walking

Jo’s Monday walk : a surprise, at Estoi

The mother church at Estoi

Do you remember the lovely palace gardens at Estoi in the Algarve? I was there last November for a Garden Fair. Always on the lookout for somewhere new to walk, I sat up and took notice when, advertised in the ‘Portugal News’, I spotted a guided walk in the countryside surrounding Estoi.

The village of Estoi makes a pleasant enough wander in itself, and so, one surprisingly warm April Saturday, I joined up with the group of walkers. A young man called Chris was our walk leader. After gathering up his flock by the church steps in the main square, he set off, at a fair pace. A little too fair, in all probability, for someone who loves the distraction of wild flowers. But I managed to keep up… mostly!

The sky patterns were bewitching that day!

Through the gates of the cemetery

Beyond the rooftops

And out to the hills

I was really taken with the views

I even spotted a bench or two for Jude

Rather forlorn, this one

And definitely in need of processing!

In no time we’d turned down a trail that threaded round behind the village. I chatted companionably with several of the walkers, eager as always to exchange titbits of information. And then I became hopelessly distracted by the flowers. The red soil appeared quite dry, but from beneath every rock there peeped a smudge of colour.

Growing wild and free

Splashes of bright yellow

Softest lilac

And delicate pink

The occasional farmhouse appeared, with its noisy dogs, and we passed by a field of melons. I don’t recall ever seeing melons grow, but was assured that this was a melon crop. A wild iris stretched shyly in the gentlest breeze. But the stars of the show for me, the gaily abandoned hot pink of the small rock cistus.

Who can ignore these?

Profusely growing wild sage, lavender (both green and lilac shades), not to mention the less flamboyant white cistus- each had found a place. An Algarve Spring has a wealth of treasures.

Click any photo in the gallery to walk with me

A country villa

Ignore this fire hydrant at your peril!

An abandoned home

But the geraniums still flourish

Wild sage

A melon field

And something rather grander

I continued to chat whenever I fell in step with someone. Hearing interesting stories. We were nearing the end of the walk when my then companion said ‘ah, I remember this!’ A group of the walkers had gathered to look through a high wire fence. What was the attraction? Unfortunately, by the time I got there the creatures had turned their back, and I didn’t manage much of a photo.

Who’d have expected an ostrich farm in the Algarve?

I hope you enjoyed my walk around Estoi this week. ‘Let’s walk’ advertises in the Portugal News. It cost 5 euros to join the walk, which lasted about 2 and a half hours. See Portugal Walks website for details. The walks cease in the hot summer months.

Many thanks again for your company. I hope you’ve got the kettle on for a good read!

For details of how to join in with Jo’s Monday walk, please click on the logo to go to my page. Thanks to everyone for all your wonderful contributions.

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First of all, Drake takes us back to the time when he was a baby duck!

Memory walk through the village

Then Meg meets a friend and shows us around Poznan, in Poland :

To Poznan

It’s years since I was in our Lake District, but Anabel’s posts make me want to go back!

Lake District walks : Silver How

Every now and then I let someone ‘cheat’. Especially when the alternative is very wet!

Bayous and swamps

Sometimes the beauty of our landscape just takes my breath away. See what I mean, with Amy :

Monday walk : Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Jude, meanwhile, is ‘at home’ in Cornwall. Or hopes she soon will be!

Lizard Point

And in Scotland’s beautiful capital, Geoff climbs Calton Hill :

Fringe Benefits No. 3

Finally, say hello to a newcomer, Ruth :

On the Way

Yet again I’m scheduling this walk because when you read it I should be returning from the Norfolk Broads (no rest for the wicked!). I should be back in time to chat with you on Monday evening. Take care till then.

Jo’s Monday walk : Podziemia

Beneath Rynek Glowny, Krakow’s main square

You may remember that a couple of weeks ago, while window gazing in Krakow, I mentioned a museum beneath Rynek Główny. I was intrigued by the thought of what might lay beneath Europe’s largest market square, and thought that you might be too. Just a thought- this walk will not be suitable for claustrophobics. Welcome to Podziemia! (which means ‘under the ground’)

1000 years of the city’s history are represented here, in a project that took 5 years to excavate. A medieval cemetery was uncovered and you can take a fascinating walk back in time.

Just inside the entrance you look down at a miniature world

Just inside the entrance you look down at a world in miniature

But then you step back into the past

Between the solid walls of an underground world

To look at how life used to be

It’s a slightly eerie but amazing experience. At first I was a little disoriented, trying to decipher Polish signs. But as I looked closer I realised that there were interactive touch screens that would tell me the whole story (and in English, too!). I scrolled back, fascinated, then peered over the shoulders of a family intensely reading, eager for my turn at the next exhibit.

There were numerous videos to distract you, and a wonderful small children’s theatre. Probably my favourite! A chance to take the weight off your feet and listen spellbound as the crow narrates his story.

Video footage of the Jagiellonian University

Video footage of the Museum of Pharmacy

Dress a medieval lady- interactive play for the young at heart

The crow tells his tale (beware the scary dragon!)

The interactive screens are beside each exhibit

Some of which are very beautiful

Like these glass horses

After the walk-through there is a tunnel with a sequence of mini theatres and you can sit and absorb more of the history, with English subtitles. I found the whole experience quite enthralling. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more by joining a guided tour, but the museum was quite busy that day (a wet one), and I preferred to wander. If you’re ever in Kraków, I could recommend it.

How the square looked during the excavations

I had very little time to put together this walk, so I’m hoping it won’t seem too rushed. I didn’t want to disappoint and I have some lovely shares for you, but I may not be able to respond. I am unexpectedly in Nottingham when you read this (I have scheduled it, optimistically!) and will chat with you as soon as I possibly can. Much thanks for your patience.

