north east coast

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

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

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

A damp ‘P’

3 ‘P’s in a Pod’

The cliff top location

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serra de Monchique

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

High level of atmosphere 1/2

High level of atmosphere 2/2

Fun and beer with Lady Lee :

Cycled to Waldwirtschaft

All singing, all dancing, with Jackie!

Bloomin Vegas

And something a little more exotic from Indra :

Sikkim Odyssey 1… Rumtek Monastery

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

Ullswater Way

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

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

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

Bird watching in Malaga

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

Following my nose

Last day in Melbourne

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

Tra Amici

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

Meeting the Locals

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

Portuguese Camino in May

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

Jo’s Monday walk : Mainz, Germany

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

Jo’s Monday walk : Back on the beach

Whenever we go walking on our north east England coastline, we keep an idle eye open for sea glass. Usually it’s in milky soft hues, but bottle green and turquoise are not unknown . The little chap above had us well fooled. He’d obviously swum out of a child’s bucket, to twinkle up at us from the beach.

I won’t be walking with you next week, so I’m determined to leave you with some sunny images. Last week was a little glum, wasn’t it?

The other half wanders through the shot, distracting me from getting a level horizon. The one below is better. (and minus my shadow!)

The tide was advancing rapidly that day, and I had to do my famous teetering on rocks act, camera stowed safely in my pocket. Why is it that he has so much better a sense of balance? He kindly came back to hold my hand, or we might never have got there.

It’s a coastline with an industrial past, so the rocks are always interestingly speckled and battered. And there’s the sea glass to enjoy.

Not forgetting the occasional sea monster! There’s one structure that always draws the eye. Rotting timbers and frayed stumps simply add to the appeal of the magnificent remnants of Steetley Magnesite’s pier.

I never tire of shooting it, from all angles. The last shot is a good example of convergence, isn’t it? Sonel pointed one out to me the other day. If you’re looking for photographic skill combined with creativity, hers is a great place to visit.

At this point you have a choice. So long as the tide cooperates you can carry on along the craggy coastline, towards Crimdon Dene.

Sometimes the wind whips up, swirling the sands around you. Click on the last photo in the gallery above and you’ll be able to make out the pier, in the far distance. We’ve walked quite a way. You can continue through the Dene, catching a bus back down the coast road, or you can retrace your steps along the beach.

Eventually you come back to Hartlepool Headland, with it’s proudly standing town walls. It’s been a safe haven for me for many a long year. Look beyond the harbour, and on the horizon you can just make out the industry along Seal Sands Road, where we went seal spotting last week.

On the Headland, Mary Rowntree’s tearooms have a lovely view across the harbour. But I feel I know you well enough to invite you back to mine. I’ll just pop the kettle on. See you soon!

My posting will be haphazard, to say the least, for the next month. I’m deserting this safe haven for my familiar Algarve one, where I usually switch off from the world and its worries. I hope to have another walk for you on Monday, 25th April, but just a few days after that I will be accompanying Dad to Poland for 2 weeks. Another family visit and lots of smiles.

If, in the meantime, you’d like to share a walk, please feel free to do so, but be aware that I might not be able to share it for a while. Many thanks for your continuing support. As usual, the logo above will take you to my Jo’s Monday walk page.

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SO excited to kick off this week with a walk by Lucile! If you don’t know her, you’re in for a treat (and if you do, you’ll expect the best, and not be disappointed). AND she’s in Portugal!

Walking through Sights and colours of Lisbon

Introducing a blog called MyScribblez next. All scribblers amongst you, please pop over and say ‘hi’ :

Quebec on Foot

Drake likes the ladies, especially in an artful pose :

Blooming nudity

The scenery around Greenock is a nice surprise. Take a look with Anabel :

The Greenock Cut

You won’t be surprised to find that Jackie likes shopping :

St. Lawrence Market

Or that Ellen has a badly behaved dinghy? Maybe it’s been reformed since this post :

Going for a Walk : Coromandel Town (or Coro pies are best)

Smidge has some nice romantic looking photos from the Scottish Borders :

Dryburgh Abbey & The River Tweed

And Susan… how about close encounters with a good-looking cow or two?

