walking

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

The Golden Hind II, on Bankside

I had a brilliant time in London this weekend, staying at the Mercure London Bridge hotel for a 6 Friends Theory event. I’ll tell you all about it later in the week, but first things first- my Mondays always start with a walk.

You can imagine the amount of walking I did in London! Let’s just say, my boots need re-heeling. Friday saw me striding out along South Bank, the air crisp and bright! On Saturday I took to the canal paths, sandwiching this with a superb guided walk round Old Camden Town. Judith, from London Walks, had a merry twinkle in her eyes as she shared stories of the neighbourhood- everything from George Bernard Shaw to George Melly!

I’m a little short on time to do those walks justice, so I thought I’d do something a bit different this week. How about a moonlit stroll? It’s not often that I get to see our capital by night, and it’s a glorious sight. I had to cut it shorter than planned when the skies suddenly opened!

I’ve always loved a Tall Ship, and this one’s so colourful!

Golden Hind II, an authentic replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, has resided in her berth at St. Mary Overie Dock, Bankside since 1996. She’s had her share of colourful adventures and has cicumnavigated the globe and featured in four films. These days her chief activity is to provide living history lessons about Elizabethan maritime history. The children can swashbuckle a little and dress up as Tudor sailors. Details of her voyages, along with Drake’s own round the world trip, from 1577 to 1580, are provided in this Wikipedia link.

A complication of rigging!

I mentioned moonlight, and the night was clear and crisp when I left the hotel, on Southwark St., for a short walk to Borough Market. At Fish the food was delicious! I needed a stroll afterwards.

How I found space for pudding, I’m not sure

I maybe should have stopped at fish

But really- would you?

From Borough Market, I headed through Clink St. towards Bankside, and lingered by the dock. The lights from the towering buildings and the bridges danced playfully on the water.

Southwark Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral

A shock of colour in close up!

The air was turning damp and it seemed a good idea to head back towards Clink St. A familiar shape loomed overhead. It’s London’s latest landmark, The Shard.

The Shard- visible everywhere!

Beads of rain speckled the sign

The remains of Winchester Palace

The rain was gathering conviction and I hastened my steps, though still held in London’s night time spell. Hood pulled up, it was time for my camera to retreat to safety. Just a last couple of shots, then it was time to step out swiftly, back to the hotel.

More enchanting by night?

Back on Southwark St. the rain bounces!

If the weather had been better, I might have followed the Thames all night, so perhaps it’s just as well the rain came. The next day dawned clear and sharp, and I was off again.

But those stories will have to wait. Next Sunday I’m off to the Algarve, so Jo’s Monday walk will be taking a two week breather. I already have several walks lined up in the Algarve, so I hope you’ll join me when I get back. (16th February)

I am so grateful to all the people who have shared walks with me. You take me to places I could never reach under my own steam. I only hope that you enjoy my walks as much as I enjoy yours. Please feel free to share them at any time. My Jo’s Monday walk page will give you the details.

Time to put the kettle on for a cuppa. There are some wonderful walks coming up!

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Paula has agreed to show us a little of her home city, Zagreb, currently cloaked in winter bareness

A fun walk by the lake

Richard has been a friend for the longest time, and knows the BEST places to go!

The Watergate Bay sunset walk

A walk that I meant to share after my trip to Paris, done beautifully by Debbie. Thanks for the memory!

Promenading the banks of Canal Saint-Martin

Something I’m very familiar with, but Jude makes it look good!

Wintery Blues

Natural sounds, presented with flair, from Amy this week. I adore a hibiscus in the rain!

Sounds in Nature

A first for my walks- some wonderful poetry from Esther! She’ll make you smile, I guarantee :

Walk in the Woods

Elizabeth is walking home from work, but don’t feel sorry for her! I certainly don’t :

Walking home from work

Is it possible to walk with Drake without smiling? I don’t think so!

Walkabout in Strasbourg

And Kathryn had me smiling so, with her sweetness. Let’s go tracking, in the woods!

Monday walk with Jo in mind

Thank you to all my kind and lovely friends! I’ll try to catch up with you during the week. Then I may have earned a rest. Happy walking, everyone!

Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

The bridge crossing the railway lines

I was a little conflicted over which walk to share with you today. Logically, it should be the one which culminates with Penshaw Monument, which intrigued many of you last week. But I’m often not a logical creature, and I’m always susceptible to the pull of the sea.

Hartlepool has three golf courses. I’ve never especially felt the need to wallop a golf ball, though I did once demonstrate a mild talent for pitch and put. All 3 courses have sea views, but by far the most scenic is very close to the sea. I would never be able to concentrate on the ball, so it’s a good job I’m a walker. Our start point is on the Hart to Haswell walkway, just north of Hartlepool Headland. Are you ready? We’ll need to step out briskly to keep warm!

You can already see and smell the sea as you cross the bridge

You can see, and almost smell, the sea as you cross the bridge

Through the gate, the path leads down towards the sea

And then, a glimpse of beach

The gorse is beginning to flower- always an encouraging sign. Depending on how high the tide, you will probably find a ribbon of water, wriggling its way towards the sea.

The curve of an errant strip of water

With the sun so low, the water glimmers electric blue

With the sun so low, the water glimmers an electric blue

You have a choice at this point. You can stay down at beach level or ascend a gentle gradient to the golf course. There is a public right of way, but you venture there at your own risk.

In other words, keep your head down!

I prefer to climb a little for the views along the coast

In both directions

I like an empty golf course!