The logo will direct you to my Jo’s Monday walk page and tell you how you can join in. Huge thanks to all my contributors.

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Remember ‘ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross’? Read about it with Debbie :

Of Cock Horses and Cock-up Bridges

Let’s sashay through the desert with Drake, shall we?

Walk spiced by palms

If pootling about in East Lothian is your kind of thing, you’ll love this, from Anabel :

East Linton to Hailes Castle

Still pootling, but looking for tadpoles? Geoff’s your man!

The Thames Path- Bablock Hythe to Tadpole Bridge

Beautiful architecture but the plants are the star of this show. Thanks, Pauline!

A Walk in Windy Wellington

Here in the UK we still have bluebells. Yay!!! Cheers, Elaine :

Looking for bluebells

Stunning landscape and lovely prose! Don’t miss Laura’s travels with a donkey :

In the shadow of the Guadarrama

It wouldn’t be Monday without Jude, would it? Come and drool over this beach!

Kynance Cove and beach

And Jaspa completes his study of a little known part of our world :

A stroll through Old Panama City, part 2- Casco Viejo

Say hello to Paul and find out what a ‘broch’ is. It’s always good to welcome a newcomer :

A walk through history

Happy Bank Holiday Monday in the UK and have a great week, the rest of you!

Jo’s Monday walk : Peaceful Staithes

Shall we start with a bench view, in Staithes?

You can probably guess how this post is going to go, from my opening shot. This month Jude is featuring benches ‘by the beach’ in her Bench challenge. It just so happens that on a windy, partially sunny day this week I had the good fortune to be in Staithes. It’s one of North Yorkshire’s more characterful seaside villages, with houses tumbling pell-mell down the cliffs. And, importantly, it has a good collection of benches.

Shall I share them now, then we can go walking?

A ‘plaice’ to bear in mind for your lunchtime fish and chips?

Click on any image to see the galleries in detail

Here are a few of the pub benches

And this is the beach they look down on

Or you can look in the opposite direction

There are benches for those who just like a view

Benches for readers

And even for those who like to be near the icecream van

Everything looks better in the sunshine but those railings do need a coat of paint

Now that we’ve established where you can eat, or just sit and enjoy the view, let’s go back up to the clifftop where my walk starts. There’s a car park up there and a nice little TI- not always open because it’s staffed by volunteers. (another job I’d like!)

A map is always helpful

As Jude will know, we are in James Cook territory. Cook had his first employment in Staithes, for a local merchant named William Sanderson, whose quayside shop was destroyed by a violent storm in the early 19th century. Materials from this shop may have been used in the construction of the new premises in Church St., now known as Cook’s Cottage. A footpath leads off to your right from the top of the village and descends gently between a hodge podge of houses. Beyond the rooftops the cliffs stand guard, keeping a watchful eye on the sea.

Little garden niches hug the cottages

Some grander than others

With a garden wall and a frog

Below, the sea waits patiently

Descending, the steps squeeze between the houses

Some nicely manicured

Others sharing their garden indiscriminately

Many with a nautical theme

Like this porthole

Communal living

In a confined space

Reminders of the sea, a constant

In the harbour there’s a sense of drama. These cliffs can both shelter and entrap. Today not even the chimes of the icecream van disturb the peace, but a wind whips the sand in little flurries. I try to capture the movement with my camera but it craftily eludes me.

Can you feel the motion in the sand?

And yet, looking back, all is calm

The boats sleeping peacefully on the shore

The baskets, empty

Time to climb back up to the cliff top. Dawdle up Church St. and, if you like, pop into the Arts and Crafts Centre. It has a lovely little garden at the rear.

Follow the sign

And here’s the pretty garden

And another bench (but not beside the beach)

The crafts are lovely too

On the cliff top you can join the Cleveland Way– 110 miles of walking, much of it beside the sea. I don’t suggest that you do all of it right now, but I can give you a glimpse of what you might find up there. It stretches from the hub of Helmsley- a totally different kind of village- inland and down the coast to Filey. I spent most of my childhood holidays on this coast and I love to return.

Church St.- home to Cook’s Cottage and the Arts and Crafts Centre

Heading for the cliff top

The gorse is blooming

I like these National Trust signs

And these guys were lovely

Completely intent on the job in hand

It was blustery on the cliff tops so I didn’t stay long. A path off to your left will bring you round behind the village and back to the car park, or you can simply retrace your steps. Another Monday, another walk! I hope you’ve enjoyed this one, and please don’t forget to seek out those benches for Jude.

Again I have some wonderful shares for you so thank you very much to all who support me and contribute. You are my happy band of walkers. Details of how you can join in Jo’s Monday walks are on the logo above. Time to rest those weary legs and put the kettle on for a good read.

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I can always make time for a day trip. How about you? The company’s good!

Day Tripper

It’s many years since I was in beautiful Salzburg. Debbie had much better weather :

Sunny Stroll along the Salzach

Blossom to die for! (or is that a tad melodramatic?) Gorgeous, anyway! Thanks, Violet :

Sakura in the sunshine

Speaking of sunshine, anyone been to Scotland lately? Cheers, Anabel!

Sunny Dunny : Dunbar

I know that Jude loves the Cornish beaches and sunshine, but the gardens? Just fabulous!

Garden Portrait : Tremenheere

And while we’re looking at Spring sunshine, let’s visit Meg in Warsaw and those cute ladybugs of hers!

Another day of Spring glory

Praga is a little known area in Warsaw. This guided tour is fascinating.

