walking

Jo’s Monday walk : A crisp day at Stockton Riverside

Subtitled, a bevy of swans. Recovering from a back problem, I needed a gentle, level walk. The Riverside, at nearby Stockton-on-Tees, seemed a likely candidate. The sun was bright in the sky but the temperature skimming zero, so strolling really wasn’t an option. Semi-briskly, let’s go!

It’s surprising the variety you can find within a short distance along this river bank. A replica of ‘The Endeavour’, a glut of bridges and an impressive whiteness of swans. Today, rivaled by the whiteness of frost on decaying timbers.

As an extra treat, the Teesside Princess comes chugging towards us from her dock on the quayside. Party time upstream, maybe?

Aren’t they lovely creatures? I don’t know when I ever saw so many, even in a nature reserve, and this is anything but. I did wonder if the local council arranged for them to be fed. We’re now at the back of Stockton High Street and approaching a retail park, so it’s a good time to cross over the Victoria Bridge to the opposite bank of the Tees.

The path continues alongside newish flats, and a spattering of call centres. Not a bad working environment, and there are benches for a lunchtime sandwich. Even in thick tights, you’d think twice today. Look out for the glimmer of ice on the water as we follow the man-made canals.

Passing below the Millenium Bridge, the footpath weaves around the canals in a slightly frustrating manner. Ahead and around the next bend awaits the showstopper bridge, her graceful arcs skimming the blue.

Intriguingly there are goalposts suspended above the water. Evidence of summer excitement! The university buildings back onto this stretch, and the youngsters will row and kayak with enthusiasm. More sedately, I’m content just to admire the slender lines before me.

A grand finale, isn’t she? Crossing over the Infinity Bridge and I gaze skywards, spellbound as ever by her beauty.

The riverside path leads back to our beginning. You can pop through to the High Street if you’re needing sustenance, and you might catch Locomotion no 1 in action. Here’s a little bit of bridge history for those who are interested.

Apologies for taking you back to familiar territory, but I know you love a bright walk and this was such a lovely, albeit nippy, day. I still have some walks to share from earlier in the year and it’s a perpetual dilemma which to choose. Perhaps I’ll have to let a little cloud in next week. Grab that cuppa, won’t you, and we’ll settle in for a read.

Thanks all you lovely people. I so look forward to your company on Mondays. I have some of the most fabulous shares again this week. Feel free to join me anytime. You’ll always be welcome. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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Lady Lee has been making me envious again. Such a nice place to have family!

Singapore

If you’re a fan of ‘dressing up’ you’ll like Jackie’s post, with a nice dollop of history :

Day 7- Williamsburg

Jude takes me back to a place where I have fond memories of duck pate sandwiches, Guinness and rain!

Bury St. Edmunds

While Sherri took me back to the sunshine of my halcyon Lake Garda days :

An Italian Journey : Writing and Healing

A good ramble and a yarn from Tish Farrell always brings a huge smile to my face :

Rambling Yesterday On Wenlock Edge ~ “The Holly and the Power Station”

A smile and a song! Those are Drake’s specialities too :

Smile for awhile

Or you can have a little birdsong with your stroll, over at Denzil’s place :

3 walks on Mechelse Heide

Biti can show you lots of Rome’s splendour :

Rome beautiful churches

And poor Carol has a dilemma on her hands on the rugged south coast of England :

Which Shoes to Choose

They’re brilliant, aren’t they? I have a crispy pink and white sunrise dawning outside my window. Soon be time to get walking. Take good care and I’ll see you all next week!

Jo’s Monday walk : Aydon Castle

I still have a sackful of balmy, Algarve images to post but, here in England, the Autumn colour is fading fast. I thought I’d share this walk to Aydon Castle before the leaves have all departed. Though it’s just over the border into Northumberland, I’d never heard of this 13th century, fortified manor house until a couple of weeks ago.

I know lovely honey coloured Corbridge, where my walk starts, quite well. It’s riverside walks often tempt me. This is Roman Wall territory and there are any number of sites you can visit to delve back in time. Today though, I’m after a good tramp in the outdoors. No, don’t ask ‘which one?’

The walk starts from the free car park, just over the bridge, where you will also find a helpful map and suggestions for other trails in the neighbourhood. Cross over the bridge and head gently up through the town, bearing to the right.

Corbridge is a very genteel and affluent looking place. Not easy to imagine the Scottish border raids that once were a regular feature of this area. Livestock were often brought in from the fields at night, and a watch placed at each end of town to protect them from marauders. Way before that, Corbridge was the most northerly town in the Roman Empire.

Keep a watch for a signpost off to the left. Aydon Castle is one and a half miles from this point, initially following a narrow lane and then a footpath beside a lovely old stone wall. It’s a bit of a surprise to find yourself walking next to the noisy A69 but, once you cross the road bridge over this busy highway, you are again enfolded in English countryside. Did you notice the kilns off across the fields? It was my intention to circle around to see them on the return leg, but that didn’t quite happen.

The sheep are quietly contemplative, their fleece crisply white against the shimmering autumn foliage. Ahead, the trail drops down into the woods and weaves in and out of dappled shade. It’s a bit of a climb up towards the Castle.

Suddenly the solid walls are right there in front of you. Robert de Reymes, a wealthy merchant, built a manor house here, beside the Cor Burn, in 1296. It was originally a 2-storey building but in 1305 he obtained a licence to add battlements, crenellations and curtain walls. Despite this it was pillaged and burnt by the Scots in 1315. Two years later the English recaptured it, only to lose it again to the Scots in 1346.

In the middle of the 16th century the building was renovated, and mid 17th century it was converted into a farm. It remained a farm until 1966.