Sadie’s Walk

Denzil got up at the crack of dawn for this walk, so he deserves your appreciation :

GR571 Stage 4 : Trois-Ponts to Vielsam

And getting me nicely in the mood for the Algarve- thanks a lot, Becky! Your place or mine?

Exploring the Grande Rota do Guadiana

That’s it folks! Thanks again for all the shares and for the pleasure you give me. Take care of yourselves.

Jo’s Monday walk : Souter Lighthouse

My part of the north east coast of England is littered with lighthouses! The jagged coastline traditionally needed the big guys to flash a warning to passing ships. Times have changed, but the coastline remains as rugged as ever.

Souter Lighthouse was the first in the world to be designed and built specifically to use alternating electric current. The lighthouse opened in 1871, and was decommissioned in 1988. It continued as a radio navigation beacon until 1999, when it was finally closed. Today the National Trust own the property and open it to the public.

It’s only a couple of weeks since I was at Roker lighthouse, on a properly murky day. This walk heads north from there, along the cliffs to the magnificent lighthouse at Souter. There’s a long promenade backing the fine stretch of beach, perfect for galloping horses. A straggle of charming houses follow the bay. I’m tempted to take a seat.

Did you spot the fish restaurant sign? Latimers boast smoked haddock, leek and potato pasties. Noted, for later. A sign on the cliff top claims 6 and three-quarter miles to the Tyne Ferry. We won’t be going that far. The smooth expanse of beach left behind, below us rocks scatter the shoreline. Fascinating grooves and grottoes hug the cliff’s base. The potential for shipwreck is easy to see.

Ahead, in the grass, a stone circle has been formed, not unlike a maze. I don’t understand its significance, but there are old military bunkers nearby. The track is a little slippy from recent rain and, peering at the rock formations below, I lose my footing. No damage done! But, looking at the seat of my jeans, I realise that I’m not quite presentable enough for a restaurant. I hope you weren’t looking forward to that pastie.

My favourite part of the walk lies ahead. The stacks teeter at the water’s edge, harbouring only gulls on lookout duty. A first glimpse of Souter’s flamboyant red appears on the horizon. Nearing, I can see the indentations in the rock face, and the stranded islets, clinging to shore.

And then the cove known as The Wherry. In former times there was a Lad’s Wherry and a Lassie’s Wherry, for fishing expeditions and picnics in the bay. A central rock split the bay in two. Nowadays, in part due to erosion, the sea separates the rock from the shoreline at high tide.

Souter lighthouse is about 3 miles south of the River Tyne. Beyond the river, 7 miles to the north, St. Mary’s lighthouse at Whitley Bay is a sister Victorian lighthouse to Souter. With good visibility, the one can be seen from the top of the other.

I love the sound of a foghorn but, were I married to a mariner, the sound would fill me with dread. The Souter foghorn has seen several incarnations, and is still occasionally sounded on special event days at the lighthouse.

Souter lighthouse was revolutionary. Quoting from Wikipedia, “the 800,000 candle power light was generated using carbon arcs and not an incandescent light bulb, and could be seen for up to 26 miles. In addition to the main light a red/white sector light shone from a window in the tower below the lantern, to highlight hazardous rocks to the south; it was powered using light diverted (through a set of mirrors and lenses) from the landward side of the main arc lamp.” As Souter was never automated, it remains pretty much in its original operational state. I thought that this might make a good subject for Paula’s Traces of the Past.

The grassed area north of Souter was once a thriving mining community of 700 people. It was completely demolished after the mine closure in 1968, and the population rehoused in new council housing in Whitburn. A brief history of Souter can be found on the National Trust website, along with details of opening times and how to get there.