Across to the Dark Side

More conjectures and Thames footpath with Geoff :

The Thames Path- Bablock Hythe to Oxford

And Amy, enjoying nature and sharing so beautifully :

Monday Walk

Prepare yourselves! It’s tumbling time! You’ll enjoy this terrific post from Yvette (did you catch the icecream man, hon?)

Force of Nature- walk with Jo

A little more sedately, Jaspa tackles some history, ‘down Panama way’ :

A stroll through Old Panama City, Part 1- Panama Viejo

Down in the southern hemisphere, thoughts are turning to Autumn :

Day 3 of the road trip and we revisit Eastwoodhill

Brilliant, aren’t they? I hope you have a happy week. It’s a Bank Holiday in the UK next weekend but I’ll still be here. Hope that you will be too.

Jo’s Monday walk : Rievaulx Abbey

Gazing heavenward at Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire

It was quite hard to decide which walk to take you on this week. The weather’s been so unseasonably kind and I’ve been out and about a lot. I will be missing next Monday and I wanted to leave you with some beautiful images. It’s probably hard to find anywhere more beautiful than Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire.

Spring was just beginning to tap on my door, and the Abbey was newly opened for the season when I made my visit- the first in many years! I had quite forgotten the majesty of the place. In the silence, I could almost hear the monks at prayer.

Approaching the Abbey

I hate to mention it, but that's a nice-looking bench

I hate to mention it, but that’s a well-situated bench

I just know you want a close up!

Founded in 1132, Rievaulx Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey to be built in the north of England. Situated just 3 miles from the village of Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park, still it feels remarkably remote. The location, sheltered by hills in the valley of the River Rye, was ideal for the Cistercians, who valued a strict life of prayer and self sufficiency with little contact with the outside world.

Looking through into the Infirmary Cloister

An exquisitely shaped doorway

The Cloister Green, seen through the Arcade

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In order to have enough flat land to build on, the monks diverted part of the river several metres west of its original channel. It astounded me to find that during the 12th century, they diverted the course of the river three times. Such was the ingenuity of the monks, who over time built up a profitable business mining lead and iron ore. They reared sheep and sold the wool throughout Europe. Rievaulx grew to be one of the wealthiest abbeys in England. With 140 monks and many more lay brothers, it was a far cry from its devout beginnings. By the 15th century the strict observance of Cistercian practises had been abandoned in favour of a more comfortable lifestyle.

The South Transept

Henry VIII was, of course, delighted to take advantage of this prosperity when he dissolved the abbey in 1538. The 72 buildings alleged to have been in existence at that time were stripped of their assets and rendered uninhabitable. Today the still substantial abbey ruins are in the care of English Heritage. High on the hillside overlooking them sit two Grecian-style temples. These were added in the 1750s by Thomas Duncombe, and are now in the care of the National Trust. Just a glimpse is visible on my walk.

You might well want to linger in the Visitor Centre, which has a pleasant cafe (with good cake!) looking out on the ruins. Picnic tables will make this a popular spot in Summer. It’s much too early to return to the car so I’d like you to accompany me on a circular walk, along the river to Bow Bridge. A website I have used before Where 2 walk will provide you with a little map, but the 2 and a half mile route is quite straightforward. We can eat when we get back- I promise!

Walk towards Rievaulx village to a signpost on your left

Here it is!

The river is down to your left

And Bow Bridge is not too far ahead

Follow the tidy hedge and here we are

Cross over the bridge and take the footpath to your left and you will initially be following the opposite bank of the River Rye. A signpost saying ‘Ashberry’ points the way across a field, and the path begins on a gentle incline.

Past a handsome bare-branched tree

The trees still wear their winter moss blankets

Early primroses peak through the tree roots

The bareness reveals strange shapes in the woods

The path climbs a little steeply for a short stretch and, through the trees, you can just make out the outline of the Abbey down below. As we start to descend, a bench catches my eye.

What a lovely inscription

Alone with the daffodils

And the view…

Looking back, above the trees, you can just make out a Rievaulx Temple

Looking back, above the trees, you can just make out one of the Rievaulx Temples

The path ends at ‘Ashberry’- a large farmhouse

Set in lovely grounds

The sign points the way

One more bridge, a pretty riverside garden and, around a bend in the road, the Abbey. The cafe’s in sight. I feel a need for Yorkshire curd tart. I did promise, didn’t I?

A little pop of colour

A thatched cottage

And one last bench, with a view

The English Heritage website will give you full details of opening times for the Abbey and how to get there. Rievaulx is a charming village too, but very steep!

You might already have guessed that I’m linking this walk to Jude’s Bench challenge. This month’s theme is ‘a bench with a view’ and I think that I found a few. Sorry, Jude, but I don’t have time for a separate post because on Wednesday I’m off to the Algarve.

I won’t have a Monday walk for you next week, but please feel free to share your walks. I will include them on 20th April, when I hope to be posting about the wild daffodils in Farndale, planted originally by monks. Details of how to join in are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.

After that, I’m off to Poland again, with Dad, but that’ll be another story (and a whole lot more photos!) Surely time to get that kettle on and enjoy these posts! Many thanks to all my wonderful contributors.

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I didn’t manage to do this on my Paris trip so many thanks, Debbie :

A stroll around Montparnasse

A little bit of Spring magic with Gilly next :

The Chalice Well Garden in Glastonbury

Amy takes us to a perfectly manicured park (and there’s Easter eggs!)

Monday Walk

Drake tickled my fancy with boats. Knows the way to my heart, that one!

Idyllic Harbor Blues

Back to old Holborn haunts, with Geoff :

My kinda town

I have a new word for Spring. Frivolicious! 🙂 Thanks, Jesh!