It is a remarkably solid building. Information panels showing the floor plans are strategically placed and, on the ground floor, there’s a charming storybook on a sturdy wooden table. Sunlight dances off the wall hangings in the regal hall. I find myself gazing at the rough roof tiles, high above the timber beams. The patterns intrigue.

Outside, Autumn continues to glow. I hope for a tearoom attached to the Castle, currently managed by English Heritage, but a small shop has to suffice. Lunch proves to be a bar of fudge and a hot chocolate, clutched for warmth. Still, it’s a fairytale setting and I’m not disappointed.

Leaving the castle behind, there are decisions to be made. Left or right? Left is a longer walk, which passes by the pottery kilns, but the light is already beginning to fade. I’m afraid that good sense prevails. A country lane eventually leads back to Corbridge.

I have some bad news for you. The Castle is now closed until April next year. I caught the last weekend, but the location is still lovely. The English Heritage website provides all the details, and if you want the full 6 mile circuit, pottery kilns included, this is how. There are some great pubs for food in Corbridge, if you’ve time to linger. Here it’s time to put the kettle on and settle in for a good read.

Many thanks to all for your wonderful contributions again this week. Your enthusiasm and support drives me ever onward. Hope you enjoyed this week’s walk. It’s easy to join in, if you’d like. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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Debbie has a delicious waterside stroll for us this week. But do take care of your ankles!

Walking the Path of Customs

Desmond has a barrow in the market place. Molly is the singer with the band. Thanks Drake!

Ob-la-di, ob-la-da

Pink houses, peach houses, or how about lemon? Jude, in colourful Colchester :

A brief look at Colchester

Violet has found us some more delights this week! And it’s not even snowing! (Yet!)

Polar bears in a park

Anabel tests her fitness levels and comes out on top!

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

And looking at glorious locations, not much can top this. Thanks, Lady Lee!

Monserrat, Spain – the trip of a lifetime

Jackie’s in Jamestown. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t named after my son :

Day 4 – Jamestown

Woolly is waving goodbye this week :

Jo’s-Monday-Walk-The-Promenade

While Paula has a very special, luminous night time stroll to share :

Thursday’s Special: Pick a Word in November

And Susan has searched out some very beautiful fountains in Central Park :

Central Park’s North End

You can almost hear the noise from Carole’s Mute Swans! They’re fabulous :

Swanning Around

Next please let me introduce Unicorn and Bear, a hiking couple from Canada :

Grouse Mountain and Lynn Canyon, North Shore of Vancouver

Miriam’s feeling a bit adventurous this week, and why not?

Waterfall Therapy in Trentham

I wouldn’t get far on Kathryn’s walk because there’s a recycle book store. Serious temptation!

Campbell downtown

That’s it for another week. Hope you all have a good one. See you soon!

Jo’s Monday walk : Rocha Delicada

I’m sharing another walk from the Walking Trails of the Algarve this week. You’ll find Rocha Delicada, or Elegant Rock, on page 30 of the guide. This is a bit of a walk on the wild side, but I think my bird watching friends will love it, and I loved the variety of the landscape.

It’s very easy to tootle past the exit on E125 for Mexilhoeira Grande railway station, where the walk begins. I know, because we did. Faded grandeur is too kind an expression to describe the station, reached along a bumpy track, but do persevere. It gets better.

That’s Mexilhoeira Grande, over the wall, but you won’t go anywhere near it. Instead you cross the railway tracks and follow the signs. It’s an 8km circular walk, following the edge of the salt marshes out to the estuary of the Ria de Alvor.

As usually happens, the dog barks ferociously, but wags his tail at the intruders. An equestrian centre is something of a surprise, as are the snails adorning the wayside shrubs. The ripe figs are no surprise at all. And then you’re out amid the salt marshes.

Did you spot my heron friend? He kept trying to give me the slip but I was persistent. I wasn’t so lucky with the red dragonflies, flitting always just beyond my focus. And then the landscape opens out in a broad sweep, right across to Praia de Alvor. It’s a mesmerising sight. All along the shore couples, families and solitary pickers spend back-breaking hours collecting shellfish.

Because it’s so flat you can see for miles. All the way back to Mexilhoeira Grande, and across the lagoon to the resort of Alvor. During the autumn and winter migrations there are large numbers of waders and passerines. I gather that raptors pass through, but I can’t claim to have spotted peregrine falcons, kestrels or little owls. My partner has much better eyesight. I make do with heron.

The shellfish seekers stay out until the tide rolls in. Far in the distance, my partner spots a sight that amuses him greatly. It’s very warm for October and a parasol flutters, providing just enough shade for the dog, while his owner works.

The walk is now heading directly towards Rocha Delicada and I wonder how steep it will be to climb. My attention is temporarily diverted by a flock of flamingos, initially just specks in the distance. I half expect them to fly away at my approach but I’m able to get quite close.

One adventurer steps out determinedly, in search of better foraging. After a slight hesitation, the others follow. I watch, fascinated.

I’m not on my own because a number of cars are parked at the back of the marshes, to observe the birds. As often happens, we could have driven to this point, but where would be the fun in that? I’m slightly relieved, though, to find that access to the Rocha itself is prohibited. The walk returns over gently undulating farmland, with the odd sympathetic ruin for company.

There’s still a little excitement en route. A small plane circles overhead, discharging paragliders as it goes. We pass the aerodrome on our way back to the E125. ‘Maybe next time?’ I ask. ‘No way’ says the husband. But think of the view!

I’m half tempted to take you into Alvor, across the estuary. There’s a wonderful boardwalk to enjoy, after you’ve had a bite to eat on the waterfront. That’s what we did, but perhaps I should save it for another day. If you go looking for it, the Mexilhoeira Grande station turn off is on the E125, between Portimao and Lagos.

Once again I’d like to say thanks for all the good wishes and kindness since Dad died. It’s slowly becoming real to me, but I’m lucky. I have so many happy memories.

