walking

A walk for Christine
Christine and Stuart, happy on their holidays

Christine and Stuart, happy on their holidays

Like many of you, I felt like I had been punched in the stomach, reading Stuart’s brave post this morning.  His lovely wife, Christine, ended their 45 years together in his arms.  Tears are not far away but I need to write this post.  Losing a friend is terrible, but losing a partner, thankfully, is unimaginable till it happens to you.

I know that Christine would want us to celebrate her life, and I’m doing that in the only way I know how.  This morning I took a walk in our English countryside, with Christine looking over my shoulder.  So often she has done just that, here on my blog.  She loved the beauty of nature.

The sheep were indulging their usual antics

The sheep were indulging their usual antics

And against a garden wall, the sweetpeas were climbing

And against a garden wall, the sweet peas were climbing

Following the footpath out of the village

I followed the footpath out of the village

And down the lane, peering in the hedgerows

And down the lane, peering in the hedgerows

For beauties such as this

For little beauties such as this

And this

And this

And gossamer drifts, like these

And gossamer drifts, like these

The elderflowers have been prolific this year

The elder flowers have been prolific this year

There's a farmyard smell or two

There’s a farmyard smell or two

It's not all beauty when you look over the farmer's wall!

And it’s not always pretty when you look over the farmer’s wall

But there's beauty enough if you look for it

But there’s beauty enough if you look for it

And, like Christine, I always do

And, like Christine, I always do

The insects always seem to find it, too

The insects always seem to find it, too

It comes in all shapes and sizes

It comes in all shapes and sizes

And not always easy to capture

And is not always so easy to capture

However could I have imagined, when I woke up this morning, that I’d be writing this post?  Was it only Monday we last exchanged greetings and she left me a link to Glastonbury Tor?  I can only be thankful for her friendship, and regret that we missed each other by just a day on her recent holiday.  I’m so glad that she had that happy time.

Such a wealth of memories Stuart has to look back on.  I know him very little, and of his drawings, only through Christine.  But what a thoughtful and amazing partner to have said goodbye, on her behalf, as he did this morning.  My thoughts are with him and the family she so loved.  She was a warm and caring person, who touched my life and that of many others.  Whenever I take this English walk now, I know who I’ll be thinking of.

Just one last English rose, for Christine

Just one last English rose, for Christine

 

 

Jo’s Monday walk : Barragem de Bravura
The colour of the water delighted me

The colour of this water delights me

Over the weeks I’ve shown you quite a few different aspects of the Algarve.  Today we’re going to what the ‘Rough Guide’, my travel bible, describes as ‘the most picturesque’ of the Algarve’s many reservoirs.  I could find no reason to disagree.

Situated north of Lagos, at the western end of the Algarve, we drove first to the village of Odiaxere and followed signs from there.  It is also signed from Bensafrim on N120.  Unspoilt countryside rolls away beautifully to either side.

I wasn't sure if this meant we were welcome, or not!

I wasn’t sure if this meant we were welcome, or not!

This sign confused me rather, and I worried for a moment about overt commercialism, but nothing could have been further from the truth.  The restaurant appeared closed and I don’t think we passed more than 4 people on the entire walk.  The car park lay just beyond this point, and from there a pebbly path wound down to the dam.

The dam keeper's cottage? In a lovely situation

Past what I presumed was the dam keeper’s cottage, in a lovely situation

And there was the dam!

And there was the dam

Crossing over the dam leads to a rough track around the edge of the reservoir.  It wriggles prettily in and out of coves, disappearing into the distance.  An invitation to follow.

Looking back at the dam

Looking back at the dam

And out across the lake

And out across the lake

The eucalyptus forming a screen

The eucalyptus forms a screen

And that alluring water beckons

And that alluring water beckons!

And wispy leaves invite

While wispy leaves disguise

The wider vista beyond

The wider vista beyond

Now is probably a good time to mention that at the outset I had no idea of the length of this walk. I expected to find an information board or two along the trail, as is customary, but none materialised on the stretch I walked.

You might have realised by now that I’m not always a practical, sensible creature.  While full of good intent, I had omitted to bring bottled water with me on this warm Summer’s day.  (In my defence, I did have a map and a guide book!)  There was nowhere around at which a purchase could be made.  Looking across the lake I could see from the many inlets that walking right around it was not going to be an option.  So it was a case of walking to a point at which I could bare to turn back, and then retracing my steps.

This was no hardship, as the views in either direction were lovely.  The additional good news was that I couldn’t possibly get lost.

The path continued to meander

The path continued to meander

Guarded over by the eucalyptus

Guarded over by the eucalyptus

Hiding amongst the tree roots were delicate flowers

Hiding amongst the tree roots were delicate flowers

And Mr. Frog!

Mr. Frog!

These were quite common, too

And little ‘lemon drops’, grabbing the shade

At one point we came upon a couple with a picnic.  Now, wouldn’t that have been a sensible idea? You would certainly have needed insect repellent though.

Still the water was exquisitely turquoise

Still, the water was exquisitely turquoise

Winding back around the lake

Winding around the lake

And back to our beginnings

And back to our beginnings

On my return to the UK I tried unsuccessfully to find a website with a few more details about the trail around the reservoir.  The nearest I came was a German walking site which suggested that a full circuit would take between 7 and 8 hours!  This was not recommended because at some point the trail leaves the water’s edge and crosses higher ground, without benefit of any shade.

My cycling friends would probably be quite happy to make a full circuit.  For the less energetic of us, I would suggest that it would be a grand spot to take a book and just listen to the birds.  And picnic too, of course.

