North Yorkshire

Jo’s Monday walk : A Stokesley Circular

Looking towards Roseberry Topping

Stokesley is an attractive market town, situated on the River Leven, on the northern edge of the Yorkshire Moors. It also has the advantage of being surrounded by a flat bit of terrain, so it was greeted with delight as our last walk of the year by my walking group. The fact that we were ending at a garden centre, with coffee and cake, influenced nobody. (honestly!)

Life can’t be total perfection so we were advised to anticipate a little mud. And we found some! But not too much. Come along and see.

The fields are just a little bit muddy

We parked at Strikes Garden Centre, a mile or so from Stokesley. Walking towards the town, we took the first ‘public footpath’ sign on the left, and crossed the field towards the farmhouse above. The path swings off to the right and follows a little stream all the way in to Stokesley.

It might be a nice place to live, with that lovely backdrop

But, of course, you’d have to like farming

And I much prefer walking!

Stokesley was granted a charter to hold fairs by Henry III, as far back as 1223. To this day a weekly market takes place on The Plain, the main square, every Friday, and on the first Saturday of each month there’s a Farmer’s Market too. Tying in with the Agricultural Show, a four day fair takes place each September, and spans the full length of the High St.

The stream will lead you towards Stokesley

The Moors rise on the horizon

While Roseberry Topping hovers in the background

The ‘Foot Golf’ was a bit of a surprise! Anybody played foot golf?

Looking back at the stream

A few mushrooms keep us company

With rather nice textures

At this point we duck down underneath a road bridge. Careful- it’s a bit slippery! There was a hard frost the night before and there’s still a little evidence on some of the leaves.

The path curves to the right and in a little while you’re passing between cottages and out onto Levenside. There is always a flurry of ducks hereabouts on the River Leven. Sorry guys- no bread today! We’re eating cake.

Follow the river around to your left and you come to the Pack Horse Bridge, which dates back to the 17th century.

The Pack Horse Bridge and a couple of walkers

There are several bridges close together at this point. Any one of them will take you across the Leven and into the High St., where gracious Georgian buildings are part of a pleasing blend of architecture. The oldest building in town, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, has a medieval tower and chancel. It contains some woodwork carved by the locally famed Mouseman of Kilburn. His Visitor Centre at Kilburn is not too far away.

Meanwhile, Christmas has come to Stokesley. But I didn’t see a tree in the main square!

A lucky door wreath

Festive Rudolph

And a snow scene

Our steps begin to quicken as we realise that we’re now on the home straight. Taking the right hand option at the junction, in no time Strikes Garden Centre is back in sight. I’ll leave the walkers to queue in the cafe while I show you a few of the Christmas sights. Lots of trees in here!

Cinderella’s pumpkin?

A smaller version?

Traditional twinkles

Not real reindeer!

I like the hobby horse kind better

And this troll is rather handsome

Well, it is, isn’t it?

But you can almost certainly guess who my favourite is

Bet you can guess who my favourite is?

Just one more Monday walk and it’ll be Christmas! I’ve no idea where we might wander next week, but I hope you’ll keep me company? If you’re too busy, I’ll understand. As the sign says, ‘Tis the season to be jolly!’

I also hope you’ll make time to visit these wonderful walks this week. Get that kettle on and we’ll take a stroll together, without leaving our armchairs. If you’d like to join in, details are on my Jo’s Monday walks page, or click on the logo above. Very many thanks to all my contributors.

Drake’s getting festive in lovely Strasbourg this week :

Cool impression through cold walk

And Amy has a message, beautifully shared :

Egret on the lake

When Jude mentioned Clovelly I thought we were in Devon. So wrong! :

Clovelly Beach to Bondi

Sue’s taken me to a city I’ve always wanted to see. Brownie points to Sue, but I’ll skip breakfast!

Spain- Bilbao, the Basque Country, with eels and sherry for breakfast

Meg, meanwhile, has given me a glimpse of a Newcastle in Australia. No sign at all of ‘fog on the Tyne’.

Visiting an old friend

Thanks a lot for sharing, everybody. I so enjoy it! Have a happy, healthy, walking week!

Jo’s Monday walk : The Drummer Boy

Easby Abbey, ghostly in the mist

Easby Abbey seemed to me to be quite at home shrouded in mist. I’d chosen the riverside walk from Richmond, in Yorkshire, for its Autumn colour and had almost forgotten the sad story of the Drummer Boy. Legend has it that, towards the end of the 18th century, a tunnel was discovered beneath the keep of Richmond Castle. The entrance to the tunnel was very narrow, so a small regimental drummer boy was chosen, to squeeze through and investigate.