There’s a bumper crop of walks for you this week. Please take time to read and share. As always you can join in if you’d like. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Many thanks to all of you for taking part.

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Meg shares so much beauty in this post. You won’t be able to resist :

Poland- a land of folklore?

I really like Violet’s sculptures. Well, not hers personally… you’ll see what I mean :

Corydon Avenue

Chairlifts, mountains and marmots- another winner from Anabel :

Grand Teton National Park

I’ve seen many sunrises but I’d love to see one in Yosemite. Thanks, Biti!

Sunrise in Yosemite

I’m a sucker for a lovely garden, as Becky very well knows :

There are so many trails to explore

And while I’m down south, how about an outing with a Rusty Duck?

Blown Away At Boscastle

Geoff and Dog- the perfect partnership :

Woolwich to Grove Park#capitalring#walking

Kathryn takes the kids for a bit of a jaunt. Why not join her?

Winters, CA

How well do you know Wellington, NZ? Let Amanda show you some highlights :

Te Papa, Beach and Wind Walk

Drake knows Alsace pretty well. Such atmosphere in these wonderful ruins!

Left the door open

Adding a little drama and adventure to the walks, don’t miss Jill’s latest episode :

Night time jungle walk, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

And there’s always space here for Becky. This is a less well known bit of Lisbon :

Take a walk in the park

Still following Susan’s wanderings, but I’m a little behind :

Walking Helsinki, Finland

That’s it for now. Happy Halloween to you! Hoping you have a great week.

Jo’s Monday walk : A Royal Odyssey

It was not a promising beginning! I stuck my head out of Edinburgh’s Waverley Station into damp and dreary grey skies. No-one gave the bedraggled looking ice cream vendor a second look. Still I was bubbling over with excitement at a precious few hours in this beautiful city and determined to make the best of it. Where better to start than The Royal Mile?

Approximately a mile long (surprise!), it rolls gently downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the gates of Holyrood Palace. Did you know that miles can vary in length? I was astounded to find that they can indeed, and that a Scots mile is longer than an English mile! No wonder my feet got tired in Edinburgh. The English statute mile was established by a Weights and Measures Act of Parliament, in 1593, during the reign of Elizabeth I. “A mile shall contain 8 Furlongs, every Furlong 40 Poles, and every Pole shall contain 16 Foot and a half”. For more clarity, read this link.

You will observe that Edinburgh has its share of ‘tourist tat’ interspersed with venerable historic buildings. There’s room for all. The Royal Mile is actually comprised of five consecutive streets- Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High St., Canongate and Abbey Strand. I joined High St. directly from North Bridge and was ambling down towards the Palace. Many closes and alleys invite further inspection, but I’m drawn towards the World’s End pub on the corner of St. Mary’s St., a former city boundary. After the English victory over the Scots, in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden, a city wall was built around Edinburgh. Parts of the Flodden Wall still exist in the pub foundations. Brass studs in the road mark the former position of the Netherbow Port, a gateway in the wall.

John Knox House stands on the opposite corner. The gateway was removed in 1764 to improve the flow of traffic where the road narrows. Beyond lies Canongate, literally ‘the canon’s way’, used by the Augustinian monks from Holyrood Palace. Until 1856 Canongate was not only a street, but the name of the surrounding burgh. It was separate from Edinburgh and outside of the Flodden Wall.

The damp persisted, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of a totally unexpected city garden. I had stumbled upon Dunbar’s Close, complete with wonderfully cobwebby Scottish thistle. This 17th century garden was created by Sir Patrick Geddes, an eminent Scots biologist who was aware of the relationship between health and environment. It was restored to its current condition in 1978.

At the bottom of the Royal Mile there’s a choice between the modern and inspiring Scottish Parliament Building and historic Holyrood Palace. You know which I chose, but I neglected to allow you a little glimpse inside. I think you might enjoy this 2 minute video.

Suitably impressed, it was time to make my way back up the Royal Mile. This time I continued on to Lawnmarket, and the Mercat Cross on Parliament Square. Royal proclamations and the summoning of Parliament are traditionally announced here, and a bubble blower was having fun with the crowd. St. Giles Cathedral, on the opposite side of the square, dates from the 14th Century and is the High Kirk of Edinburgh .

The real piper, or a dummy at the traditional kilt store? I liked them both. I had reached the Bank of Scotland, in all its magnificence. Have you noticed that the clouds have lifted and at last the sky is blue? Curious about The Mound, I headed that way. Apparently it’s an artificial hill, built to fill in a loch that was part of ancient Edinburgh’s defence system.

I don’t know about you but I was getting tired and hungry. Up on The Mound, I found the perfect thing.

Haggis, neeps and tatties, of course. Now, I’m not going to take you too much further but my digs are at the far end of Princes St. I decided to walk through Princes St. Gardens. You’d like a quick look, wouldn’t you? The mist is just rising over the castle.

Did you spot the statue of Wojtek and the Bear? You probably don’t know the amazing story of the bear who went to war. A group of young Polish girls were taking his photo, but moved aside for me, with a giggle or two.

I’m going to say my farewells here. I checked into my accommodation, then did the Water of Leith walk that I shared last week. You can get back to our start point at Waverley Station by tram, if you’d like. I never did manage a tram ride in Edinburgh. Maybe next time?

Hope you enjoyed this walk. I’m going to be putting my feet up for a week or two, but first I have some wonderful shares. Thank you so much to everybody for your enthusiasm and support. My apologies that I won’t be able to share for a while, so please do make the most of the following :

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I cover a decent few miles, and so does my good friend Becky. But sl-ow-ly!

Strolling along the Thames Path- part one!

‘Leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again..’ Or boat, in Drake’s case :

Leaving through backdoor

Them boots are made for… Cardinal!