Maybe the wind has deterred them

But I don’t mind

Just a little windswept?

Probably not 'sitting on a bench' weather!

Certainly not ‘sitting on a bench’ weather!

The advantage of being up on the tops is that you can remain in the sun for a little longer. Below, on the beach, the shadows rapidly lengthen and you need to increase your pace.

The shadows have swept the beach almost bare

As the sun retreats, out to sea

I gallop along, but pause, intrigued by the sand patterns

And the blueness of the sea

Fascinating, aren’t they?

We’re not too far from the Headland now, and you may recognise a landmark ahead. The pier that once belonged to Steetley Magnesite, and betrays our industrial past, has featured in several of my posts. I find it a compelling sight.

Steetley pier in the distance

And in close up

It’s a little like a magnet to me, and I have to admit that I probably overdid it on this walk. You can about face and retrace your steps at any point, but having reached the pier I had determined to continue to the Headland. It’s the only place nearby where you can obtain refreshments.

The promenade on the Headland

The sun was rapidly sinking as I walked

And my reward- a dazzling sunset

I confess that I did not walk all the way back. There is a bus from the Headland which would take me home. I was rather lucky on this occasion, and met some friends, who’d been having scones with jam and cream in Mary Rowntree’s. They kindly offered me a lift. You just never know what might happen when you go out for a walk! I hope you enjoyed this one.

Time to thank all my lovely contributors again this week. They will take you to some ravishing places! Pop the kettle on and settle down for a good read. If you happen to have a walk you’d like to share, I’d be delighted. My Jo’s Monday walk page tells you how.

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No-one can tell a story like Tish Farrell! I know that you will enjoy…

To the Isle of Dwynwen, Welsh Saint of lovers

Another shot full of drama from Cardinal! Anyone been to Oslo?

Winter Sunset

Debbie takes us to Ljubljana. That girl gets to the loveliest places!

A Short Plecnik Walk

No need to venture beyond this garden, in South Africa! Let Sonel show you around :

In our Garden

Amy’s educating us about the Banyan tree next. Who knew?

Which Way?

And there’s a beautiful sequel to Paula’s walk from last week. Don’t miss it!

A Walk among the Menhirs- Sequel

You knew that Drake would be here again, didn’t you? Indoors, this time!

Indoor walking!

Use Feng shui and prayer flags to boost your energy? Like Elena :

Wind Horse in the Mountains

For complete contrast, a luxurious stroll, with beetroot tart and salad- with Rosemay :

On the Heritage Trail, South Perth

And while we’re down that way, let’s finish the day deliciously, in Canberra with Jude.

R G Menzies Evening Walk

What’s better than a walk? A walk and a steam train ride, of course! Many thanks to Lisa :

Kawakawa-Opua Cycle Trail

Absolutely fantastic walks! I really hope you can find time to read them. I’ll be back with you next Monday, but after that there’ll be a short break. Happy walking in the meantime!

Jo’s Monday walk : Roker pier

Roker lighthouse

There’s nothing I like better than standing at the foot of a lighthouse and looking up! Especially when, as in this case at Roker, Sunderland, the pier has been newly restored and it’s possible to walk right out there.

Newly restored Roker Pier

Last week I mentioned that I might have to repeat some of my walks. This is a variation on one I’ve previously done but with the addition of the newly accessible pier. Mind you- it was bitter cold out there, but it didn’t seem to deter whole families of hardy northerners. Toddlers skippetty-hopped along, tugging parents hands, or racing ahead on ‘Christmas-new’ bikes and scooters.

600 metres long, Roker Pier is 111 years old and grade II listed. Enormous seas had rendered it unsafe for the public, and a restoration programme began last June. It reopened in November. Further work is planned to both pier and lighthouse, but I really should start at the beginning of the walk, so grab your warmest coat and woollies. It’s time to go.

This was my start point- note the frost!

The evidence!

You may remember the ‘coat’?

Shame the fire wasn’t burning!

There’s a message here somewhere

The sun was fighting hard to melt the frost

One last remnant of chimney pot

Part of the Riverside Sculpture Trail, the group above are entitled ‘The Red House’, and are just beyond the National Glass Centre, where you can park for free. The trail continues towards the marina which, because of its situation, is probably the warmest spot on our walk today. In fact, I distinctly remember an elderly couple sitting on a bench, backs to the wall and faces lifted reverently to the sun. Overcoats on, of course!

Interesting Celtic design on the steps

Plenty of boats idling in the marina

I do really like these steps

Silly buoys!

The first sighting of the pier- note the hard frost on the ramp!

Just beyond the marina and the boatyard, a vista of beach and pier opens up before you. The concrete bowls on the beach are filled to different levels, representing different phases of the moon. A promenade leads past a children’s playground to the final item on the Sculpture Trail. This highly polished granite monolith, designed by Andrew Small, has a circular cutout which makes a fine frame for Roker Lighthouse.

The children’s playground

The marble monolith and the pier

Roker as described by Wikipedia is a seaside resort. I doubt that many would lay that claim in these days of exotic holidays, but it still retains a certain charm. It was news to me that the Roker story goes back to 1587, when the Abbs family were granted land on the north shore of the River Wear. It was a condition that they provide six soldiers to defend the mouth of the river.

Did I mention that further work needs to be done on the pier?

The railings could definitely use some TLC!

But out on the pier it doesn’t seem to matter

And there it is!

Complete with fishermen

And a fine view back to the mainland

The history of the pier

Beautifully striped!

