walking

Jo’s Monday walk : Crimdon beach

First of all I need to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the people who joined in on my Monday walk last week. I was so happy with the response I got that I really can’t wait to do it again. Let’s take the walk first, shall we, and I’ll explain a little more later.

Crimdon Beach

This is another local walk, and probably comes in the ‘ugly’ category. I can’t just show you pretty pictures can I? It wouldn’t be truthful, or fair to the area. Crimdon lies just north of Hartlepool, on the north east coast of England. It is one of my childhood beaches. A day trip to Crimdon was exciting in those days! To this day, a caravan park sits atop the beach, and you can wander through it playing the ‘I’d like this one’ game. Front facing the sea, naturally.

How about this one? A few tubs on the deck and it would be perfect!

But I’m getting away from the subject. This is a circular walk which includes the beach and Crimdon Dene. Our start point is the cliff top car park.

Here you have it!

As you can see, it’s part of the Durham Coastal footpath, very easily accessible and with some excellent cliff top walking. Hartlepool was once a part of Durham County, but that is history.

But I cannot always offer you the blue skies!

First drop down the stepped boardwalk and onto the beach

Today there’s a watery sun, glinting in the rock pools

You'll maybe recognise this view from a previous post?

You might just recognise this view from a previous post where I got wet!

There go the walkers, striding up the beach!

In places, the sea gets trapped at low tide

The patterns formed in the dune, a mystery

And looking back, some walkers in outline, at the top

And looking back, tiny walkers in outline, near the top

With the tide out, you can walk right along this beach to Hartlepool. In the distance you can still see the disused pier that is all that is left of a former magnesium works. In Summer you might observe protective fencing along the dunes, where a nesting colony of Little Terns make their home for 4 months every year. They spend Winter in West Africa, lucky things!

But today we are going into Crimdon Dene. A wooded valley cutting through cliffs of magnesium limestone, it forms the boundary with County Durham. The Dene’s dominant landmark is the lofty railway viaduct, completed in 1905, over which the north coast railway service periodically rattles. I remember being hugely excited by it when I was small.

Hartlepool Headland just visible in the distance

Safeguarding the Little Terns

Crimdon or Hartlepool?

Underneath the arches of Crimdon railway viaduct

Leaving the Dene from beneath the viaduct

A steepish climb will bring you back up to the cliff top car park. The distance is little more than 2 miles but you can extend it as far along the beach as you wish. There are no facilities as the club house on the caravan park is ‘members only’. Hard to believe that back in the 50s this was a thriving resort. A Six word Saturday post from about this time last year will show you the area from a slightly different (and sunnier) aspect.

And now it’s your turn! Last week I suggested that I would love to hear about walks in your area. I can never cover as much ground as I’d like to, so I would really appreciate sitting back in my armchair for a virtual walk around your neighbourhood. If you have a post about a favourite walk that you’d like to share, please leave a link in my comments box. You can do this any day of the week, and it can be a full walk or just a few photos- I’ll be delighted either way.

In return I will tweet or post it on Facebook for those of you who use social media. I usually share when I like a post anyway, but sometimes I forget. Age, you know! I don’t know if you’ve found my Restlessjo page on Facebook, but I’d love to see you there. Happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Greatham Creek

The spy holes in the hide, Greatham Creek

First, a word of explanation. For quite some time I’ve been including walks in my posts, and most of you seem to enjoy taking a stroll with me. It occurred to me the other day (when I was out walking, of course) that I could make this a regular feature, and invite people to join in and share, if they want to. Lots of you will have favourite walks, and I would love to hear about them.

So, let’s start with Greatham Creek. Now, unless you’re a local, I know you will be reading this as Great Ham, but the pronunciation is, in fact, Gree Tham. Funny old language, isn’t it? Not long since, I took you on a wander through the snowdrops in Greatham Village. That could well be the start point for this walk, but I am choosing to do it differently today.

Instead, we’re starting at the bird hide on the Seal Sands road

See the peep holes? Now, what are they looking at?

This fellow, and his friends

You did notice that I called it Seal Sands road, didn’t you? The area is highly industrialised, with smoke belching from chimneys on the skyline, but for a number of years this has been home to a colony of seals. So much so that, passing by on the bus to Middlesbrough with my nose stuck in a book, I sometimes even forget to notice them. Not today, though.

Clear and bright with just a little nip to the air, it was perfect for socialising with seals.