Hiking Boots

I hope Lady Lee has good boots too!

Hiking in Tenerife

It’s many a long year since I was in lovely Inverary. Let Anabel show you around :

Inverary and Auchindrain

Islands around Toronto are always a novelty. Go hopping with Jackie!

Island hopping

And look at local murals with Trav Trails :

City Walks

What would you expect to see in Bern, Switzerland? Let Laia show you the sights :

Bern : music, roses and … bears?

Making me yearn for the Algarve, Miriam fills my senses with salt spray :

Walking Cape Schank

Some of you will know Kathe from Six word Saturday. She’s sampling a little Scots whisky on this walk :

Yesterday’s short walk to Muir of Ord’s Distillery

And Liesbet is keeping us fit with a bit of rock scrambling :

WW- Gorham Mountain Train in Acadia NP, Maine

But there’s a gentler way too :

The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, ME

Susan has made it to the Baltic, and found a parade and some idyllic shops :

Walking Stockholm, Sweden

Or how about a crazy but beautiful Art Party, with Kathrin?

Anne & Mark’s Art Party 2016

Get those trumpets ready to sound the fanfare! Here comes Badfish :

Strolling Through Prague : One fine day- Part 1

There won’t be another Monday walk until 17th October. Sounds ages away, doesn’t it? I’ll try to keep in touch but I don’t have WiFi in the Algarve. It’s wonderful just to switch off from social media and indulge in friends and places. I’ll miss you, so please take care of yourselves while I’m gone.

Jo’s Monday walk : Rosedale, sheep and heather

The North York Moors are all about the sheep! They have a very important role to play in managing these moors. In late summer, plum and purple swathes of heather swaddle the moorland. Cocooned in this bounty, red grouse nest, feeding their young on juicy shoots of heather. For centuries sheep grazing has been the traditional way of keeping the heather short and encouraging new growth. Without the heather, highly invasive bracken would take over, destroying the habitat.

I love the wildness of the Moors and can’t get enough of them in their rose-hued mantle. The weather up there has a mind of its own, and I was a little disappointed to leave sunshine at home and descend into Rosedale in gloom. Nothing for it but to hope that the rain kept off.

The calves were feeling frisky, the field of sweetcorn swayed in the breeze, and at the camp site someone had the kettle ready. As luck would have it, the wind eventually swept away the clouds, but you can never be quite sure.

The walk starts beside Sycamore Farm, just before the village of Rosedale Abbey. A track leads downhill and over a stream. Crossing a field, Blakey Ridge looms ahead. Don’t worry! I don’t expect you to climb to the heights. Instead, turn right to follow a lane through the tiny hamlet of Thorgill.

Suddenly the sun peeps out, and what could be more tempting than this flight of steps? My husband shakes his head. The sign says Farndale, and that means up and over the top. I can’t resist just a quick look at the tumble of cottages. And a plum tree, alone in a field.

Over the top? Maybe another day. For now it’s gently upwards through Rosedale’s peaceful valley. And look how blue the sky has become!

Looking over the drystone wall, I spotted some Rosebay Willowherb. A fancy name for a wildflower. You probably don’t remember but there was a big clump of it in my last walk. Badfish asked me jokingly if you could smoke it. His latest post reveals a much more serious side. Don’t miss it!

Such a rural landscape and yet there are still traces of an industrial past. If you look into the distance you can see the dramatic remains of the East Mines, and the colour of the water in the River Seven might give you a clue what was mined there.

Rosedale East Mines opened in 1865. Visible today are the remains of the calcining kilns, where ironstone was roasted to eliminate impurities and reduce its weight. The iron ore was taken by rail from Rosedale over the moorland to Ingleby, where it was lowered down the northern edge of the moors by tramway on the 1-in-5 gradient Ingleby Incline. It would have been anything but peaceful as up to 15 wagons at a time were steam hauled around the top of the valley.

It was brutally hard work in the mines. It has been described as a ‘regular slaughter place’ where ‘both men and horses are getting killed and lamed every day’. Despite this the mines continued in operation until the General Strike of 1926.

These days the silence is only broken by birdsong, cows lowing and the occasional growl of a tractor. The farm with an idyllic view had a runaway mother hen as I passed by. She clucked anxiously back and forth, trying to chivvy her offspring back through the fence. I watched at a discreet distance till I was sure all were safe, before heading past the former miner’s cottages and back to my start point.

The village of Rosedale Abbey is barely a mile down the road. It was named for a Cistercian Priory, founded in 1158, of which only a fragment remains today. The main attraction is the village green, and a choice of two cafes or a pub. I can highly recommend Graze on the Green. One of the best scones I’ve ever eaten. (and you know I’ve had my share!)

Nutrition accomplished, it’s time to go and seek out some of that glorious heather. The road back across the moors dips and twirls, offering up breathtaking views as you crest Blakey Ridge. ‘Pull in, pull in!’ I admonished the partner, careless of what might be behind us on the narrow road.

Some of you know what happens next. The edges of the moors road have a little ditch where the rain drains off. Out I leapt and straight into a ditch, with a sickening jar to my ankle. Why do these things happen to me? Careless, that’s why! It was some minutes before I could take the desired photos, but here they are. The sheep never even blinked.

I’m still a bit of a hop-along but I’m getting there. So glad you could join me. The Rosedale Abbey website offers a wealth of helpful details, and I even noted a ‘Tea Shop walk’. Sound promising?

Huge thanks to everybody for offering up your walks to share, and for ambling along on mine. I love your company. If you’d like to join me, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo. Settle in now for a good read!

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Inspiration must surely be Drake’s middle name :

Whence inspiration arises

Food, fun and frolics in Canada, with Jackie :

Let’s Go to The EX!