He was lowered into the tunnel and instructed to beat his drum loudly as he walked. The soldiers above could follow his progress from the drumbeat. He led them away from the castle and down to the River Swale, in the direction of Easby Abbey. Half a mile from the Abbey, the drumbeat ceased. The little drummer was never seen or heard from again!

The Drummer Boy stone

I think I can probably guarantee to guide us on this walk without disappearing. Are you game?

From Richmond Market Place, turn north on Frenchgate, and then right, along Station Rd. Just as you reach the bridge, with The Station on the far shore, you will find a turn off, pointing to Easby Abbey. The path climbs up from the riverside and will lead you to a junction, where the Drummer Boy stone is placed.

A popular landmark on Frenchgate

An Autumnal dew bathes the roses

Looking back towards the castle and St. Mary’s Church

Leaves strew the footpath

The river chortles along below, tantalising with glimpses through the trees. Soon you come to a field and across this you have St. Agatha’s House (a private residence) on your left and to your right, Easby Abbey. The Abbey of St. Agatha, as it is more correctly known, dates from 1152 but has stood abandoned since the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the late 1530s. The former inhabitants were canons rather than monks, members of the Premonstratensian (or Norbertine) order. The White Canons, known for the colour of their habit, were Roman Catholics.

It's a lonely spot but St. Agatha's Church is gentle company

It’s a lonely spot, but St. Agatha’s Church is good company

The Abbey from the church grounds

The site is maintained by English Heritage and is free of charge. I was a little surprised to find the church open and even more surprised at what I found inside.

Beneath the beamed ceiling, light flooded the walls

With traditional stained glass windows

But the painted arches were unexpected

And the coloured frescoes took me completely by surprise

Lit by the windows

With beautiful alcoves

And intimate detail

The church is known to pre-date the Abbey and the Medieval wall paintings date from 1250. It felt well-loved. In the grounds a small army of men were beavering away, removing overgrown trees. Retracing my steps through the church gate, I turned my attention to the Abbey.

The gatehouse, just across the lane from the church

The sturdy lines of the Abbey

Cloister detail

The window of the Refectory

Time to resume our walk. Turn right at the Abbey gate and follow the lane down. A gravel path beside the River Swale heads east and after about 300 yards comes to an old iron bridge. Cross over and take the former railway track, signed ‘Richmond, half a mile’.

Hips or haws?

The River Swale chatters along below

Once back at The Station, you can easily retrace your steps, but it seems a shame to me to leave the river when it’s about to reveal its might. How about we pop into The Station for a snack and a look at some art work before we continue?

The ham hock soup was delicious

And I always like a browse at the art

There’s always something that appeals

I’ve written about The Station before. In fact, I was there on my birthday, 2 years ago. Seems I have a weakness for this part of the world in the Autumn. Since I was last there a bakery has opened and the accompanying smells were delicious! Come on- just ten minutes more. I promise you, it’s worthwhile.

Cross over the bridge and turn left through a gate. The path follows the river quite closely or you can get nearer by walking on the grass. The tree roots are exposed in places so watch your step if you leave the path.

Here’s the bridge

See what I mean about the roots?

Don’t get too close to the river!

Autumn’s carpet is beautiful, isn’t it?

Just about ready to fall

Can you hear a rumbling sound? You might have caught sight of them through the trees. The river is very low this year after a dry Summer.

My first sighting always makes me smile!

Just a little closer

The power of the water is awesome

As always, I find myself entranced

I hope you will agree it was worth another 10 minutes walking? The hard part lies ahead because the road winds quite steeply back up to the Market Place, passing by the Castle. The circular walk from the Market Place to Easby Abbey and back is just 3 miles. Free parking is available at The Station, if you get there early enough. (and it saves you a climb)

Legend also links the Drummer Boy to Lewis Carroll, who grew up in Richmond. Allegedly ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ began life as ‘Alice’s Adventures Underground’. I rather like the idea that he took inspiration from this story.

And now it’s time to put the kettle on and join my fellow walkers this week. Click on the logo if you’d like to join in. You’d be more than welcome and there are always beautiful walks to share. Many thanks to everybody for their kind contributions. Here we go!