Now I know that you will be worrying about your stomach by now. Latimers having been ruled out, I’m glad to inform you that the lighthouse has its own very pleasant cafe. Would you like to try a ‘Singing hinnie’? A warm griddle scone.

Sadly I cannot take you into the lighthouse. It was half term on my visit and very busy, I’m pleased to say. Maybe another time? You might also like my Roker Pier walk. I’m up to my second cup of coffee this morning, after a spectacular sunrise. Please put the kettle on and join me in a visit to some great blogs.

Many thanks to all of you who contributed this week. I’m really happy you can still find time to join me. For any newcomers, you can find details on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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Benches or snow? Which is it to be? Let’s start with a Gallivant in the woods!

Cashel Forest

I’ve never been to Mexico, but Jackie’s making up for me. Puerto Vallarta this week :

Sunday Photo and Monday Walk

Amy finds the perfect bench for Jude, while I just laze on the beach!

Monday Walk : A Beach Walk and February Garden : Monochrome

I was blissfully happy with Drake this week, even wearing my gloves!

Cool art in winter mood

Turns out I couldn’t even say this correctly, but now I’ve had lessons from Smidge :

Culross, Fife

I just about managed to avoid getting splashed by Debbie this week :

Broadstairs to Margate : an easy coastal walk

Or absolutely drowned by Jaspa!

Rough Seas Off Land’s End, Cornwall

Wild water doesn’t seem to stop life from happening Down Under, with Pauline and Jack :

Amazing sights at the beach

Finishing with spectacular beauty in Hawaii! I’ve told Carol I’m green 🙂

Eyeing the Needle

Thanks again, everyone! I love having your company. Have a great week! If you’re needing some travel inspiration, pop over to Monday Escapes. See you there!

Six word Saturday

A Bench challenge and an orchid

A gentle day, on the north east coast of England. My friends and I amble along, in search of a bench where we can sit for a while, admiring the view.

A good-looking bench, but facing the wrong way

Ah, here it is! Spotlit so we can’t miss it

It’s not a perfect day, but pleasant, in a very English way. The kind of day when it’s good to be on a cliff top bench, gazing out to sea. After a while we ease ourselves up and carry on.

These posts frame the bay beautifully

And they tell a story

Of the rocks and shells

Which make up this coastline

At this time of year small orchids radiate out from the grass. Careful not to tread on them, I kneel down for a closer look. Pretty, aren’t they?

I’m astonished at the colour!

I don’t think I’ve seen this shade before

Though its paler friend is prolific

Blending with the golden trefoil around the quarry

When our walk is done I carry on down to the small marina at Seaham, looking for a sheltered spot where I can read. There must be a bench or two?

This one might do- no back rest, though

But this one's much more fun, though maybe not so comfortable

This one’s much more fun, but maybe not very comfortable!

Careful not to upset Judge Jude by breaking any rules, I’ve been quite subtle with my post processing of Benches. But I just had to give Lunapic one more whirl. What do you think? All of the images except for the last one were done in Ulead Photo Express, in quite an old version.

It’s Saturday again so it must be time to find your six words. Pop along and share them with Cate at Show My Face. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you on Monday for a walk.

Panorama

Just yesterday I looked at Paula’s Scheduled Challenges and thought, ‘I don’t have anything panoramic’. Funny how life sometimes supplies what you need without even being asked.

The day dawned bright, beautiful and empty of plans. A phone call later and I had walking company. The coastline north of me is rugged, former mining territory. The magnesium limestone rocks are steadily eroding and at low tide you can enter the resulting caves. The shore is littered with reminders of the past, washed and washed beyond recognition.

Washed clear to the horizon

Save for a gentleman and his dog

From within the confines of the caves

The richly coloured stones beckon

Strewing the beach as far as the eye can see

Rough and ready jewels

Rinsed clean by the sea

It seems I had a ready made panorama all along! Perhaps I’ll take you inside the caves next time. Now to see what kind of Panorama Paula has in store. Whatever it is, I know it will be beautiful.