April Frivolicious

Urban planning seems to be an issue at Violet Sky’s :

Street Signs- Old

But beauty abounds at Paula’s place!

A scene from Hyde Park

I refuse to take a walk with an alligator for anybody- even Yvette!

Windows and Doors in RVA

We’ll end with Tobias’ interesting outlook on Hamburg :

2/3 Faces of Hamburg

Don’t forget- I won’t be here next Monday! Hope to see you on 20th April. Meantime, lots and lots of happy walking! (and please take some bench shots for Jude)

Jo’s Monday walk : to Camden and beyond!

Isn’t this a heart warming sight?

I don’t know if any of you have been watching ‘Great Canal Journeys’, presented by Timothy West and Prunella Scales? I have a real fondness for this couple and the way in which they are dealing with advancing years and health issues. For me, they are fulfilling a dream that I’ve always had, to take to a boat and putter away my days. As near as I’ve come is the towpath so far, unless you count a long ago week in a narrowboat in a permanent mooring at Reading!

It was pure coincidence that last week’s episode featured Regent’s Canal, because that is precisely where I had planned on taking you. Sadly for all of us, we’re on foot! Still, as a bonus we can pick up a book before we start, and keep a lookout for a sunny bench. I begin my journey along the canal behind King’s Cross railway station. With time to spare you could pop into the London Canal Museum, but I need to be in Camden Town by 11.00, so it’s best foot forward.

Goodbye bookshop! Nice meeting you.

The boardwalk looks brand new!

First stop, St. Pancras Lock

Is that the Camley St. Visitor Centre?

And a nice lock keeper’s cottage

Apparently this gas tower is a listed building

There’d been a spot of overnight rain

Super smart canalside living

But there’s no escaping graffiti!

Well on our way!

No shortage of bridges!

And tunnels!

More desirable housing

Lots of it!

I’d love to do this!

Approaching my first destination

Camden Lock

I think I’ll have to split this walk into two halves. My eventual destination along the towpath is Little Venice, but in Camden Town I take a small detour to join Judith from London Walks.

A guided tour of ‘Old Camden Town’ sounded irresistible to me, and so it proved. Judith, a local artist with a twinkle in her eye, regaled us with stories of characters as diverse as Dickens, Amy Winehouse, George Bernard Shaw and Dylan Thomas. Better yet, she showed me a London that, in all my years of first living there and then return visits to the capital, I had never managed to find for myself. Now that’s what I call a good walk leader! If given the opportunity, do join her. You won’t regret it.

There can be few high streets that look like this!

There can be very few high streets that look like this!

I’ve been to Camden Town several times and it’s a favourite of my daughter. The mix of quirky shops, outrageous clothing and sparkly things is a magnet to her magpie nature. It was just 11.00 when I arrived and anxiously scanned the High St., looking for Judith in the Saturday morning swell. As promised, she was outside the Metro Station entrance, cheerfully rounding up her flock. Introductions made, we were off at a brisk pace, on our 2 hour Camden tour.

The Town Crier seemed perfectly happy to chat

Click on any photo to view gallery

The station. There’s a history to the windows.

Pretty Camden street

‘World’s End’- a famous drinking establishment

A distinguished hospital

Dickens lived here!

Stylish former department store

And an Amy Winehouse haunt

We head back towards the canal and cross over Hampstead Road Lock- arguably the most picturesque lock on the canal- about to delve into Camden Market.

Hampstead Road Lock

Judith, recounting a little history to the group

And I think that is a good place to leave her. I hope that you’ll come back next week, when we’ll explore the incredible Stables, and I’ll continue on along the Regent’s Canal.

Many thanks to Jude for reminding me about ‘Take a walk in the park day’, which just happens to be today. I’ve linked back to Ailsa’s Outdoors. What could be more outdoors than the canals?

Time to look at my contributors and to say a big thank you for their kindness in joining me. Details of how to join in are on my Jo’s Monday walks page, or simply click on the logo above. All you need right now are a cuppa and a comfy seat.

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Debbie first this week! A boardwalk and boats are just my style. Thanks, Debs!

Walking the boardwalk at Wicken Fen

Geoff is staying with the Street Art, which seems highly popular at the moment :

Dulwich Street Art- part two

Amy has some more of her beautiful captures, and guess what? It’s Spring!

Monday walk : Spring is here…

Gilly has us wandering on the Exe Trail. The dogs needed a gentle stroll :

Strolling Route 2

Can you find a dog on Meg’s post this week?

Eurobodalla beaches : Yabbara Beach

Meanwhile, Esther has a tempting proposition?

Walk on Mars

And Anabel has some wonderful tapestry for us to look at :

New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde

Drake gives us a glimpse of summer time in Denmark. It’s beautiful!

Walkabout last Summer

Next a delightful surprise from Cloud of Lace in Lebanon. Byblos is almost as beautiful as her blog. Please go and say ‘hi!’ to Hiba.

Walking around in Byblos

Tobias uses light and shade brilliantly. Take a look!

A Walk in Berlin

Hooray!!! Jude’s back! I know you’ll have missed her walks. I did!

Take a Walk in the Park Day

It will be Easter Monday next week. I’ll still be hosting my walk, and if the weather cooperates I’m hoping lots of you will be out there walking too. Whatever happens, I wish you all a very happy Easter holiday.

Jo’s Monday walk : Loulé Uncovered

Nossa Senhora da Piedade

Perched high on a hill, overlooking the Algarve, Nossa Senhora da Piedade at Loulé is one of those places I’d always meant to visit. When I finally did, it had a wonderful surprise in store.

A ‘scramble’ of a market town, Loulé dates back at least till Roman times. We’ll have a wander through the historic centre shortly, but first I want to take you up to the heights with me.