If you’re still hungry, head on over to Violet’s place :

Ribfest

Nothing I like more than a touch of Capability Brown! And fuzzy sheep! Thanks, Elaine :

Charlecote Park

A lovely old house and a sculpture trail sounds good to me. BiTi will show you round :

Ballymaloe House- Part 1

A Yorkshireman in NZ has found a place that looks like home. Please go and say hi?

Pineapple Track, Dunedin

My favourite early riser takes us for a twirl by the Wisła. Thanks, Meg. You’re always a joy to accompany :

Vignettes from a morning walk, 8

Random, but comprehensive! That’s Prague through Cardinal’s lens :

A Walk Through Praha

From Italy next I’d like to introduce Discovermarche, with a fun walk :

Li Vurgacci : among waterfalls and rock monsters

And if you’ve always wondered about the German capital, take a trip with Kathrin :

Berlin, I love you!

That’s it for another week. I’m hoping to post on Thursday but I might be a bit slow with my comments. I’ll be in Edinburgh, waiting to meet up with the delectable Jude. Take care till then!

Jo’s Monday walk : Canalside in Skipton

What drew me to Skipton, in the Yorkshire Dales, for our wedding anniversary? Heaven knows, I’m no cricket fan (sorry, Freddie!) Why boats, of course! This little market town is at the heart of a network of canals where I could walk the towpaths to infinity. (well, Liverpool is 99 miles away- that’s infinity to my husband’s way of thinking, but then he’s a cricket lover)

Skipton sits on the River Aire and the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Perfect for walking. York is a mere 38 miles away. Is that too ambitious? It was only an overnight stay, so boundaries would definitely have to be set.

In any case, the canal basin seemed like a good place to start. I had an ancient town guide to hand and one of its recommends was a walk along Springs Canal. This takes you around the back of Skipton Castle and promises fine views. Unfortunately it was dull, verging on damp, at the time so my photos are much less splendid than I would have liked.

Continuing past an old sawmill, the walk weaves through Skipton Woods, a leafy stroll, and a favoured promenade since Victorian times. It’s an atmospheric place, yet busy with dog walkers. A circuit takes you past the Round Dam and parallel to the Long Dam, before climbing steps to follow the top edge of the wood, back into town via The Bailey.

At this point you might want to visit Skipton Castle. Dating back to 1090, it is a wonderfully preserved Medieval castle, with an early Tudor courtyard. I’ve visited the castle before, but not the neighbouring 14th century Holy Trinity Church.

Emerging onto the High Street, I found the market in full swing. I hadn’t come to shop, but there was ample opportunity and I enjoyed the lively atmosphere. More to my taste, the ‘ginnels’ and narrow alleyways linking many of the side streets. I couldn’t resist a few brollies for Meg, but then it was time to eat. And just to prove that I don’t only eat cake…

A saunter down delightfully cobbled Sheep Street offers plenty of choices. The Three Sheep Tea Rooms has remarkably fine cake, and I can vouch for the pear and apple chutney. Even though I managed to squidge some down my white trousers! Time to get back to the canals.

The day was brightening beautifully, and I crossed over Belmont Bridge to join the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Few things delight my heart more than a narrowboat. Wreathed in smiles I set off, reveling in such beautiful surroundings.

There are all manner of diversions along the way. Curious wildlife inspect the prowess of the boat crews. “Hold steady while I take this selfie!” “Watch out for those cows!” Just when all is going smoothly, lock gates present a challenge.

So much to love! Smiling faces on board, and on the towpath. Boat names. Pretty gardens to admire. A slow, peaceful way of life.

All too soon I have to return to the canal basin, for one last linger. Watching the canal boats depart for their half hour trips, I strike up a conversation with a couple, over a drink outside The Boat House. They used to own a barge in Belgium, and are as enamoured with the narrowboats as I am. It obviously suited Freddie Trueman too. He made his home in The Dales and the dynamic statue by Graham Ibbetson is a fine tribute.

I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing my anniversary walk with me. It’s been a pleasure to take you along. Time now for my second cup of coffee!

Many thanks to you all again for sharing and caring this week. The weather’s been great and I’ve barely been indoors. Got to make the most, don’t you? I have some wonderful walks to share. If you’d like to join in any time, it’s pretty easy. Just click on the logo or take a look at my Jo’s Monday walk page. You’ll be very welcome.

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Who knew a walk round a pumping station could be so interesting? Thanks a lot, Violet Sky!

High Level

Take a ride through some lovely countryside with Lady Lee?

Thekkady Jeep Safari

My good friend Leya is joining us with some real enchantment this week. Please pay her a visit :

The Enchanted Monastery

In case you were in any doubt, Debbie shows us just how beautiful is Corsica :

Stroll around Ile Lavezzi

No place like Glasgow! Just ask Anabel. She knows!

Glasgow’s Clyde

Got to love Jackie’s energy! Toronto is another good-looking city :

Summer in the City

Liesbet knows I love waterfalls. They always make a walk worthwhile :

Hiking to Tannery Falls

You could say Drake is a black pearl. What do you think?

A pearl without a hard shell

Laia reflects on life in beautiful Switzerland. Wish I was there!

A walk along the Lake Leman

Please welcome Hanna to my walks. She’ll show you a little of life in wonderful Copenhagen :

An Entertaining Stroll in The Citadel

I didn’t have Elaine down as a wicked temptress, did you? But just look at the evidence!

A blustery afternoon in Largs

You couldn’t find a greater contrast than our Becky, in the Algarve. Blue skies and beautiful wildflowers :

A stroll down memory lane, also known as PR5

Lovely Gilly has found a calm and peaceful place this week. Come with us and enjoy!