Thursday’s Special : St. Mary’s Lighthouse

Looking down into reception

You might have thought I’d gone to Paris, but I couldn’t resist one more Thursday’s Special before I go. Much earlier in the year I paid an evening visit to St. Mary’s Lighthouse and I’ve been itching to go back ever since. Saturday afternoon, warm and sunny at home, seemed to present the perfect opportunity. I could have lingered in the garden, but that lighthouse was beckoning.

All too often my north east coast fools me. As we turned down the coast road to Whitley Bay, the skies darkened. The beach was shrouded in mist, and none too warm. The planned saunter became a scurry up the lighthouse steps, to keep warm! As I approached the causeway I was rather surprised to see a wedding car coming towards me. What a spot for wedding photos! Alas, I was a little late for the photo shoot, but I did get to see the bride.

Here comes the bridal car!

The tide is well out

Creating lots of rock pools

The wedding reception was to be upstairs

Hand in hand! No- this isn't the bride and groom

Hand in hand on the rocks- no, this isn’t the bride and groom!

It looks a little bleak today

But it’s a good-looking lighthouse

With some interesting outbuildings

The last time I had been inside was with a school party when my son was about 6 years old. I was curious to see what, if anything, had changed in those 18 years.

From the peeling condition of the walls, not a lot has changed!

I wondered for a moment about the safety of climbing the stairs

I wondered for a moment about the safety of climbing those stairs

But there was only one way to find out!

And I made it!

It all looked in working order

So far as I could tell

And it didn’t look too inviting outside

But I’ve got to go. Someone’s waiting for me on the stairs

There’s something about a lighthouse, isn’t there? Even though it’s not in the very best condition, I love that it still sits there in its incredible position. The opening times necessarily vary, according to the tide, but in general it is open every day from May to September, and at weekends and school holidays in the winter.

Various events take place throughout the year. The Ghost Stories Halloween Special on 31st October sounds like it will be a lot of fun. In addition to weddings, you can have a birthday party at St. Mary’s or even a Stranding Party at high tide! I don’t know anybody who’s done that. This link to their Facebook page will keep you up to date.

Let’s share a bit of poetry, shall we?

And one last warm image!

I hope your Thursday is special, too! Many thanks to Paula, our lovely hostess. Come with me and see what she’s been up to this week. A bientôt!

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 :

http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/2014/04/11/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/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/04/15/jos-monday-walk-a-countryside-walk/

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/04/15/a-walk-in-the-night/

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

Jo’s Monday walk : Hartlepool Story Trail

Fish Annie’s song

I’ve been promising this particular walk for quite a long time. I hope you like it!

The Hartlepool Story Trail follows a sequence of 18 signs, crowned by a monkey. You’ll see why later. It traces the history of Hartlepool back to AD640, highlighting local landmarks along the way.

It’s a walk that I often do, paying no particular attention to the signs because my eyes are focussed on the sea. Hartlepool’s history is irretrievably mixed with the maritime and the walk starts midway along the promenade. Why, I really don’t know!

It all begins with the 'Island of Harts'

No. 1- the ‘Island of Harts’

The hart is a symbol of Hartlepool and appears throughout the town

It will be fairly obvious, I think, that I took some of these photos on different days. The sea is always a magnet to me, whether it’s thundering against the sea walls or softly licking the shore.

No. 2- ‘Fairy Cove’

A calm blue background for the monkey

This point marks the north eastern end of the town wall. The ‘Fairy Coves’ were man-made circular excavations, 5 metres in diameter, about 12 feet above the shore, and intended as ‘places of concealment’ for humans.

No. 3- Beacon and Town Moor

Today’s beacon, on a bluer day!

No. 4- Bandstand & Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock, which collapsed in 1891

The bandstand still exists, though in rather dilapidated condition. Gone are the days when it witnessed street theatre, boxing matches and even motor bike racing time trials. Elephant Rock, sadly, is no more, but there are still numerous smaller stacks along the shoreline.
No. 5- Lighthouse and Heugh Battery

The first lighthouse on this site dates from 1847 and was one of the world’s first to be operated by gas. It was dismantled during the First World War because its position prevented retaliatory fire from the Heugh Gun Battery, in the Bombardment of Hartlepool on 16th December, 1914.