Looking down from the Chapel

The original Chapel of our Lady of Mercy (Nossa Senhora da Piedade) was built in 1553, but was partially destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. Driving along the A22 motorway past Loulé, the modern dome is clearly visible above the town. I had often wondered how it looked in close up.

The dome in close up, with alarmingly grey skies

Looking up to the bell tower

On Easter Sunday a huge celebration begins here, Festa da Mãe Soberana (the feast of the Sovereign Mother). A statue of the patron saint is carried from her resting place, in the Sanctuary, down the hill to the Church of San Francisco, on Festa Pequena.(Small Feast) Two weeks later, on Festa Grande, she is returned to her home on the holy mountain, with full ceremony, prayers and fireworks. I would love to see the spectacle of the procession. For now I have to content myself with a look at Mãe Soberana, quietly waiting.

The statue, resting inside the Sanctuary

From afar the domed building appears to be the entirety of the church, so I was delighted to find the chapel restoration alongside. Known as the ‘House of Candles’, the tiny space is exquisite. Ceiling paintings dating from 1760 had been damaged by smoke from the candle offerings but were restored when the modern building was constructed. The wall panels depicting the Passion of Christ are from a later date.

Ceiling paintings from 1760

Cherubs adorn the wall panels

With scenes from the Passion

And Crucifiction

The altar

I love the contrast of old and new. Time to come back down to earth and begin our stroll. I would not recommend climbing the steps to Nossa Senhora. Doing so carrying the saint must be quite an ordeal. Unless it’s Easter, there’s ample parking up there.

Leaving the Sanctuary behind

The streets below are made for strolling. Tile patterns beneath your feet enhance your wander.

The pedestrianised streets of the centre

The excellent website Loulé Uncovered will guide you around Loulé better than I could ever hope to do. There you will find a map and suggestions of what you can hope to see. On Saturday mornings the market will be in full swing. At most other times you will still be treated to the splendour of the Arabian style market hall. Poke your nose inside. The sights and smells will capture your senses.

The main street and the Arabian market

Loulé Castle dates from 13th century and still retains its imposing walls and a keep. Artisans practise their crafts in the surrounding streets. Follow them through to the Largo da Matriz and the main church of Loulé, Igreja de S. Clemente. The procession will pass by here on Festa Grande. A small garden, Jardim dos Amuados (Garden of Sulks) nestles behind the church. The view sweeps out across the valley and there on the hill, Nossa Senhora da Piedade.

Click on the gallery and we’ll stroll

The market is warming up

An onlooker

Busy market stalls

Mellow walls

A smoked ham

What do you think, dear?

Rosy pink

Faded grandeur

Solid castle walls

Beauty in a restaurant

The clock tower

The view across to Nossa Senhora da Piedade

I hope that you found Loulé interesting. I was so glad I finally made it up that hill. My L is for Loule has a few more details, including some lively Carnival scenes.

Next week my walk will bring me nearer home. I would love it if you could join me there.

How to join in with the walks? Click on the logo or my Jo’s Monday walk page for the details. Thank you so much to all my contributors. You brighten up my Mondays. Let’s get that kettle on and settle back for a good read, shall we?

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Sit beside the fire in a cosy armchair with Drake. Or party at magnificent St. George Hall! :

Beyond the Frontage

Debbie’s found another intriguing canal in the city(with street art!) :

Vienna’s Arty Canal

I asked Esther for a walking song and this is what I got! Applaud the lady!

Walk with a Crocodile

Amy has such fun on her Sunday walks. You have to join her!

The Final Race

Geoff’s been checking up on street art too, including the famous Stik :

Dulwich Street Art

What can you say about Yvette? A heart of gold comes to mind :

Florida and B & W Day 3

Please welcome Becky everybody. She likes to spend some of her Winter on the Algarve, and enjoys bird watching :

Ludo and Lago de Sao Lourenco

Not so fortunate, Violet Sky joins us again with some seriously depressing weather :

Expect delays

Japan has a culture all its own, and I’m enjoying learning about it with the Eternal Traveller :

Do you speak English?

And lastly, a riverside walk beside the Exe, with lovely Gilly (and her dogs) :

Strolling Route 2

I’m nearly ready to head off out now. Hope you all have a wonderful week and can make time for a walk or two.

Jo’s Monday walk : Farms of Cacela

Phew! Back to colour again! For a person who hates grey skies, monochrome is very hard work. Fortunately for me, my recent visit to the Algarve had its fair share of blue sky.

We’re leaving the beach behind and heading inland a little way today, to Vila Nova da Cacela. It’s quite an ordinary sort of place but I was inordinately pleased to be doing this walk. It was a case of third time lucky, because twice before I’d attempted to find the start point for the walk, unsuccessfully!

Let me explain. Often my Algarve walks are in the company of a group of walkers. The meeting point is always a neighbourhood cafe, designated by email. After all, who starts walking without a good cup of coffee first? Vila Nova da Cacela is one of those small towns in the Eastern Algarve that you’d have to detour to visit. The busy (by Algarve standards) E125 runs past it and many times I’ve whistled by without a care. Except, of course, when trying to find the designated cafe.

The town is not big, but just big enough that you might have doubts. The first time I and my husband tried to join the walk, ‘opposite the mercado’ seemed like clear instructions. But there was no sign of the walkers that day. I believe we gave up and went to the beach! The second time was a different cafe, and once again, with time in hand, we combed the streets of Vila Nova but could not find the walkers. It felt like some kind of conspiracy! We set off to explore the neighbourhood, sure that we’d bump into them round some corner, but it was not to be.