Buckfast Abbey

That’s it for another week. It’s a Bank Holiday next Monday and I don’t hold out much hope for the weather. I’ll still be here though. And smiling! Take care till then.

Jo’s Monday walk : Burton Agnes

I promised you a gentle stroll this week, far from the bustle of the city. Burton Agnes, in East Yorkshire, will deliver in spades. I can find you a bench or two to loiter on, and maybe a game of chess or snakes and ladders. Too taxing? You can do what I did, and simply stand and smile.

There’s much to smile about at this Elizabethan stately home. The elegant facade looks over a sweeping expanse of the Yorkshire wolds, but the owners have retained a sense of playfulness in the gardens. They are a joy to behold.

When I was there they were setting up a grand marquee for the July jazz event. The weather was steamy, as it rarely is in England, and the ice cream vendor was in full flow. Or should I say scoop?

You’ll know by now that I have a thing for water lilies and reflective surfaces. I could have played all day.

Gryphons, lions, statuary, all come as standard in these formal gardens.

But come on! We’ve mosaics and a rose garden yet to explore.

Can you see what lies beyond the rose arbour? Anyone for chess? Or draughts? Maybe the ladies would be better at snakes and ladders.

The rooms lead one to another, with tantalising glimpses of distraction. The reflections soon entrance me all over again.

The roses smell wonderful and I bury my nose deep into their luscious beauty.

‘I’ve found an elephant’, says the other half. Really? And a very endearing creature he is too.

It’s such a delightful garden, with so many aspects. Do you remember the wire mesh gardener tending his veg? He’s here too.

I believe there’s an Open Day for charity, so I can join Jude’s Garden Challenge this month. I expect she’ll be disappointed there’s no cake, but I have a good reason. This was the second garden we visited that day and we’d already eaten. It was quite a long way from home, but well worth the journey. I’ll show you the other garden soon. That was a water lily bonanza!

A closer look at these gardens and instructions on how to get there are on the website. I’m off to put the kettle on for breakfast.

Many thanks to all of you for being such loyal supporters. Every week I’m delighted by the contributions you make to my walks. If you’d like to join me and haven’t done so it’s easy enough. The details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above. If I spot a good walk when I’m reading posts, I’ll simply ask if I can include it. We have some great ones again this week.

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Starting with some beautiful gardens from Lady Lee :

Packwood Gardens

Cathy takes us to a stately home in the US, as well as it’s lovely garden :

Winterthur Museum, garden & library : a Delaware country estate

I’m discovering that Jackie is rather fond of history!

A history lesson

A hot, prickly walk from Ana. And keep an eye out for rattlers! Heavens!

The trail to Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park

Liesbet uses camping as a means to an end- ‘roaming about’, of course :

The Art of Being Flexible (and Realistic)

I always like something a bit different in my walks. How about this one? Thanks, Shazza!

Llama Trekking in the Lakes

A great one for the bird watchers from Denzil this week (paying attention Becky?) :

Het Zwin Nature Park on the Belgian Coast

This is a country I’ve always wanted to visit, and a very beautiful post from Maris Travels :

Walking in the Japanese Alps

The Pyrenees are equally beautiful, especially if you’re with my good friend Drake :

A bit higher level of walking

Warsaw street life and a fantasy of umbrellas – it’s Meg, of course!

Vignettes from a morning walk-6

Meet newcomer to my walks, Stephanie and the crew of S.V. Cambria, with a bit of a mystery :

A Walk on the Wild Side/Downtown Ocean Falls

Yvette embraces summer with her usual enthusiasm, and beautiful Crepe Myrtle :

Street Shots (#summer2016 a to z Letter S) summer walk with Jo

Come and be nosy with Susan (and me) while we look over a few fences :

Walking Cherbourg, France

Some people keep on dangling serious temptation my way. You know who you are, Carol!

A Morning in Port Douglas

Becky and birds are synonymous, aren’t they? Even in Lymington, it seems :

Didn’t get very far because of the birdies

That’s it for another week. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did. Now, where can I take you next week? Take care till then.

Jo’s Monday walk : Spanish City

‘Girl you look so pretty to me, like you always did

Like the Spanish City to me, when we were kids…’

I don’t know for sure what holds me in thrall with those words from Dire Straits, but as I walk along the seafront at Whitley Bay they play over and over in my head. The Spanish City takes me back to my childhood, when it was a funfair. It all looks very different these days.

A £36million renovation plan is in operation to restore the Dome and create an attractive seafront promenade. Currently it still has a few rough edges, but progress is underway. Come with me, and we’ll do ‘the walk of life’?

If you look off into the distance you can dimly see one of the purposes of a walk along this shoreline. Remember St. Mary’s Lighthouse? She sits at the end of a causeway that attracts the crowds, whatever the weather. What are we waiting for? Let’s get down among the rock pools.

Did Meg say she was collecting feet? No, it’s no good! I need both to balance on these slippery rocks. Let’s hop back up on the promenade. There’s a skate park up ahead. The kids love those. The beach is full of dog walkers, and the odd warning sign.

I stop to read a sign about Tide Wrack and Rock Pipits. Apparently the latter feed on the insects, crustaceans and snails found among the seaweed and rocks. Conditions are so good here that visitors pop over from Scandinavia in the winter months. You’ll be pleased to know there’s no waste. Leftover seaweed is used to line the local pipit’s nests in spring. We’re much closer to the lighthouse now.

You can see already the numbers St. Mary’s attracts. It’s an overcast day, but warm by north east standards, and whole families have come to play in the rock pools. Not forgetting the dogs, of course. It’s essential though to keep a close eye on the tide times.

There is another attraction here, aside from the obvious charms of the lighthouse. St Mary’s Island is a grey seal haul-out- an area of land that the seals use regularly to rest and digest food. Seals come onto the rocks and, if undisturbed, will remain there until the tide floats them away. Grey seals are amongst the rarest in the world, and 40% of them live in UK waters.