For me the walk was part of a three way adventure.  I’ll tell you more about that next time.

walking logo

Now it’s time to share last week’s walks.  I have created a Jo’s Monday walks page, which I hope will answer any queries.  Click on the logo if you need help, or come and meet my lovely friends.

Drake is quick off the mark!  He was first again last week, with beautiful Strasbourg  :

http://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/cityscape-walking/

Some wonderful surprises occurred!  Colline joined me, all the way from Toronto, with an expedition to Chinatown  :

http://collinesblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/out-shopping-in-chinatown/

And Sylvia brought the Indian Ocean right to my doorstep  :

http://anotherday2paradise.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/jos-monday-walk-challenge-up-the-hill-and-back-along-the-beach-front/

Remember Amy’s wonderful ‘hacienda’ in Spain?  I bet you’d like to see more!  :

https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/jos-monday-walk-ronda-countryside/

I was a little scared about the ghosts till I read Sue’s post.  Then, I was gobsmacked!  What a stunner!  Take me to Banff, please  :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/06/23/lake-minnewanka-banffs-lake-of-the-spirits/

Please do join me if you can.  I love a bit of company when I’m walking.

Six word Saturday

Jo’s Monday walk and some scarecrows

It's scarecrow time again in the villages

It’s scarecrow time again in the villages

And the ladybird came to the ugly bug ball

And the ladybird came to the Ugly Bug Ball

'Let us crawl, let us crawl...'

‘Let us crawl, let us crawl…’

It's quite a horsey kind of village

It’s quite a horsey kind of village

Exhausting, at times!

Which can be exhausting, at times!

What a beautiful garden for a swim!

What a beautiful garden for a swim!

And, naturally, we're all set for the Tour de France

Naturally, we’re all set for the Tour de France

A disappointed spectator?

Is this a disappointed spectator?

Or is she keeping her eye on the children?

Or is she just keeping her eye on the children?

I thought that was big sister's job!

I thought that was big sister’s job!

But it wouldn't be an English village without a patriotic gnome

It wouldn’t be an English village without a patriotic gnome, now would it?

The scarecrows ‘speak for themselves’ , but I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce my Monday walks page.  I’ve been posting Jo’s Monday walks since March and they’ve had a wonderful response.  I’m very grateful for all your support, and thought it was time I constructed a page to explain a few details.  A click on my new logo will take you to the page.

walking logo

Speaking of logos, you won’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face, will you?  She’ll be waiting expectantly for your Six word Saturdays.  Whether you’re chasing scarecrows, out walking or just relaxing at home, I hope you have a happy Saturday.

6wsButton

Jo’s Monday walk : Barril beach
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!

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?

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?

How about this one?  An Aeonium?

And you know this is my absolute favourite!

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

I love the landscape

With the hump of Monchique always in the background

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

Cacti and aloe vera begin to take over

And you're onto the boardwalk at Barril beach

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!

Use it or lose it?

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?

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!

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

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

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

The countryside drops away below us

The countryside falls away below us

And we're walking on the Cleveland Way

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!

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

The waymarked trail leads off across the moors

The waymarked trail leads off across the moors

With runnels to help the rains to drain away

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 resting place

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

Two shiny red canoes! A rarity at the reservoir

Today they have company- it's a school trip

Today they have company- it’s a school trip

But the goslings don't mind

But the goslings don’t appear to mind

The gorse is plentiful too

The gorse is plentiful too

With just a few mallows at the water's edge

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 : 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

The path through the woods

Zoological gardens!

Zoological gardens!

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

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

But the meerkats were keeping a sharp lookout!

But the meerkats were keeping a sharp lookout

While the peacocks performed a merry dance

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?

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

But awfully good at posing!

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'd map

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

The entrance to the monastery

Promising, isn't it?

Promising, isn’t it?

And in the doorway, even better!

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!

If only I could get closer!

It looked so intriguing!

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 : Nesbitt Dene
Thorpe Bulmer Farm

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

There’s an old barn, of course

And maybe some hay rolls in the fields.

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

Wood anemones flourish

Pine cones litter the path

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!

Nesbitt Hall, and a lot of clouds!

The fields are full of rape seed at the minute

The fields are full of rape seed at the minute

And great heaps of rolled hay

And great heaps of rolled hay

And rusty old bits of farming equipment

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

I cannot resist a blossom shot along the way

Or even two!

Or even two!

Then back under the feathery leaves

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

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's and the churchyard

St. Mary Magdalene’s and the churchyard

A peaceful scene inside the church

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

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 was a beauty!

This magnolia’s a beauty!

The forest or Commondale?

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!

Good morning Mr. Fox!

And a whole family of sleepy owls!

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

The trail ends opposite this gatehouse

Nice, isn't it?

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

And there’s the priory, across a field

There's not much to it, when you get up close

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.

But the arches are pleasing

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

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

And you can walk out to the end

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

And look back, 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

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

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

The distinctive housing on the cliff top

And the distinctive housing on the cliff top

Town map

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 : Hartlepool Story Trail
Fish Annie's song

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

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

No. 2-  ‘Fairy Cove’

A calm blue background today

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-

No. 3-  Beacon and Town Moor

Today's beacon, on a better day!

Today’s beacon, on a bluer day!

No. 4- Bandstand & Elephant Rock

No. 4- Bandstand & Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock, which collapsed in 1891

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

    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

    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!

The sea was having fun!

Lots of 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

No. 7a- Billy Purvis

7b is, of course, the church itself.

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

Pretty in snow, isn't it?

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'

No. 8- the ‘Paddling Pool’

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

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'

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'

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'

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'

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