When we arrived on the third occasion (nobody can call us ‘quitters’) we were dumbfounded to find a traffic diversion bang smack in the centre of town. The directions we were carefully following were no longer valid, and worse, behind us were 2 cars containing walkers we recognised , following us with the conviction that we knew where we were going! Well, all’s well that ends well and we had at least found some walkers and, eventually, the cafe. I bet you need another cup of coffee before we set off, don’t you? I know I do!

As we left the town, the fields were a-tumble with yellow flowers, and an old well sat placidly looking on. A left turn brought us onto a track and soon we were approaching a lofty windmill, it’s sails still intact- quite rare these days.

The view from the top of the steps

Wild flowers growing carelessly by

The windmill up close

The walk is nothing special. Just a meander around the country lanes surrounding Vila Nova da Cacela. Even Wikipedia has next to nothing to say about the town. Still, it’s a pleasant place to be on a sunny February day, with the blossom tickling the trees.

A gentle flourish of blossom

Seen in the hedgerow

While the farmer goes about his work

One of the more prosperous looking farmsteads

I was sad to learn, from one of the walkers, that almond production is no longer profitable in the Algarve. Few new almond trees are being planted and the nuts are now widely imported. This in a country where sweet almond treats appear in the tiniest and humblest of cafes and on market stalls everywhere. I find it hard to understand.

Another ‘find’ in the hedgerows

Horses and a donkey, at leisure

The road less traveled

Crops germinate in the polytunnels

Traditional blue and white

And a few plates on a wall

We pass a few houses and a cafe or two, then we’re heading back into town. Little separates town from country, a flock of nosy sheep reminding us of that.

It’s goodbye to the orange trees

And hello to an inquisitive sheep

We’re heading back to ‘Cacela Mar’, our meeting place this morning. Tables are set out on the grass and for just 11 euros we enjoy a 3 course meal with wine. Our attention is caught by the glimmer of fungi in the grass. The waiter is quick to assure us that they’re not edible.

A gold-topped fungi

But I expect you’d rather have cake!

The walk took a couple of hours at a steady pace (and with a coffee stop thrown in). It wasn’t at all taxing but I felt a huge sense of achievement afterwards. I’d finally walked the ‘Farms of Cacela’! Triumph! I hope you enjoyed it too.

Next, it’s time to thank everybody for their kind contributions and to share this week’s walks. If you’d like to join in, the details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page, or you can just click on the logo above. More coffee, before we start?

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Jesh is first this week, with what sounds like my ideal wander. Come and join us!

Tea Garden San Francisco

While Debbie has me California dreaming…

Walking the Grand Canal, California style

When you’re alone and life is making you lonely you can always go… to Esther!

Walk Downtown

Here’s Amy, talking to ducks again (smile)

Gotcha!

Drake is hoping they’ll soon be singing ‘We are the Champions’ :

Never walk alone!

Somebody else who doesn’t like to walk alone! Thanks, Geoff :

You’ll never walk alone, part 3

Gilly doesn’t mind a bit of solitude, especially if the surrounds are beautiful :

A Warren Walk

But if you visit Minou, you could indulge in some clog dancing!

Marken- a world away in 40 minutes

Finally, Jill sets the scene for a serene and mystical experience :

Tak Bat in Luang Prabang

Superb, weren’t they? You can have a fine walk and never leave your armchair. Many thanks for joining me. I wish you a happy week, and some good walking.

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Falesia Beach has its share of plant life

Reach for the skies!

Back to the beach this week! Well, we are in the Algarve, aren’t we? It would be rude not to.

Falesia Beach is quite central to the Algarve and runs from Vilamoura, with its huge array of yachts, to Olhos d’Agua, a smaller resort on the run up to Albufeira. It won’t really require me to say much, as the photos pretty much speak for themselves. I should warn you though that if you intend to do much of the clifftop you will require the agility of a mountain goat. But we can worry about that part later, or simply stay on the beach.

Something of an unexpected sight

But you know I love a boardwalk

There is ample parking at the western end of Vilamoura, beyond the enormous marina. At the eastern end of the resort, hotels back on to the shoreline, but to the west the red cliffs begin a steady ascent. A bridge carries you from the car park across a canal and onto the boardwalk. From here you can see for miles.

A path runs along the back of the beach

The cliff shapes are quite captivating

With lumps and bumps everywhere

And a quantity of grass too

Aloe Vera grow freely

I am mesmerised by the shapes and colours

At intervals there are steps up to the cliffs

Those leggy trees that I love poke through the grasses

And the cliffs grow ever steeper

The colours begin to vary

And tiny flowers battle for space

Beneath the towering giants

Can you see anyone on the tops?

From time to time a couple of people will appear up there, peer down and then disappear from sight. I’m quite keen to follow some of the cliff top trail, but I know that it is a little rugged in places. (I once attempted part of it in flipflops- not a good idea!)

There are lots of ups and downs!

You might have been wondering about the beach? I’m sorry! I do tend to get engrossed in the patterns on the cliff face.

Here it is!

Often the blue skies are deceptive but this particular Winter’s day in the Algarve was balmy. Before climbing up the cliff, I sat for a while, just absorbing the sun’s rays.

A sheltered spot to relax

Directly from the beach a flight of not very steep steps led up to a hotel complex, nestled among pines. From here it was easy to head back towards Vilamoura, along the cliff top.

For a moment the sun hid behind a cloud

This pink beauty craved my attention

Looking back along the cliffs

You may remember my saying that the cliffs were fit only for goats. There are some stretches that are fairly level and you can choose to descend to the beach if the going gets too rough. A couple of flights of steps lead down.