Drake always has the power to fire my imagination :

Emptiness with content

Of all the world’s beautiful cathedrals, I didn’t know this one, so thank you, Cardinal :

Berlin Cathedral

And for probably the best deer shot you’ve seen this year! Amy- you’re a treasure! :

O.P. Schnabel Park

We’re honoured this week to share a post from Lucy, in a very special place on the Northumbrian coast :

Marooned on Lindisfarne Island

If it’s scenery you’re after, it’s hard to beat County Tipperary. Many thanks to Joan for sharing :

Up in the hills

For the longest time I’ve been following Bespoke Traveller. Read this post and you’ll see why :

The long way down in Grand Canyon

If waterfalls and sky walks are your thing, follow Pauline to New South Wales :

A journey into the dawn of time

If you prefer shopping, Meg has her shopping baskets at the ready :

A Williamsburg walk

That’s it for another week. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Happy walking!

Six word Saturday

Have you climbed a vertical pier?

The Vertical Pier, at Redcar

Its setting on the waterfront is quite dramatic at sunset

With only the wind farm for company

And the odd boat or two

But when the lights come on, there's a hint of magic

But when the lights come on, there’s just a hint of magic

Sadly I wasn’t there long enough to see it fully lit, nor to climb the tower. At £1.6 million it hardly represents value for money, but it is definitely different. Part of a regeneration programme to breathe new life into this North Yorkshire town, it’s not so much a pier as a viewing platform, with 360 degree views of Redcar.

Renamed the Redcar Beacon, following a public vote, the tower has free admission and cafe facilities on the ground floor. What was I doing in Redcar? Attending an open evening for a friend’s latest venture. If you happen to be passing, say ‘hello’ to The Clock Gallery. There are some great photos on show.

What are you up to this weekend? If you have some spare time, why not visit Cate at Show My Face, and play Six Word Saturday? Have a good week!

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/

Six word Saturday

The case of the disappearing train!

Full steam ahead!

Or simply a bookcase?

During the week I’m going to take you to a wonderful museum at Preston Park, in North Yorkshire. Because it’s Saturday and I only have six words to describe it (smile!), I’ll just give you a little taster, like the Header above.

A perfect way to tell the time!

Snuff anybody? No thanks, but the case is stunning.

Snuff anybody? No thanks, but isn’t the case stunning?

And of course, there are costumes.

As I walked into the museum I looked at a “faux” bookcase- or so I thought! I’d just turned away to the cabinets when, with a mighty roar, the steam train came clanking through. Then disappeared just as suddenly, and all was still.

Yes, I’m still playing with Headers, but have rejected the “Random” option. I like a little more control over how I look! “Menus” aren’t much of an option either, as I’m only allowed one with this theme.

Do join us at Six word Saturday! There’s always something going on, and Cate at Show My Face will be most happy to receive you. Just click on the link or the logos.

Six word Saturday

Last week PINK , this week blue!

Whitby harbour, North Yorkshire

It’s been a very Whitby sort of week when it comes to the blog so I may as well finish as I started. I’m often blue on grey days, but this week I didn’t have much excuse.

How’s this for a cliff top view?

The sea and sky exquisitely matched

With just a few weeds for distraction

And the rock shelves below

Walking the Cleveland Way

Add a splash of green

What a situation for a caravan park! Whitby Abbey in the background.

Saltwick Nab in all it’s glory!

And the rocks below.

Two specks on a beach

Patterns and shadows

You can just see where the caravans are perched

Turning the corner you can see Whitby pier

Can blue get any bluer?

Getting closer

And then you reach the Abbey

Don’t forget to look around St. Mary’s Church.

Down the steps! Easier than climbing up.

If you’ve still got energy there’s the old pier

Or maybe a cruise on a pirate ship

Hope you enjoyed the trip? I still have some more shots for a rainy day. Click on any photo to see the gallery.

My grateful thanks to Cate at Show My Face. Her life seems much harder than mine. Click on the link or the header to see what’s been happening in her week.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 37

Window panel on a cottage door in Whitby, North Yorkshire

Don’t you think this is lovely? I’ve been visiting Whitby for many years and I always walk down the main pier for the lovely views back at the town and out across the bay. Picture postcard pretty though it undoubtedly is, the weather can sometimes be bleak on that North Yorkshire coast. This little window panel seemed to me to speak volumes of the nature of the place.

Out on the pier itself, in glorious weather, there are more windows to see.

The bluest of skies accentuate the lighthouse.

From top- to bottom!

The beach is overlooked by a row of holiday cottages. I’d already walked the clifftop and the pier, so time for a sit down and a bite to eat. But the cobbled Whitby streets are always full of pirate treasures.

Justin’s Chocolatier has a sumptuous window

The window in close-up

And “ye olde tea shoppes”!

Yes, please!