I didn’t have a band of Northumberland Hussars to pipe me off the pier, like the Earl of Durham, but it would have been nice. As would a hot drink! But for that we need to return to the National Glass Centre. You can pass through the tunnel at the end of the promenade, into Roker Park, and complete a circuit back to the front, or simply retrace your steps.

Be sure to leave yourself time to loiter in the Glass Centre. You’re bound to like something!

Even if it’s only an angel in a bauble! So, that’s another walk completed! I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week, and we’ll wander some more.

If you’d like to join in my Monday walks, it’s very easy to do. Just click on the logo or my walks page. Many thanks to this weeks contributors. Now, let’s put the kettle on and settle back to read!

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Lovely Debbie from Travel with Intent is joining us this week. I know you’ll enjoy Glasgow through her eyes. Many thanks, Debs!

The Banks of the Clyde

Paula has an on-going love affair with Corsica and it’s not hard to see why :

A Walk among the Menhirs

You can count on Cardinal to have a unique viewpoint! :

Oslo- a Village on Steroids

Again, Jude has me wishing I was on the far side of the world! :

Hills Road walk

Amy’s back with a bang! Well, maybe that’s not the right expression around a volcano!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A Monday walk wouldn’t be a Monday walk without Drake, would it?

Friendly minded castle conquest

Please welcome a very distinguished newcomer, from Australia. Many thanks for joining us, Elizabeth!

New Year’s walk : a giant stairway and a miniature train

And a lovely lady called Lisa joins us from the Bay of Islands :

Opua-Pahia Coastal Walkway

Rosemay finishes off her zoo walk. It’s hot!

Tales from Perth, part 2

And then Yvette comes in with a blockbuster of a post!

Shadows in New York City

If you’re not totally worn out, you can even do an evening walk? Welcome Bon Minou!

Amsterdam at Night

What a selection! Brilliant, aren’t they? Have a great week everyone, and happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Beside the Tees

An elusive sun hovers over the River Tees

Crisp, frosty mornings in the Christmas holidays. What do you do? Lie in bed, wallowing in the warmth? Well, that’s one option. But you know that this is Jo’s Monday walk, and really, you’ll feel so much better if you get out for a bit of fresh air.

A scarf would be good, and maybe a hat. Let’s not loiter and you’ll soon warm up. I have a nice spot for you, and there’s even a Victorian tea room to round things off in. Bet that got your attention, didn’t it?

I’m going to Preston Park this morning, beside the River Tees. There’s ample free parking and a good playground, if any of you have children. (or surplus energy)

Isn't there something about water and reflections?

Isn’t there something about watery reflections?

And clouds!

There’s not much activity down at the landing stage today, but in summer there are boats to hire. A couple of regal swans gaze disdainfully at the ducks. Well, they are rather common!

The landing stage

The path runs alongside the Tees in both directions, so spin a coin or follow your instincts. You can loop back into Preston Park when you’ve seen enough. The Teesside Heritage Trail will take you all the way to neighbouring Yarm, but you have to leave the river bank and follow a stretch of road to join it. This morning we’ll stay close by the river.

The Tees looks pretty full right now

But the trees are rather forlorn!

The sun casts some interesting shadows

And it's a great place for dogs to romp. Can you see him?

And the dogs just love to romp here. Can you see one?

The dogs are having their own excitable game of ‘tiggy’ and it’s not easy to track one down with the camera. There are lots of dog walkers out and about, and a relaxed, happy, holiday feeling.

Aren’t these wispy clouds really lovely?

But I bet that water’s cold!

Let’s head back up into the park

Anyone feeling active?

Or there’s a skate park, if you fancy?

You’ll remember I suggested a cuppa in the Victorian tearooms? I’d promised my husband a toasted teacake (hoping to get him out of bed on a chilly morning) but it didn’t quite work out that way. It was fine, though.

The Victorian Street was looking very festive

Chocolate anyone?

But there’s a welcoming light on in the tearooms

It was fresh outside and I could see a smiling face beckoning from behind the counter. Two smiling faces, in fact, and no customers except us. Because it was the holiday period, the tearooms were being run by volunteers from the museum staff. You’ve guessed it- no toasted teacakes, but there were complimentary mince pies or biscuits with our mug of coffee.

Plenty of spare tables

And a beautifully decorated mirror

You know how these things work. Seeing us cosily inside, people began to drift in from the courtyard. A couple with a toddler were encouraging her to play skittles, but the warmth lured them too. Time for us to move on.

You may remember, I’ve visited Preston Park museum before. It was back in February and I was given a ticket valid for a full year (for only £1!) so I thought I’d have a look and see what was new. I found an interesting exhibition, which I’ll share with you another day, but you can get a flavour of the museum from my link.

The conservatory was closed to the public, for a wedding reception later in the day, but I still managed a bit of a peek.

There were paper stars suspended from the ceiling

Pretty, don’t you think?

But the best bit was the polar bears and penguins! I borrowed a couple of photos from the museums’s Facebook page. I’m sure they won’t mind.

Our last walk of 2014! It wasn’t too strenuous, was it? I do hope you’ll join me next year. I so look forward to your company.

First, I have some lovely walks to share. If you’d like to contribute, it’s very straightforward. Take a look at my Jo’s Monday walk page or click on the logo. Many thanks to everybody for this week’s efforts. Let’s put that kettle on and have a read, shall we?

