for-a-walk/

http://dadirridreaming.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/jos-monday-walk-our-beach/

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Jo’s Monday walk

Jo’s Monday walk : “Mind that hole!”

Jo’s Monday walk : Barril beach

Jo’s Monday walk : Sheepwash and the Moors

Jo’s Monday walk : Beside the Wisła

Jo’s Monday walk : Las Wolski and Bielany

Jo’s Monday walk : the Dunajec Gorge

Jo’s Monday walk : Nesbitt Dene

Jo’s Monday walk : Guisborough Forest and the Priory

Jo’s Monday walk : A Saltburn stroll

Jo’s Monday walk : Along the Clyde

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