Seals are normally solitary creatures, but they often haul-out in groups. At just 3 weeks old, a seal pup is independent. Many of the seals on St. Mary’s are youngsters, and it’s essential that they have time to restore their energy levels undisturbed, whilst learning to fend for themselves.

St. Mary’s do their best to educate about and protect the seals. I have to admit to a great fondness for this lighthouse, which was built on the site of an 11th century monastic chapel. The monks maintained a lantern to warn passing ships of the danger of the rocks. Sadly the current lighthouse no longer maintains this function, but it’s still a very welcoming space. A variety of activities take place here, including Fossil Frolics, Rock pool Rambles and even Extreme Rockpooling! Not quite that brave? How about the Lighthouse Bake Off party? Set Sunday, 2nd October, aside.

If you’d like to see inside the lighthouse, this post will take you to the top of the 137 stairs. Opening times and other useful details can be found on the website. (including where to find cake, naturally) Which reminds me- time to put the kettle on!

Thank you once again for your generous support. I have heaps of great walks to share again this week. Impossible to pick a favourite. If you have one you think I might like, why not join in? Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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Ice Age! That’s a wonderfully cool image after the hot weather we’ve been having in the UK. Thanks, Drake!

Hidden history

Caught between a rock and a hard place with Anabel?

Dumbarton and the Denny Tank

Jackie’s on a mission to find the post office museum in Toronto :

Return to Sender- Address Unknown

Welcome back Violet Sky, and nice to meet you Big Bruce!

The nicest town around

Wine anybody? It’s totally taken for granted in pretty French villages is :

La Couvertoirade Village

Ruth is taking us for an adventure with bears (or without!). Don’t miss her superb blog :

Sequoia National Park : Tokopah Falls

I do try to bring you an interesting mix of walks, and am delighted to invite Sartenada here, from Finland :

White bridges

For those of you who prefer to ride to doing too much walking, Jaspa has the very thing :

The Funiculars of Valparaiso, Chile

My lovely mate Cathy’s not afraid of a bit of walking. And she has an eye for beauty :

Philadelphia Gardens : Chanticleer

More beauty, from NYC this time! Don’t you just love a meander?

Meandering through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Denzil’s taking it slowly too this week, after a back injury. But not too slow :

Bierbeek and Mollendaal Forest

I’m sure there must be a Dire Straits song to fit this one, but I really can’t think of it. Thanks, Susan!

Walking the Cruise Ship

More cruising, with Carol this time. I’m going to jump ship in the Whitsundays. Can you blame me?

At the Beach

All good things come to those who wait, right? Absolutely! Please welcome Madhu back :

An Amble through a Storied Park- Lodhi Gardens

Did you ever have a really, really good day? I just did! Badfish came to town. Loud fanfare!

Prague : Up Close and Personal

Many thanks for keeping me company again this week. I wrote this walk with my friend, Viv, in mind. I think it’s one she would have enjoyed. Have a great week, and take good care of yourselves.

Jo’s Monday walk : Boa Vista Trail

Becky will recognise this little chap straight away, but I’m not going to take her advice and walk the Boa Vista Trail the ‘other way round’. I would, however, suggest that you pay close attention to her post, if you one day find yourself up in the Algarve hills, with a little time to spare.

It was one of several grey days I encountered in April this year, not ideal for a trail named beautiful view, but pleasant enough for walking. From Vila Nova de Cacela in the Eastern Algarve, we left E125 and headed north on a minor road, EM509. A goatherd and his enthusiastic dog caught my eye as we headed for open country. At the village of Corte Antonio Martins, our 9km circular trail began.

There was a slight, blustery wind, setting the flowers to shiver and shake. As it died down, a spatter of heavy rain drops hit the ground. Up went the umbrella! (the other half, ever prepared) This is just like an English walk, you’re thinking!

But the flowers on the hillside told a different story. Cistus beamed at us- mostly the Montpellier variety, with their welcoming ‘face’, but large, plain white ones too. Tiny pink ones, and others resembling potentilla. Wild lavender and vivid yellow broom.

Looking over a cottage garden wall I tried to guess at some of the mysterious planting. Carobs and apricots, figs and aloes, I managed.

Just occasionally the sun peeped out, transforming our world. Well-marked paths rolled gently up and down the hills. Reaching a crossroads, we continued on past countryside wholely at ease with itself. Houses dotted the landscape, some, sadly neglected shells, others full of life. A cat gazed, unblinking, as we rounded a corner. A challenge in that glare!

The trail crosses the Ribeira do Rio Seco in a couple of places, ‘dry river’ a not entirely accurate description. Rather, a shallow stream, at this time of year, the surface liberally sprinkled with tiny white flowers. They seemed to link arms, reaching across the water.

Gently uphill again, cistus pointing the way. A sign for Pomar confirmed we were still on track. At a ramshackle old hill top cottage we came unexpectedly upon a family of small, brown goats. Engrossed as they were in giving a ‘short back and sides’ to the overgrown shrubs, suddenly we were eye to eye. After the slightest hesitation, we were dismissed us as unthreatening. Back to the job in hand!

We carried on, with huge smiles on our faces. Not far to go now. This is agricultural country, the hills green and vibrant with colour.

Our second crossing of Rio Seco produced still more delight. A shimmering green pool among the rocks. And more of those little flowers, holding hands as they stretch out on the cool water.

Over the hill and heading for home, that sky still looked very dark. I never did see a Eurasion jay, as the walking guide suggested I might. I think I’ll leave that to Becky. She’s so much better at that kind of thing than me.