Steep gullies

In places the pines are quite dense

Back to the beach

Just one last look!

And then it’s safely back to earth. I hope you agree it was worth a little bit of climbing for those views. And when you get back to Vilamoura there are plenty of places to eat and relax.

I’d love it if you could join me with a walk of your own. It can be long, short, or in between- I really don’t mind. For details just click on my logo, or go to my Jo’s Monday walk page. It’s time to say a big thank you to my contributors again this week. Let’s put the kettle on, sit back and enjoy!

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The last of Jude’s Australian walks. Oh NO!

Oasis in the Suburbs

A trip to the loo, with Esther? And a poem to make you smile :

A walk in the dark

A tour of Old Montreal, for history and culture lovers. Thanks, Ana!

Walking tour of Old Montreal

Or an eating frenzy in Vegas with drums and Boba tea?

Chinese New Year at China Town in Las Vegas

These salt fields look very like those in the Algarve, but Kampot is totally different :

Kampot : Colonial town and salt fields

Back to Suffolk with Geoff now. Hope you don’t mind a drop of rain?

Wet, wet, wet- You’ll never walk alone part 2

A little damp on the streets of Strasbourg too, but we can take the trolley!

Walk right In

And finally, Pauline (and Jack) take us to a pretty rural village :

March 1st and a walk through Tyalgum

You can’t beat that for variety, can you? So glad you could join me. I hope you have a happy week and some great walks. You might need to wrap up warm!

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

The fishing community of Portimao revere the Virgin

The fishing community of Portimao are mostly religious

Portimão is that intriguing mix of shabby and chique that, for me, typifies the Algarve. Always assuming you can find it, that is! Portimão is a big city by Algarve standards, but still I struggled to locate it. Fortunately for me, my driver has a much better sense of direction.

Heading for the city centre, we managed to end up at the beach, at neighbouring Praia da Rocha. That was fine and produced a highly enjoyable Monday walk last week. In theory, we then just needed to follow the mouth of the River Arade inland till we came to the waterfront at Portimão. ‘Oops- I think it’s back that way’ sound familiar to you? I think my advice to strangers would be to catch the bus! The bus station is, conveniently, right alongside the waterfront. But if you do manage to find it by car, there’s a generous parking area.

Deep in thought!

So what will you find, and does it repay the effort? Well, boats, of course, and fish (Portimão boasts an impressive selection of fish restaurants). Come stroll with me along the Manuel Bivar gardens at the waterfront. Then we can delve a little into the history of this town.

Did somebody mention boats?

Aside from the fishing industry the city hosts numerous sailing events, and the Portuguese Gran Prix of the Sea, for those who like noisy powerboats. In Summer you can catch a boat all the way up the river to beautiful Silves. At this time of year, the waterfront is peaceful, peopled simply with a series of sculptures.

A tall lady?

Just a few boats, for good measure

Lips, with crooked teeth?

Or a peep hole?

This one’s a little strange

I rather like this mournful face

The promenade continues to Largo de Barca, the home of many of the simple fish restaurants. Sizzling sardines are the staple diet in these parts. A bridge spans the enormous width of the river at this point. On the far shore, pretty Ferragudo. For many years access was by ferry only.

Fish restaurants at Largo de Barca

And a few fish

A popular choice

The railway bridge

Largo de Barca

The bridge to Ferragudo

With its excellent situation, in the natural shelter of the River Arade, Portimão began to develop into an important trading centre from the time of the Phoenicians. In 1435 it was awarded town status and walls were constructed to protect growing prosperity, and prevent pirate raids. Two forts were built at the river mouth- Santa Catarina, featured in last week’s Praia da Rocha walk and, across the river in Ferragudo, the picturesque Castelo de São João. The earthquake of 1755 did major damage to the town walls. Santa Catarina fort was damaged too, but was later reconstructed.

Turn in on Rua Professore Jose Buisel, from Largo de Barco, and you are in a neighbourhood of slightly down-at-heel fishermen’s homes. Many still have original azulejo tiles, with religious images above the door. The road leads toward the pedestrianised shopping area. The spire of the mother church, Igreja Matriz, provides a good landmark in its elevated position above Praca da Republica. A huge Jesuit college dominates the Praca. You are very welcome to look inside.

The Jesuit college

Tiles adorn many homes

College interior and altar

Igreja Matriz

With lovely icons

The bell tower

From the Praca, turn right down Rua Diogo Tome and you are heading back towards the river. The shops in this area are smart, so it comes as a bit of a surprise to come upon some wall art.

Fishermen, of course, plying their trade

And a gull or two

I was heading towards Largo 1st de Dezembro because I’d read about some azulejo tiled benches there. If you saw my Six word Saturday this week you’ll know that I’ve been collecting bench photos lately. The benches commemorate famous dates in Portuguese history.

Pretty Largo 1st de Dezembro

Faded loveliness

A little more bold

The benches are a little shabby these days, and slightly incongruous in a busy city square, but you can still admire the artistry. I imagine on a fine day in Summer that the benches would all be taken with office workers on their lunch break. I stole a longing look at the most elegant of cake shops, but it was time to return to the waterfront, just ahead of me. I reflected as I did how foolish that I had been unable to find this vast river in a city which orients itself totally to the sea.

Main square at the riverfront

Had it been worth it? I think so. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Portimão a little better. I hope you did too. If you prefer to see it bustling with people, a huge market wraps around Largo de Barco at the beginning of each month.

Lots of walks to share this week! You’ll need plenty of stamina. And a cuppa or two! If you’re new to my walks just click on the logo to find out how to join in. To everybody else, thank you for your fantastic contributions and for making Jo’s Monday walk a success.