Drake is taking me somewhere new this week. And watery! It looks fabulous…

Eau de Vologne

And here’s one worth waiting for! Part 2 of the Botanic Gardens with Jude :

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and the Domain, part 2

Aren’t they stylish in Canada? I love these door decorations from Violet Sky :

Ring in the holidays!

And Colline has shared some beautiful windows from Toronto. I know you’ll love them!

Christmas windows

It just remains to wish you all a joyous and peaceful New Year. Happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Auckland Castle

The Deer House

I’ve visited the Deer House and park at Auckland Castle many times, but seldom have I seen it lit by the sun. I felt especially privileged to have timed my arrival, intending to view the castle, with a glorious, blue-sky, December day.

Known locally as the Bishop’s Palace, Auckland Castle has been a seat of power since the time of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The original building was a manor house or hunting lodge constructed in the late 1100s, but 100 years later it was to become the seat of the Prince Bishops. The king had granted the Bishop of Durham enormous power. As the Prince Bishop, it was his job to protect the north east of England from Scottish marauders. In order to do this, he could raise money from taxes, mint his own coins and lead his own army, so long as he remained loyal to the king.

The then Bishop of Durham, Bishop Beck, established himself at Auckland Castle because he preferred the vast hunting grounds, that went with the estate, to Durham Castle. Today the park and grounds are open to the public and still retain elements of the Medieval deer park. Have you ever seen a Deer House? Well then, let’s go!

We start from the Market Place in Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland is a small market town in County Durham, 12 miles south-west of the city of Durham. It sits at the confluence of the River Wear and its tributary, the River Gaunless. Entry to the castle grounds is through the 18th century gatehouse, just off the Market Place.

The Robinson Clock Tower and Gatehouse

Pass by the castle gates. We’ll come back later!

The Bishop’s Stroll

The River Gaunless meanders through the estate, and is crossed by several bridges. In 1760 the park’s most charming feature was built. The Gothic Revival style folly was built to provide shelter for the deer and a place for them to be fed. Guests could watch from a viewing area. Today sadly there are no deer, but the folly is a romantic backdrop for strolling and picnics.

The path drops away from the castle walls

And suddenly you can glimpse it through the trees

And suddenly you can catch a glimpse, through the trees

Isn’t it beautiful?

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Within the grounds there is also an Ice House. Ever practical, after they’d been hunting, the Bishops needed to keep their meat chilled. On this occasion I didn’t walk far as I was eager to see inside the castle, but there is a network of paths to enjoy throughout the park.

Trevor’s Bridge

And in profile

The river, from the Deer House

I was particularly keen to see inside the palace. I knew very little about the contents, but the one thing I did know was that some very special religious artwork resided there. The 13 paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran have hung in Auckland Castle for 250 years. They were painted between 1640 and 1644 and 12 of them were bought by Bishop Richard Trevor in 1756, for £125. He was outbid at auction for the thirteenth, but commissioned Arthur Pond to produce an exact copy of ‘Benjamin’.

The paintings hang in the Long Dining Room, which was redesigned specifically to house them. They depict chapter 49 of the Book of Genesis, and represent Jacob’s death-bed blessings to his 12 sons. Each son would become a founder of the 12 Tribes of Israel, the beginnings of the Jewish faith. This was a very deliberate act by Bishop Trevor. Religious tolerance, especially towards the Jews, was in short supply in the 18th century. Displaying the paintings publicly was an appeal by him for greater consideration of our fellow men.

In 2001 the Church Commissioners planned to sell off the artworks, whose estimated value was £20 million. A staggering £15 million donation from Yorkshireman and investment banker, Jonathan Ruffer, secured their future, and the Auckland Castle Trust came into being. Exciting plans for the castle are afoot.

Shall we go inside?

Not wishing to tease, but the first place I’m going to take you to is St. Peter’s Chapel. Widely acknowledged as the largest private chapel in Europe, it started life in the 12th century as the Banqueting Hall, with buttery, wine cellar and minstrel gallery. The original chapel was demolished following the English Civil War, but when the Prince Bishops were restored to power, Bishop John Cosin set about the rebuild, in 1660. Isn’t history a roller coaster?

You enter this imposing building

And your eyes are drawn up

To the heraldic shields on the ceiling

And the shadows the light casts on the angels

There are six of them

Stained glass of Benedictine Monks

and Lindisfarne

Beautiful, isn’t it?

From the chapel you enter the castle proper. This has been decorated for Christmas in the old style, with dried fruits and foliage. Mounting the stairs to the first floor, my eye is drawn to the lovely view framed in the elegant window. Throughout the house, the views to the parkland and beyond command attention.

The entrance hall

That beguiling view of parkland

Dried fruit arrangement

Beautifully framed

Something of a surprise next! The Paradise State Bed, used by the Tudors, and an elaborate and unique piece of 15th century oak carving. Click on the link for more details.

The Throne Room follows, and a feature that made me smile. The 200 year old windows (designed by James Wyatt) are of very pale green and pink tinted glass, ‘to make the ladies appear less pale in the bright sunlight’. I’ll just flutter my fan a little!

The view to the lawns

The Bishop’s Throne

Can you see the tint?

The grand fireplace and very special tables

The moment has arrived- the Long Dining Room and Zubaran’s paintings. I cannot pretend to do them justice. You need to see them yourself. The links give more detail.

Four of Zubaran’s masterpieces

While I browsed around the room, one of the guides approached with a tray. Ginger wine with apple juice and warm mince pie (a Medieval recipe) seemed a nice seasonal gesture.