Now a seal might like a little privacy, and rightly so

So there are opportunities to ‘hide’ yourself

And still get a decent view of the seals (and the industry!)

While still getting a decent view of the seals (and the industry)

There is a car park on the Seal Sands road (the A189), right by the hide. When you’ve had enough of playing hide and seek, cross over the creek on the road bridge and follow the public footpath off to your left. Work is currently in progress to extend the footpath on the other side of the bridge, which will lead to another hide.

Crossing the creek

Which spreads out, inland

Passing the seals, who carry on doing what seals do

As does the industry!

The creek is tidal, so the water level is variable. The number of seals basking on the sands varies too. To be truthful, it isn’t always the weather for basking. When the skies are leaden the whole area is very depressing.

But nobody seems to have told the seals!

The patterns carved by the creek vary, too

Winding off like unravelling yarn

The footpath follows the creek, with occasional steps up and down

Then it veers off to the right, heading towards Greatham Village. The fields were still a little flooded in places, after the heavy rain, but passable, with care. I didn’t have proper walking shoes on and opted to turn back.

There is a way around, honestly!

The walk continues, passing the derelict Cerebos site and over the railway tracks into Greatham. The “Hope and Anchor” on the High Street is an old favourite of mine, if you need a food or drink stop. Or you can simply retrace your steps at any point. I was only out walking for about an hour, having come with the sole purpose of seeing the seals.

So, that’s my walk for today. I hope you enjoyed it. Now I’m rather hoping that I might tempt a few of you into sharing walks with me? You can include as much or as little detail as you like. A full walk would be great but if you want to show me just a photo or two from a walk you know, I’d be happy with that too. My walks will mostly be in the north east of England, because that’s home, but now and then I might just stray.

If you decide to participate, please leave a link to your walk in the comments box below. Let’s see how far we can get, shall we? I’m really looking forward to it.

A promenade to Roker

Grab your coat! It’s time to go.

It’s Monday, my usual day for a walk. Do you fancy a stroll? I’m starting out today on the banks of the River Wear at Sunderland. Ship building used to be the mainstay of this area, till foreign competition priced us out of the market. For a lot of years nothing much happened around here, but gradually life is creeping back in.

The National Glass Centre blazed a trail and it is the start and end point of my walk. At the river mouth a small marina huddles against that sometimes biting north east breeze. In its absence, this is a very pleasant stroll, with some quirky sculptures along the way.

All is quiet this morning on the River Wear

There’s a ‘not so comfy’ seat if you’re tired already

But best to head off round the marina

Vessels of all shapes and sizes loiter here

From working boats

To those with a more leisurely life

Masts always delight me

What can I tell you about Sunderland? I expect you’ve heard of Geordies, people who hail from Newcastle-on-Tyne, but have you heard of Mackems? The name Mackem (‘make them’) may have derived from the Wearside shipyard workers, who would design and build ships, which would then be taken by the Tyne-siders. The expression “mackem and tackem” (make them and take them) seems to refer to the rivalry which has always existed between these two cities.

My favourite sculpture is the stained glass boat

Tiny buoys dot the water as you look back to the Glass Centre

And there are colourful bollards on the quay

Beyond the marina the river mouth opens onto the beach front at Roker, newly made over.

With new sculptures and seating

The beach is full of tempting rock pools

It’s just the place for walking your dog

Or admiring the lighthouse

This area is not without its admirers. Lewis Carroll wrote some of his works in neighbouring Whitburn and local landmarks are believed to be the source of inspiration for his “Alice in Wonderland”. The painter, L.S. Lowry, regularly stayed at the Seaburn Hotel, here on the front.

The promenade stretches off into the distance and you can walk as far as you like. Buses run all along the coast so, if you overdo it, you can always hop on a bus back to Sunderland centre. I think we may have walked far enough for this morning, so it’s time to retrace our steps, and maybe pick up an icecream en route. A short detour through pretty Roker Park will bring you back down to the beach.

Upper or lower promenade at Roker lighthouse?

An old drinking fountain

Back to the beach, from Roker Park

The National Glass Centre has a very nice riverfront restaurant where you can take some refreshments, and maybe fit in a free tour of the glass factory. I love glass blowing. Don’t you? But more of that next time.

A festive walk round Pooley Bridge

Winter sunshine? Well, maybe!

After all the hustle and bustle, it’s nice to get out and about again, isn’t it? Especially if the weather cooperates. I can think of few nicer places to stretch your legs in the off season than Pooley Bridge, in England’s Lake District.