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As always, Drake is here, waiting, to make me smile. Isn’t he the nicest guy?

Step on Stones

Paula always has something beautiful to share, and this week is no exception :

Summer Bloom

Tobias is in the woods this week. My favourite is number two. How about you?

A Walk in the Forest

If anyone you know can have fun with symmetry, it has to be Yvette!

Symmetry

Anabel takes us walking by Loch Lomond. The islands are beautiful!

Balmaha and Conic Hill

Jude’s taking us to sunny Australia. Form an orderly line, please!

The Manly Eastern Hill Heritage Trail

Please welcome newcomer (to my blog) Geoff! As the song goes…

You’ll never walk alone!

Or you could venture into the Polish capital, with Meg. Please do! She’d love your company :

Walking through the heart of Warsaw

And there’s the cutest squirrel in this one!

A walk in Lazienki

Esther charmingly rhymes as she walks :

Walk on the Beach

Elizabeth revives some beautiful memories :

Walking in the Mountains above Interlaken

And Minou takes us canal rambling in Holland (or you could grab a bike!)

Following the footsteps of pilgrims in Leiden

And then climbing the most beautiful windmill. You can just watch if you’re tired.

Climbing Leiden’s Windmill

Pauline is posting a storm warning. By the time you read this it will have passed over, with not too much damage, I very much hope.

Storm Warning

If temple ruins in Laos appeal, this is the post for you!

Vat Phou, the Angkor-style temple in Laos

So many fantastic places to visit in this world, aren’t there? Thanks again everybody. Have a happy week, and keep walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Winter in the Algarve- the deserted beach at Praia da Rocha

Despite the high rise, I’m sure you can see the attraction? Praia da Rocha was the Algarve’s earliest resort, and it still makes a pleasant place for a winter stroll. I don’t have much time to create a walk post, having just arrived home, so I’ll be starting you off very gently.

Praia da Rocha and the city of Portimão meld into one where the River Arade empties into the Atlantic Ocean, on Portugal’s southern coast. Next week we can wander the river bank at leisure, but let’s start simply, with the beach, shall we?

Smart hotels line the promenade

In contrast, the remains of the 17th century Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar come as something of a surprise. Testimony to the days when pirate corsairs raided these shores.

Pirates beware!

But these days it’s more of a look out

And isn’t that the most inviting causeway stretching out into the sea? I think I can spy a lighthouse at the end. Zip your jacket up! A windsurfer or two is testing the breeze.

The empty beach tells it’s own story

I bet those waves are cool!

Still quite a way to go

Just a puff of cloud on the horizon

But here we are at the lighthouse

Hiding from that breeze!

And playing with the shadows

Collar huddled against that bracing wind, it’s a brisk stride back to the shelter of the cliffs. You can feel yourself relax then, as the warmth tickles your shoulder blades.

Near perfect weather for sailing

But it’s the boardwalk that beckons, and those mysterious stacks at the end of the beach.

You can walk back along the beach, admiring the cliff face in detail, or return to the cliff top. There are several sets of steps. Most of the available parking is around the marina, at the east end of the resort. Let’s just pop our noses in there first, then go looking for something to eat.

Take your pick!

If you’re not too hungry, you can wander out around the marina. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, even though many close in the winter. I’m moving on to Portimão, and I hope you’ll join me there, next Monday.

I had a wonderful two weeks ‘away from it all’, and I have so many of you to catch up with! Thank you for your patience. I’ll stop by as soon as I can. Meantime, there are some wonderful walks to share. Some of you have been very diligent. For anyone new to my walks, the logo or my Monday walks page will give you more details. Goodness- I’m on to my second cuppa already!

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Any of you know Warsaw? That’s where my lovely friend Meg is right now, visiting family :

Shopping in Praga

Paula has been checking out ‘restless fliers’ in Zagreb. No, nothing to do with me!

Shooting birds on the lake

I can’t ski but I’m always game for a chair lift or two! Thanks, Drake :

Off-white or rough white

Two Megs this week, just to confuse you! This one’s in Virginia :

A Winter walk

Lucy often stays in Paris, lucky lady! Share a beautiful walk with her in St. Germain :

The streets of St. Germain

What about a little poetry next? And a classic from Dionne Warwick- thanks, Esther :

Walk on By

Amy really does take wonderful photos. Just check these out! :

Architecture walking tour of downtown Fort Worth

Welcome to Anabel, who introduces us to a beautiful light show in Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Jude- you’ll like this!

Electric Gardens

And you can rely on Elena for quirky!

Hundertwasser House in Vienna

I’ve always wanted to visit the Far East, so I’m very happy to tour Vientiane with Colibrist :

Experimental travel in Vientiane, Laos

Who wouldn’t want to eat with Yvette, and share music with Frizz? What a combination!

Pasto Italiano (and Belichick quote)

Or maybe try beachcombing with Tobias :

A Walcheren walk

The Eternal Traveler has joined us this week with some stunning views of Japan. I’m so jealous!

Unusual, unexpected, unbelievable

I’m delighted to end with lovely Sherri Matthews. You can’t help but enjoy her stories :

Virginia Woolf’s Round House and Lewes Priory

That’s it for this week, folks. I didn’t think I’d make it! Thank you for all your brilliant contributions, and I can’t wait to see what next week brings. Have a good one!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

walking

Jo’s Monday walk : a surprise, at Estoi

Jo’s Monday walk : Podziemia

Jo’s Monday walk : Peaceful Staithes

Jo’s Monday walk : Rievaulx Abbey

Jo’s Monday walk : to Camden and beyond!

Jo’s Monday walk : Loulé Uncovered

Jo’s Monday walk : Farms of Cacela

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

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