Bishop Trevor’s coat of arms

More Zubaran

And beautiful ceilings!

One last lovely windows shot

And a BIG cake!

The guide explained that the size of the cake related to power and prestige. There was obviously no shortage. I am delighted to have been able to feature Auckland Castle in my Monday walk this week. I was lucky enough to catch the last weekend of the year and it will now be closed to the public until February. The grounds are still open if you fancy an invigorating walk meantime, and, of course, there’s a tearoom.

I realise that this post is a little long, but hope that you have enjoyed it, and can find time to check the links to see how special this place is. I feel sure that it will repay time and investment.

It’s my last chance this year to thank everybody for making Jo’s Monday walk a success. I have had some really wonderful contributions and hope that they will continue next year. Let’s have one last cuppa and a good read :

With all that was happening in Sydney I was so relieved to find Jude fit and well in the Botanic Gardens :

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the Domain, Part 1

While Paula showed me the glory of the Ginkgo tree in Autumn :

Daily walk to Work

Drake always has a sunny disposition, even in the fog!

Foggy, raw- cosiness

Lovely to have Suzanne join us, with a rather unsettling walk. Please do welcome her!

The hawk

Amy’s doing a blogging round up of her walks. There are some real beauties :

A Walk through my Monday Walks

I wasn’t at all familiar with Portsmouth, till Ana took me on a guided walk :

A self-devised and self-guided walk round Portsmouth

Forest walks are always popular and it’s wonderful to have Indah (and her dog Dante) show us a Rotterdam park. Welcome to the walks, Indah!

Winter walk in Kralingse Forest

And where better than NYC for a walk at Christmas time? Thanks, Suze!

New York City- Falling for the High Line

Or for a dash of culture, join Joan, in London :

A walk at The Wallace

Want to see how they celebrate in Canada? Then join Colline!

A festive walk

If you’re not too tired (and full!) I hope you manage to get out for a walk over the Christmas period. I plan to! Till then, have a wonderful Christmas.

Jo’s Monday walk : A Stokesley Circular

Looking towards Roseberry Topping

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

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

The fields are just a little bit muddy

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

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

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

And I much prefer walking!

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

The stream will lead you towards Stokesley

The Moors rise on the horizon

While Roseberry Topping hovers in the background

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

Looking back at the stream

A few mushrooms keep us company

With rather nice textures

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

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

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

The Pack Horse Bridge and a couple of walkers

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

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

A lucky door wreath

Festive Rudolph

And a snow scene

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

Cinderella’s pumpkin?

A smaller version?

Traditional twinkles

Not real reindeer!

I like the hobby horse kind better

And this troll is rather handsome

Well, it is, isn’t it?

But you can almost certainly guess who my favourite is

Bet you can guess who my favourite is?

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

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

Drake’s getting festive in lovely Strasbourg this week :

Cool impression through cold walk

And Amy has a message, beautifully shared :

Egret on the lake

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

Clovelly Beach to Bondi

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

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

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

Visiting an old friend

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

Jo’s Monday walk : Ray Wood and Polar Bear walk

Cherub fountain in the Rose Garden, Castle Howard

Some of you may remember that around this time last year I met my daughter for a Grand Day Out, at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire? The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and I would have loved to do the same this year. Instead I had to settle for a visit to another of England’s beautiful historic homes, Castle Howard in Yorkshire. It’s every bit as fine as Chatsworth, but I had to substitute a husband for a daughter. Fortunately, he doesn’t mind a walk in beautiful gardens.

The more observant among you will have noticed a reference to a Polar Bear Walk. Now don’t get too excited- I didn’t find any! Which was a source of disappointment as it was certainly cold enough for them. Set within 1,000 acres of beautiful landscape in the Howardian Hills, the house is described by Lonely Planet as ‘one of the world’s top ten greatest mansions’. That’s quite a claim! Come with me and see what you think.

The rose garden was looking sadly bare

So it was time to go hunting for polar bears

The zigzag of trees climbing the slope was referred to on the map as Polar Bear Walk. It didn’t seem too much to expect, but I could see neither hide nor hair of one. Nor could I find an explanation of the name. Oh, well!

There was a nice view across the lake.

The sky was an unrelenting shade of gloom but, undaunted, and in the interests of getting warmed up, a scramble up Polar Bear Walk was called for. It leads to the Reservoir in Ray Wood. A reservoir of sorts has existed in these woods since the 18th century. Filled from a nearby stream, it supplies the two main fountains in the grounds below, using the force of gravity to drive the fountain jets.

The Reservoir

With 25 acres of woodland, many of the trees and shrubs in Ray Wood are original species, brought from around the world by the great plant hunters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The acidic soil supports a variety of thriving rhododendrons- one of my favourite plants.

Isn’t this bark beautiful?

Playing hide and seek- still no polar bears!

The characters on the plinth are only visible when the water level drops

But look what I managed to spot- in December!

And a statue or two

I loitered for quite a while, watching some grey squirrels frolic. They kept a playful eye on me, and easily managed to stay out of camera shot. I always have that kind of relationship with squirrels! Consulting the map I’d picked up at reception, it was time to leave the woods and press on to the Temple of the Four Winds. Would this be as draughty as it sounds?

It was certainly a little bleak on this grey old day

Originally known as the Temple of Diana, it was designed by Vanbrugh, but remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1726. Ten years later the interiors were finally decorated by the stuccoist Franceso Vassalli. The temple was used as a place for reading and refreshment, and beneath it is a cellar where servants prepared food for the family. The temple can be entered on one of the free guided tours, which take place between March and October.