I was lucky enough to be there recently, and even though the day was grey, I managed to catch a hint of sunlight on the water. Pooley Bridge sits on the River Eamont, at the head of Lake Ullswater. The 7 mile-long lake slides off into the distance, and the temptation to follow is strong. From the village you can walk round to the ferry point, or follow the lakeside path along the shore.

The path from the village leads over the bridge

and a nice old Pooley Bridge it is!

Crossing the bridge you can see right down the lake

Or look back at the tranquil riverside homes.

The ferry beckons in the distance

Subject to the weather, of course, the ferry sails all year. A Round the Lake Pass gives you the option to hop on and hop off anywhere on the lake. The villages of Howtown and Glenridding lie at the southern end. If you time it right in December, you might even catch Santa and his Happy Elves on board. For details see Ullswater Steamers.

The sign is so long

I had to photograph it in two halves!

If you’re full of energy you can take the turn off in the village and head down to the lakeside path following the shore.

Soon the ferry is back in sight

And a couple of upturned boats

The jetty looks a little frail

But you the view from the pebbles is just fine.

The village is well supplied with pubs so retrace your steps when you get hungry. The atmosphere in the “Sun Inn” (a natural choice for me!) was very convivial and the chicken curry quite spicy. Just right for a December day.

Back into the village

The “Sun Inn” looks welcoming

And promises to be festive inside

And on the bar, the jolliest snowman beams through falling snow.

The waterproof jacket and pink scarf came too, but I was fortunate with the weather. Enjoy your Christmas celebrations and don’t feel guilty about that naughty pud. You can walk it all off later.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

That last snippet of Autumn

Through a fence, lengthening shadows and a last hint of colour

Through a fence, lengthening shadows and the last hint of colour

The jacket and me went walking again today. Goodness it was cold, but glorious, once I was striding along. The village of West Auckland in County Durham is one I have often driven through but never before stopped in. Our walk leader was born and bred there so this bright, late Autumn day seemed a good time to take a closer look.

The village green, with its claim to footballing fame

I love that last vestige of colour in the trees

There was a curious horse or two along the way.

The shadows were long. Yes, that’s me!

A gurgling stream and a green bridge.

Those horses again!

A bare-looking tree and pebble beach

And the brightness of berries.

How strange that this quiet village should be a part of footballing history! In 1909 West Auckland FC represented Great Britain in the inaugural World Cup competition in Torino, Italy. A team largely made up of coal miners, they struggled to raise the finance for the trip. Despite this they went on to beat Swiss team FC Winterthur 2-0 in the final, and even retained their title in 1911, beating Juventus 6-1! Those were the days!

Me, I’m relishing any dry, bright days when I can get out and about. Me and the warm jacket, that is!

A Bishop’s Stroll

Oh dear! It’s that “reach for a warm jacket” time of year again. Spoiled as I am by my sunny sojourn in Barcelona, I always knew that I was set to meet the British Winter head on when I returned. I could hibernate, I suppose, but that doesn’t sound much fun. Nothing for it but to wrap up warm and put the best foot forward. Where better than a medieval hunting lodge to start?

Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, has been the official residence of the Bishop of Durham since 1832, and the surrounding park was originally used by the Bishops for hunting. These days it’s the start point for a very pleasant stroll. It never ceases to amaze me how many of these lordly residences still survive in England today. This one is a veritable treasure trove. The castle’s long dining room was specifically created to contain 12 of the 13 portraits of Jacob and his 12 sons painted by Francisco de Zurbaran in the 17th century. Their last valuation was 20 million pounds! In order to maintain them in their existing home an ambitious project is underway to tell the story of religion in Britain within the castle. Currently the Castle is closed until next Spring, but it’s still a good base for a walk.

Start in the Market Place.

Through the inviting archway?

There’s the castle!

Peep through the fortified walls.

Reindeer! Is it Christmas, already?

Such a dull sky but imposing architecture.

This strange feature is the Deer Shelter, built around 1760.

Such a grand home for a few deer!

Rather strange and mysterious.

But then you’re back to vibrant English green.

And Trevor’s Bridge, built in 1757.

The skies were as grey as my jacket, but still, it’s good to get out! Wrap up warm and join me. Follow the links for more information.

Everyone needs a waterproof jacket in this weather!

Six word Saturday

Classic example of getting it wrong!

The river bank at Yarm, North Yorkshire

A sultry Summer’s day seemed like an excellent time for a stroll by the River Tees, in search of a tempering breeze. Yes, this is north east England I’m talking about. Don’t fall out of your seat in surprise! It happens.