The current lighthouse dates from 1926

You may have noticed the darkening sky, and my wonky photo, above. Rounding the lighthouse one day last week, I was met by a storm of hailstones, and this! Happily I wore a waterproof.

The sea was having fun!

Lots of fun! These photos are not in black and white.

As the sea lashed the promenade, I made a dash for the next sign, no.6- Cliff Terrace.

Some of the signs are quite weather worn, too!

Some of the signs are quite weather worn. It’s no wonder!

No. 7, just off the seafront and a little more sheltered, rather strangely comes in two parts- ‘a’ and ‘b’. Billy Purvis, the subject of 7a and something of a jester, is buried in the grounds of nearby St. Hilda’s Church.

No. 7a- Billy Purvis

7b of course, is St. Hilda’s church, dating from 1190.

Pretty in snow, isn’t it?

So far this year, there’s been no snow in the north east. Hush! Don’t even think about it. Neither has it been paddling pool weather, but that’s where we’re going next.

No. 8- the ‘Paddling Pool’

One chilly monkey! What’s that saying? Brass monkeys?

As the sign says, we once boasted a handsome paddling pool set into the rocks beneath this promenade. I dimly remember it from my childhood, but in 1953 a tremendous storm hit the north east coast, and the damage was irreparable. There is a much tamer version of the paddling pool set into the lower promenade, and it continues to delight small persons in Summer.

No. 9- ‘Hartlepool Lifeboats’

Unthinkable that we could have a town without a lifeboat, and one has been in existence since 1803. The first cost just £300 to build locally, and was propelled by 10 oars.

No. 10- ‘Fish Sands and the Monkey’

This is a crucial sign, and the one I started this post with, seen here on a hazy summer’s day. The sign includes the tale of the monkey-hanging, which no self-respecting Hartlepudlian can fail to know, though it doesn’t reflect well on us. Allegedly, during the Napoleonic Wars, a severe storm hit a French vessel off the coast of Hartlepool. Following the wreck of the ship a sole survivor, a nautically attired monkey, was washed ashore on the Fish Sands. Being unfamiliar with monkeys and naturally suspicious of the French, the people of Hartlepool decided to hang this “Frenchman” as a spy, and have been trying to live it down ever since.

No. 11- ‘The Croft and Sandwell Chare’, with St. Hilda’s in the background

The Chare- the prettiest bit of the town wall

Sandwell Gate, leading to the beach- the prettiest bit of the town wall

The Croft Gardens now sit below St. Hilda’s Church (but beside Verrill’s Chip Shop- another famous landmark!) This was the site of the former old town, which was demolished in 1938.

'Chalybeate Spring' was a thriving Health Spa

No. 12- ‘Town Wall and Chalybeate Spring’

Amazing to think that our pretty Town Wall, which has often been admired as my former header, has stood firm against elements and enemies since 1322. ‘Chalybeate Spring’ was a thriving Health Spa, said to cure indigestion and other ailments. Must have been the bracing sea air!

No. 14- ‘Middleton & Ferry Crossing’

Sadly I don’t remember the ferry, which stopped running in 1952, but I well remember Middleton and the dockland area.

The alert amongst you may have noticed a leap in the signs. No. 13 is absent because I simply couldn’t find it! Having got this far, in spite of inclement weather, I decided to terminate the walk. I already have more information than you can readily digest and I don’t want to bore.

If you are interested and stop to read every one of the signs, the walk will take you no more than an hour or two. There’s a map at the bottom of each sign so you can’t get lost. On a nice day there are plenty of spots to linger and just watch the sea, and the boats heading for harbour. If it rains I could recommend you to Mary Rowntree’s tearooms. A former chapel, it has been beautifully converted, and you will pass it on your route. Or you may be lucky enough to find St. Hilda’s open, and step inside. For background history, if you can’t get here, this is an excellent article.