This walk is on p. 156 in the Walking Trails in the Algarve guide, with a map and further details. If you saw my Saturday post, you’ll know that blue skies are more the norm in the Algarve. I’m off there, just to make sure, on Wednesday, so there won’t be a walk next week. Heaves sigh! Never mind- let’s put the kettle on, shall we?

Thanks everybody for your company and your great support again this week. I still have a fistful of gardens to share, but they’ll have to wait a little while. Meantime I have some wonderful walks to share with you. If you’d like to join me, you can post a walk at any time. I’ll catch up when I’m home again, because I don’t have Internet in the Algarve. Details are always on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or just click on the logo above.

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I hope you all have one of these. Drake does!

Nice life

Or you could take a nice old-fashioned walk on the prom with Lady Lee :

Along the Promenade

Miriam’s a lovely lady but I’m so not ready for Winter yet!

Winter in Maldon

A Canadian brewery tour with Jackie? Now that’s a different proposition :

Distillery District

I hope you’ve got your money handy? We’re shopping with Biti this week :

The Market

Or we could go looking for bluebirds and butterflies with Geoff. Hint- there are White Cliffs :

Bluebirds and Butterflies

Carol’s been living it up again, in that delicious Hawaii place!

Friday Night in Waikiki

The big city beckons Jaspa. Look out for the graffiti fish!

A Stroll around Montevideo, Uruguay

I owe Susan humble apologies. She’s been diligently walking and I never even noticed! Not one small walk, but three!

Walking Brasov, Romania

Walking with Pelicans (sorry to show bias, but this is my favourite)

Walking with Sea Gulls

Kathrin is spending some wonderful beach time too. Watch out for the spray!

A walk along 4-mile beach

There you have it, for now. I hope you can find time to visit because I’ve included some wonderful walks. There’s really something for everyone. I’ll be back walking on Monday, 18th July. Take good care till then.

Jo’s Monday walk : Raby Castle and Deer Park

I’ve passed by Raby Castle many times on my way through the Durham Dales. The market town of Barnard Castle with its lovely riverside setting, 8 miles further west, is a favourite location of mine. Always I’ve had my nose pressed up against the car window. How many deer can I spot?

A sultry, sunny day in June seemed like a good time for closer observation. 250 acres of parkland surround Raby Castle, and herds of Red and Fallow deer roam free. I was desperate to park the car and run after the deer I could see, grazing beneath trees in the distance. But, no! Not a good idea. For one thing, May to July each year is the period in which calves are born, and it is vital to retain a healthy distance. Human contact can deter a mother from feeding her young, and there are warnings never to touch, even if the calf appears to have been abandoned. A watchful eye for strays is kept by the park rangers. So I looked for distraction, beyond a garden gate.

In my preoccupation with deer, I had entirely forgotten that Raby Castle has an 18th century walled garden. Totaling 5 acres, it retains many of its original features. The walls were built with locally handmade bricks, with a heating system of flues inserted. This enabled sub-tropical fruits like apricots to be grown. The White Ischia fig is a survivor from 1786, now in its own glass house. In addition there are two fine old yew hedges, and an ornamental pond, originally used to provide water for the kitchen garden.

An English garden in summertime. People wore bemused smiles. This was how it was supposed to be. A gentle, hazy warmth wrapped around buzzing borders, while Pan played softly on his pipe. And pouting cherubs looked on.

Paths lead around and through, and it’s a beguiling place to linger. Aloof violet iris nod regally at pristine white cornus, with just a smidgeon of pink tip. A blaze of azalea cocoon a garden bench. The castle and it’s deer park are forgotten, bar an odd tantalising glimpse.

For those of you who grumbled about misshapen scones in my Sutton Park post, now is probably a good time to pop into the tearooms. These are situated in the 18th century Coach House & Tack Room, and are themed rather nicely. I do like a scone!

Visiting the castle was by guided tour only. I would love to have shown you round, because it is as impressive a building as I have ever been in. Unfortunately photographs were not permitted. Out of respect for my very charming and knowledgable, old world guide Robert, I refrained from taking any. (I have been known to cheat just a little, even in Buckingham Palace) If you ever visit I do urge you to take the tour.

The Viking, King Canute, owned this estate in the 11th century. Raby derives from the Danish, ‘ra’ being a boundary and ‘bi’ a settlement. Since then the Nevill family, one of the most powerful families in the north of England, has been responsible for building and adding to the castle. For almost 400 years the Nevills held sway, but involvment in the ‘Rising of the North’ in support of Mary Queen of Scots was to be their undoing. Charles Nevill, 6th and last Earl, fled to Holland where he died in poverty in 1601.

If the history interests you, much more can be found on the castle website. There’s still a little walking to be done. According to the leaflet, a stroll from the castle around High and Low Ponds takes about an hour. I would suggest much less, unless you take a picnic.

Have you seen any deer yet? Look over there in the distance. We’ll approach very carefully. No sudden movements.

Oh, oh! They’ve seen us! Time to go, I think. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I know I have. Full details of how to get there and opening times are on the website. If you’re ever in the north east I can highly recommend it. Time for a cuppa?

Thank you everybody for keeping me company, and for the support. Yet again I have some superb walks to share with you. If you’d like to join in at any time, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above. Let’s get reading!

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This post was a particular delight to me as I could picture myself there, a few years ago. Thanks, Laia! And Gilly- you’ll love it!

Barcelona from a local- pirates, cacti and a magic fountain

But my view from the Giralda tower was much damper than Debbie’s :

She Who Turns

Complete contrast, and a special anniversary present for Lady Lee :

A Walk from Kranzbach to Elmau to Fernchensee Lake

Phoebe shares a secret in the South of France :

Secret paradise : a refreshing river walk

I love an Open Garden, be it in England or Scotland. Thanks, Anabel!

Muckhart Village Gardens

And Smidge’s post is everything you could want for in lovely Scottish views :