It’s quite a vantage point, isn’t it?

Even set against such grey skies!

There are a number of monuments within the estate, and heading down to the gently curving New River Bridge, the Mausoleum becomes visible on the horizon. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, it stands 90 feet tall and is supported by a colonnade of 20 pillars.

The Mausoleum, on the horizon

And in a little more detail

The bulrushes don’t seem to mind the mist

Statuary dot the grounds and it’s a shame that the sky is not brighter because they really don’t look their best. The forecast was for a little blueness between 2 and 3 o’clock. ‘A little’ was all I saw. The following day dawned bright and blue, but I was elsewhere.

A shepherd boy with his lute

A watchful swan

I almost missed this fugitive from the woods!

Hercules tenderly cradles his son

Visible from the house and by far the grandest sculpture in the grounds, the Atlas Fountain is beautiful. The 3rd Earl of Carlisle, now interred within the Mausoleum, started the creation of the waterways which give the estate its character. There are lakes on both sides of the house, and in Summer you might even go boating on the Great Lake.

The Atlas Fountain, with its patina of age

Atlas holding up the world

And in reflection

The sculptures in the shallow water

I hope you enjoyed the walk, despite the dreary skies. I did, but I’m pretty sure that I will be back to join a guided walk in the Spring, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

The Castle Howard website is full of information, including details of how to get there. The photos show it at its glorious best. Later in the week I’ll be taking you inside the house and I can promise you a lot more colour.

You might need the kettle on for a ‘warm up’, then sit back and enjoy the walks I have to share. Details of how to join in are on my Jo’s Monday walks page. Many thanks to all my contributors, far and wide. It wouldn’t be the same without you.

Shall we start in paradise, with Jude?

Home and Away

Here’s a different, but still lovely, shoreline with Drake :

Walk the line, the coastline

Next stop, Toronto, for a ‘mum’ show! :

The sport of Mums

Then a hop ‘down the way’, to Dallas, to enjoy Amy’s beautiful photography :

The Dallas Arboretum

It’s snowing on Gilly’s blog, but not in her world! :

It may be December, but…

In Switzerland you have a good chance of snow! And idyllic scenery- thanks Rosemay!

Weggis by the Lake

Did you ever think you’d get chance to visit Mount Krakatoa? No- me neither! Amazing, Noe!

Mount Krakatoa

And, just to put you all to shame, here’s my lovely mate, Cathy, in China. Don’t miss it!

5 hour trip to the Longji Rice Terraces

Hope to see you all later in the week. Have a good one!

Jo’s Monday walk : São Brás circular

Fancy living in a windmill?

Enough of nostalgia! I think we’ll do one last Algarve walk before I get stuck into a British winter. This one’s a country walk, led for me by Georgie, a lovely lady who lives in the inland village of São Brás de Alportel. If you’re ever in the Algarve at Easter, this village hosts a beautiful parade through lavender strewn, cobbled streets. It’s a treat for all the senses.

It was a glorious morning when we set out, but I was informed there was a 40% chance of rain! We had driven up above the village to the site of the former pousada, with wonderful, wide-ranging views all around.

Looking out to the surrounding hills

It was soon obvious we were heading for a windmill

It was soon obvious we were heading to a windmill

This tree seems to have a sense of humour!

We had already discussed the fact that on breezy days, the wind whistles around the hilltops. Someone who had once stayed in the pousada recollected that the shutters had banged and rattled ferociously throughout the night. No sign or sound of that today, but weather up in the hills can change frequently.

A windmill conversion should not have been surprising

A windmill conversion, ready to occupy

Starting at so high a point, it was fairly obvious that we would be going down and then, at some future point, back up again. Georgie assured us that, taking your time, it wasn’t especially taxing. The cobbled path gave way to a rough track, and we paused frequently to take notice of our surrounds. Soon we came to a fonte or spring, used for laundry purposes in former times.

The spring of Tareja

Used for laundering

Water storage is often in tanks in the countryside

The trail follows a stream and reed beds before climbing up into the hills. In Spring these would be carpeted with cistus and wild flowers.

Did I mention changeable weather?

The blue is rapidly disappearing from the sky!

A couple of years ago forest fires ravaged the gullies around here, and evidence of the burnt out trees was starkly visible. Nature is quick to regenerate and we were more concerned with the clouds that seemed to have zipped in from nowhere. A few spits and spots of rain were laughed off as we hastened towards our coffee stop.

What a treat this little place was! Tesouros da Serra means ‘treasures of the sierra’. Nobody was arguing! The produce on display looked delicious, but we knew that in a short while we would have a lunch stop. We settled for sharing some alfarroba biscuits, but made a mental note to come back another day.

The array of produce looked wonderful

Stained glass panel in the cafe

More local produce

One of the really delightful things about this cafe, in an out of the way spot at the back of São Brás, was its garden. Not widely accessible to the public, when Georgie asked if we might see the olive tree, claimed to be 2000 years old, we were assured that we could go in.

The farm of treasure

A beautiful carved wooden seat

The olive tree

And from another angle

Another bench

And an amazing plant!

The sun was shining brightly again and we turned right along a path that led us through a forest of cork oaks. Huge gnarled creatures, standing their ground as they had for generations. Cradled beneath them lay extraordinary fungi.

A sign is always useful! ‘Docaria’ is the cafe.

Edible? I have no idea!

Misshapen? Definitely!

Colourful? Absolutely!