In the end we found an old favourite.

With it’s cosy inside, looking out to the courtyard

It was just the ending needed to our day.

Don’t you think? But I’m a coffee person, really!

I have to admit to having a naughty glass of wine, but then, the setting was so nice. If you’re in Whitby, look out for Sanders Yard.

Meantime it’s thanks to Dawn at Lingering Visions for encouraging me to look through windows. If you have some you’d like to share, follow the link and meet me there.

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 35

Saltburn cliff lift with it’s stained glass windows

This is my third post about Saltburn-by-the-Sea in a week! Something about “if a job’s worth doing” rings a bell. It is a charming town with a strong hint of Victoriana and quirkiness that has always appealed to me. It’s situation on the North Yorkshire coast, overlooking Huntcliff Nab, is beautiful. The cliff lift is the star attraction, and extremely useful if you don’t want to make the long haul up to the town from the beach.

Saltburn Cliff Lift is definitely red..

It’s a steep drop!

Not a great shot but I had to be quick- the lift was going down!

A look back at last year’s Jubilee yarn bombing, on the promenade above the pier.

If the cliff lift’s not in operation, a stroll through Valley Gardens will bring you back up to the town by a more leisurely (but still steep!) route. After the recent floods you might need your wellies, but in Summer it’s a beautiful woodland stroll beside the tawny stream. As a real treat the Prince Charles miniature steam train runs through the woods in the holiday season. I had just missed it and it was safely stowed in the engine sheds, but I found these rather whimsical windows in the childrens’ wildlife-watching area.

What can you see?

Maybe this window’s better?

Back on the cliff top, the town is full of grand old Victorian houses and a spattering of shops. Maybe a little window shopping before you hunt out a cafe with a view?

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If you didn’t see my post about the yarn bombing on the pier, have a look at Six word Saturday. The sea creatures are delightful and the views of Huntcliff Nab are pretty wonderful too.

Meantime, many thanks to Dawn at Lingering Visions. I love writing posts about windows. How about you? Click on the link to see this week’s entries.

Than

Six word Saturday

A most unusual point of view

Many’s the time I’ve strolled down Saltburn pier, but it’s never looked like this before. Roll the gallery for a few smiles.

Beautiful beach huts

A cute crab!

An elegant jellyfish and anemone friends.

The detail is beautiful.

Such a nice view of The Smuggler’s Inn in the background

Crazy yellow at the seaside!

Donkey ride anyone?

Knit and Purl are adorable.

Another jellyfish.

Lobster for tea?

Or shrimp?

Is crab red when it’s cooked?

Gone fishing!

Too much seaweed around here!

A stripey seahorse and his mate.

HELP!

Dangling pretty!

Huntcliff Nab, dramatic in the background.

Just hanging around!

A jolly lighthouse.

A dog and his master take a closer look?

I felt so sorry for Saltburn when I saw the news this morning. There was extensive flooding after yesterday’s torrential rain. This morning they’ll be cleaning up.

Yesterday I posted this young lady in the Weekly Photo Challenge which required a a shot from an unusual point of view. She is very winsome but not in very good focus. In retrospect I would have been better using either my first or last gallery photo, don’t you think? Do you have a favourite?

That’s my six words (and a bit) for this Saturday. If you’d like to join Cate at Show My Face for Six Word Saturday you’d be very welcome. The explanation is in the header and the links.

Which way next?

My stepping stones were much admired in last week’s Which Way post so I thought I’d share with you another idyllic and very English scene in the North Yorkshire village of Lealholm. I don’t take many photos of people but this little family setting really made me smile. Join me in the gallery.

Lealholm has the prettiest little bridge

And, of course, those stepping stones.

Here we have my husband looking downstream

At an intrepid youngster.

I love the patience of “big sis” and the determined little fella.

It’s a lovely tranquil spot.

Innocent pleasures! It’s nice to see they’re still around.

I thought I’d take part in Cee’s Which Way Challenge again this week because it will be fortnightly from now on. Alternate weeks will be a black and white photo challenge, and that’s a whole different ball game.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

North Yorkshire

Jo’s Monday walk : A Stokesley Circular

Jo’s Monday walk : The Drummer Boy

Six word Saturday

Have you climbed a vertical pier?

Jo’s Monday walk : A Saltburn stroll

Six word Saturday

The case of the disappearing train!

Six word Saturday

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 37

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 35

Six word Saturday

A most unusual point of view

Which way next?

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Have you climbed a vertical pier?

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The case of the disappearing train!

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A most unusual point of view

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