We headed for Preston Park, knowing that we had access to the river there, and should be able to walk along the banks as far as the village of Yarm. You’ll note that I said “should”. It being an impromptu little outing, neither of us had consulted a map.

The park itself was heaving with picnics and families having a good time, so it was a relief to drop down onto the riverbank. It felt wonderfully idyllic as we ambled through shoulder-high wild flowers, extravagant in their pink frocks. The sunshine bounced and shimmered on the water. All was right with the Bradley world.

Innocently following signs for The Cleveland Way, suddenly we found ourselves in the midst of a housing development. The river was there somewhere, but we couldn’t find it! Nothing to do but keep following our noses (and the signs) in the direction of Yarm. It was a long walk beside a busy road! I wished I’d had my bus pass with me.

Undeterred, but hot, we reached Yarm, and with relief descended again to the riverbank, alongside of the superbly positioned pub “The Blue Bells”. Why it did not occur to us to seek refreshment at this point, I do not know, but good spirits were restored anyway. Yarm is a pretty place, and peaceful, viewed from the opposite bank of the river. Swans mingled with ducks and the bridge was in harmony too.

Again we were swathed in wild flowers, mainly whites this time, and meadows opened out behind us. I was amazed at the form and variety of some of the plants, which seemed to have grown to a mighty height. The sun beat hotly down as we followed the meandering riverbank. Beautiful though it was, I was starting to wonder how much further, when catastrophe befell.

We had arrived at Eaglescliffe Golf Course, with its privileged riverside location, and there was no access beyond that point. If it hadn’t been for substantial hedges I would have been a willing trespasser. Irritatingly we could hear the golfers calling to each other, yon side of the hedge, but we had to head wearily inland to complete our walk.

We never regained the riverbank, but collapsed into “The Sportsman” for a reviving Guinness, then limped back to the car. Fortunately the rest of the week’s walking was better planned. Another lesson learned (till next time!)

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Hope you enjoyed our very English walk this week. Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to take your map with you! Do make time for Six word Saturday, with Cate at Show My Face.

Six word Saturday

No zumba for me this week

Wouldn’t you know that it’s a perfect English morning (at last!) and my normal Saturday morning walk down through the park to zumba would be a delight? Instead I’m going to take you on an uphill walk which is the cause of my incapacity. Then I might sit in the garden with a book- a novelty in itself! (and ignore the pile of ironing just a bit longer)

The Algarve countryside is stunning at this time of year

Even the weeds are a delight

And there are always surprises!

The thistles are everywhere!

These cloches cover courgettes (was the consensus of opinion) at

There’s always a charming cottage or two

Sometimes with a curious inhabitant (Bom Dia!)

This shy little fellow’s mum is close by

Then we start to climb higher

There are amazing plants in the few gardens this high up

Always a goat or two in the shade

The masthead at the very top is far from pretty

And this was the final view

Unfortunately I wasn’t wearing the right kind of footwear, and as we scrambled back down again I could feel the damage to my toes. It was the “quick route” down as everyone was starved and we were heading for a very nice restaurant as a reward for our efforts.

I struggle to get a shoe on and have been wearing flipflops ever since. Still, I did enjoy the walk, and the company. Hope you did too? Don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face to see what’s been happening to everyone this week. My Six word Saturdays are all on the button below.

Exhilarated!

The breakwater

The sea was boiling today! One of those “wrap up warm, good to be alive” days. It was my final walk with the group before we split up for the Christmas hols, and we stayed local, on Hartlepool’s Headland.

It was all just an excuse to have coffee and scones at Mary Rowntree’s Victorian Tearooms. Wonderful to be inside, out of the cold, in this beautifully restored former church.

This is just a quick thank you post to all who offered me advice and encouragement when I was in despair at the weekend. As you can see, the photo crisis is resolved, and I’m now hastening to put our Christmas tree up, finish the shopping, and catch up with all your blogs. (you know very well that it won’t be in that order!)

See you soon!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

walking

Jo’s Monday walk : Crimdon beach

Jo’s Monday walk : Greatham Creek

A promenade to Roker

A festive walk round Pooley Bridge

That last snippet of Autumn

A Bishop’s Stroll

Six word Saturday

Classic example of getting it wrong!

Six word Saturday

No zumba for me this week

Exhilarated!

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Classic example of getting it wrong!

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No zumba for me this week

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