Coming out of the woods, we were back on the trail up to the pousada, which didn’t seem anything like as steep as expected. Maybe it was the prospect of lunch! I’ll give you a little peek in our restaurant, shall I? ‘O Marques’ is in Gralheira, on the back road from São Brás to Loule.

Wood beamed ceilings

A handsome chimney breast

Sorry, I forgot to save you some dessert!

I haven’t fully captured the beauty of this area. Georgie assured me that in Spring it is quite magical, and I have no cause to disagree. There are signboards along the way, giving details of the flora and fauna, and if you look at my links you will find more. To find the pousada, take the N2 signed Alportel from the village and head to the top of the hill. The cobbled path is off on your right, just after a bend in the road. The distance covered was around 6 miles and took us 3 hours, including our half hour coffee stop.

I owe huge thanks to Georgie for guiding this walk and for being such good company.

Time to draw breath, put that kettle on, and see where our walkers have got to this week. As always, I’m really thrilled with all the contributions. For details of how to join me, click on the logo above. Many thanks to you all!

First up, Violet Sky treats us to some fascinating family history in a village in Fife :

‘Muchty

Drake has a bit of a theme going on with his Monday walks. Have you noticed?

Do you wanna dance?

Join Amy in a watery green world in Texas. You may be surprised at the scenery. I was!

Cibolo Nature Centre

Rarely, if ever, have I seen anywhere more beautiful than the beaches Noe shares in South Sulawesi :

West Coast of Gusung Island

But just to prove that English beaches can hold their own, Suzanne’s been to St. Ives :

St. Ives, Cornwall- beaches, boats and the Old Green Door

Such a treat I have for you next! A magic carpet ride 🙂 If you don’t know Lisa, you must!

Magic Carpet Airlines Special- for Subscribers only

Stay on the carpet and we’ll fly to the Antipodes to join Meg! :

The River Road 9- grandeur and a river crossing

And Pauline is ‘stamping about’, just down the road! :

Rediscovering my stamping ground

Tobias is here with some lovely Hamburg curves and woods. Say hello, won’t you? :

Downtown strolls

Home Range

And in a last mad scramble, Shan has made it!

New York State Museum

Fantastic times, all round! I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I enjoy the sharing. Happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Along the shore

Can you guess where?

I wasn’t sure what to post for this week’s walk. I haven’t yet taken you to Nottingham and I know that many of you like castles and history. But when this is published, I will be in the Algarve, and hopefully on my way to a Monday walk. It seemed only right to take you along.

My favourite kind of shell

The river beach on Tavira Island is rich with this type of delicate beauty. It never ceases to amaze me that, no matter how many are taken home, there are always more to discover. Come with me on a simple stroll along the beach and see what we can find.

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When you ride across to the ilha on the ferry, the river beach is where you land. Often enough I loiter here. There’s always a passing boat to wave at or admire. I like to follow the shoreline looking for ‘treasure’. There is a greater variety of shells on this side of the island, which seldom gets dashed by the Atlantic waves.

Looking back at Tavira from the river beach

Meandering

When I tire of looking, I head over the ilha to the main beach. There are a number of sandy trails crossing the island- some easier to follow than others. I sometimes get a little disoriented and wish I’d stayed with the main path, but eventually the sea always appears on the horizon.

Am I nearly there yet?

At last!

Depending how hot the day, I may just choose to collapse here for a little while. Down on the beach, someone has been creative with shells and two fish survey the world, just a little wearily. It is rather a warm spot to be out of the water!

Creative with shells

Keeping an eye on the beach?

Crochet detail

Knots!

An eyelid

Eyelid detail

Fish ‘scales’

Dangling!

Leaving behind the crazy fish, I simply have to kick off my flipflops and dip my toes in the surf. I know I’ve said it before but this beach really does stretch for miles. You have the choice of simply returning to the river beach by following the sea wall, or you can walk along the beach till you’re ready to flop. I’m sure you can guess which I’m inclined to do.

A bit of a splash by the lighthouse?

The beach bar at Barril acts as a powerful incentive. And there’s the beautiful Anchor Graveyard. Because sunset comes earlier at this time of year, this trip I may just manage those sunset images I’ve always coveted. For now, I’ll leave you with a gallery I took last time I was here. I think you can find your own way home? See you there!

I’ll be back in the UK for next week’s walk. Maybe we’ll do Nottingham, but we’ll definitely be walking somewhere. I hope that you’ll join me. If you have a walk that you’d like to share, it would be great if you could link to me, or leave a link to your post in my comments. The details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.

Time to share this week’s walks. Kettle on and feet up! Many thanks to all my contributors.

Drake has me singing again as I stroll alongside him :

Here, There and Everywhere

High fashion and shoes this week with Violet Sky :

Shows who you are

Enjoy a change of pace and place with Cardinal :

Berlin Street 0741

Sharing comes naturally to Amy. Do join her and her delightful ducks :

Jo’s Monday walk

A very special garden from Jude. Enjoy it because it’s her last before she’s off to Australia!

Garden Portrait : Abbotsbury sub-tropical gardens

Dear Meg takes us to the Australian bush, on a serene walk with nature :

The river road 4

Noe is back this week, playing with the children on their island paradise :

Amazing journey to Rajuni Kiddi Island

Brilliant, aren’t they? I hope you enjoyed them all as much as I did. Happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : a Durham footpath

Interesting reflections

Often I walk with company, and that’s very nice, but occasionally I get to do a bit of wandering on my own- just me and the camera. Nobody tapping their toes impatiently while I explore all the angles- ‘what IS she looking at?’ You might know the feeling. My husband travels quite a lot locally, visiting customers, and sometimes I go along ‘for the ride’. Durham is a favourite place.