So what did you think of this week’s walk? And, more importantly, do you have a walk you’d like to share with me? If you do, I’d be delighted if you could leave a link in the comments below. Or even link back to me from your post, if it’s a new one. I look forward to an evening’s reading.

You can join in too!

http://dadirridreaming.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/jos-monday-walk-swimming-on-the-bingie-dreaming-track/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/jos-monday-walk-longwood-gardens/

http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/strolling-around-the-ile-de-la-cite/

http://poppytump.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/clouds/

http://sonelcorner.wordpress.com/2014/04/01/jos-monday-walk-schoemansville-oewerclub/

http://55daysinwarsaw.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/a-walk-in-warsaw-rain/

http://morselsandscraps.wordpress.com//?s=Return+to+the+headland

http://morselsandscraps.wordpress.com//?s=A+photo+stroll+Sydney+CBD

Six word Saturday

Still chasing romance in the moonlight!

St. Mary’s Lighthouse, in the dark

I often accompany my garden designer husband if he’s working somewhere interesting so, when he took on a job at Whitley Bay, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity for me to see St. Mary’s Lighthouse. I remembered it, from a school trip with my son many years ago, as a particularly scenic spot. Perched on tiny Bait Island, and reached over a short causeway at low tide, I envisaged taking photos of the lighthouse with a backdrop of rock pools in the sweeping bay. The reality was somewhat different.

When the design was complete, Michael asked me if I’d like to come with him. Unfortunately the appointment was for 7.00 in the evening and, as you can see from the above, a little dark for rock pools. It was just about possible to navigate my way across the causeway in the glimmering moonlight. Very romantic, I think you’ll agree.

I guess I'll have to go back in daylight

I’ll just have to return in daylight another time.

If you’re wondering where my six words came from, maybe you missed my romantic Six word Saturday last week.

Do you have six words (or more) you want to share? Cate at Show My Face will tell you how it’s done. Just click on the link or the logos.

My cloud fixation

The blue horizon

These days I seem to have one eye permanently on the sky. Cloud formations totally fascinate me. They bump into and fold around each other with such gay abandon! From the moment the sun slips over the horizon I’m aware of their constant movement. Maybe it’s the restlessness in me that is drawn by them as they wander far and wide.

Nowhere are the clouds more wonderful to watch than on the coast. Why is it that the sea seems to push the clouds away and hang on to the blue, even when the land is covered in thick cloud? I’m sure there must be a meteorological explanation. Meantime, join me in a cliff top walk.

Layer upon layer of cloud rolls out to sea

I was on the coast just north of here, not far from the former pit village of Easington. There are few signs these days of the coal mining industry. The occasional lift shaft is preserved as a reminder, along the coastal trail. According to Wikipedia this is the only place on earth with dolomitic limestone cliffs on the coastline. The railway runs up the north east coast, often providing sweeping views out to sea.

Notice the goods train in the foreground

This is the most peaceful of images to me

Easington village straggles away in the distance

But my eyes can’t escape that blue horizon

The clouds are starting to break up

As the train rattles over the viaduct

No mistaking the ruggedness of these cliffs

The sign says it all!

I love their rugged beauty

But don’t get too near that cliff edge, like me!

Walking back the sun glints off the water

And I return to the pit lift, where I started out

I hope you enjoyed cloud gazing with me. See you next time!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

north east coast

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

Jo’s Monday walk : Back on the beach

Jo’s Monday walk : Souter Lighthouse

Six word Saturday

A Bench challenge and an orchid

Panorama

Thursday’s Special : St. Mary’s Lighthouse

Jo’s Monday walk : A Saltburn stroll

Jo’s Monday walk : Hartlepool Story Trail

Six word Saturday

Still chasing romance in the moonlight!

My cloud fixation

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A Bench challenge and an orchid

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Still chasing romance in the moonlight!

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