The River Wear twines itself through the city, towing me along behind it. My sense of direction is abysmal but, with a river to hold on to, I stand a fighting chance. A bright Autumnal day was just the excuse I needed for an unfettered wander. I’ll let you look over my shoulder, shall I?

The river bank is a little overgrown in places

I’m starting off at Shincliffe Bridge, by “The Rose Tree” pub, on the A177 road, on the outskirts of Durham. There’s a path either side of the bridge and I linger for a while, contemplating which direction to take. I cross over the bridge and am lured by a footpath that I don’t know. It follows the river so there’s a good chance I’ll end up in the centre of Durham.

I don’t get very far when I spot some wildflowers by the path. The sun is strong for October so I spend some time trying to get a shot that I like. I catch curious looks from the occasional jogger. Two ladies, strolling, confirm that I can cross over a bridge further along. Subsidence and falling trees has closed some of the footpath off, but I already knew this.

Sycamore wings

This will have to do!

Or maybe this shot?

It has some paler friends too

A broken tree captures my sympathy

And those flowers again, in white

A peaceful stretch of river

And a ‘pop’ of yellow

After a while I come to the bridge which I must cross over. Now I’m on more familiar territory. There’s a large modern sports facility here, used sometimes for football training by Hartlepool FC. (ssh, sensitive subject- no comments please!)

Approaching the bridge

The treads are made of logs

Looking back across the river

Safely over the bridge, the path follows the river on the other bank, through dappled leafy shade. Frequent splashes of oars can be heard as the local rowing teams spin and twirl in the water, to the harsh calls of the cox. The odd, solitary oarsman glides past too.

This strange creature is ‘working out’ by the river

Dappled shade

Heave! Heave!

Solitary struggles

I cross over a path which leads to the boat club (members only), and shortcut across a field strewn with the remnants of Autumn. The wider expanse of river beckons.

Lingering Autumn

The river widens at this point, heading towards Durham centre

The bandstand

I take a seat in the bandstand. I have been carrying with me, since my visit to Nottingham, a postcard destined for Viveka in Sweden. I exchanged addresses with this lovely lady some time ago, and now I receive ‘surprises’ in the post. (one of which was a Paris t-shirt in black and gold! I don’t know anyone more generous than Viveka) I have always loved postcards and having one land on my doormat gladdens my heart. Now it’s my turn to reciprocate. There’s a post office in town and what nicer place to sit and write?

On towards the centre and another bridge

Along the riverbank to yet another bridge!

Durham Castle, beautifully framed

The path follows the river to the bridge with the green railings, shown above. (Baths Bridge) I cross over, approaching the boat hire beneath Elvet Bridge. This is a popular spot and, in Summer, paintings of the castle and many other Durham views adorn the nearby walls. You might want to pause here for something to eat, or a row on the river. There are plenty of places to eat in Durham, catering to all tastes and wallets.

I pause to admire all the boat names

Especially Shirley!

I’m going to continue into the centre, to post my card. Before I go, I’d better give you instructions on how to get back to the start point, hadn’t I?

Climb the steps up onto Elvet Bridge and cross over it. Turn right onto New Elvet, passing the Royal County Hotel, and continue uphill to Hallgarth St. Following Hallgarth will bring you to a roundabout with a junction signed A177. About 15 minute’s walk in this direction will bring you back to Shincliffe Bridge, where I began. I hope you enjoyed our wander.

Next Monday I will be in the Algarve, but I intend to schedule a walk, just so you don’t forget me. I can’t guarantee that I will be able to respond to your comments, as this will necessitate a visit to an internet cafe. Not something I often do, but Anazu does have a connection. Please just link to my post as usual, if you have a walk to share. My Jo’s Monday walk page will give you the details, and I will respond to you as soon as I possibly can. Meantime, let’s put that kettle on and settle in for some more great reads.

I don’t receive many walks from South Sulawesi! Many thanks for this treat, and welcome Noe :

Walking around Tinabo Island

Jerusalem and Cardinal seem to go together. This is very beautiful night photography :

Jerusalem

Combine good company with superb night time shots in Bologna, with Paula :

Music and lights of Bologna

There are lots of things that Drake knows. How to entertain has always been one of them :

Knowing its Autumn

Fall in Canada! Wouldn’t you love to share it with Colline? :

Familiar Streets

Climbing hills and hopping over stiles in Dorset. Can this really be Jude? :

Pilsdon Pen

More beautiful Autumn colour and a little shared knowledge, from Violet Sky :

A tree walk

Close up and personal with Milkweed Bugs? I don’t like bugs much, but I do love Amy’s company

Milkweed Bug walk

And finally, stop off at the market on the way to the beach with Pauline. You may need a sunhat!

A walk along beautiful Burleigh Beach

I hope you enjoy these walks as much as I did. Many thanks to all my lovely contributors. Happy walking! See you soon.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

walking

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

Jo’s Monday walk : Roker pier

Jo’s Monday walk : Beside the Tees

Jo’s Monday walk : Auckland Castle

Jo’s Monday walk : A Stokesley Circular

Jo’s Monday walk : Ray Wood and Polar Bear walk

Jo’s Monday walk : São Brás circular

Jo’s Monday walk : Along the shore

Jo’s Monday walk : a Durham footpath

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