I've been on the Moor for the Hoppings but would you believe that I've never actually walked across it? Well, a woman's got to do etc etc, and today was the appointed day. It was very mild and blustery as I headed up Claremont Road, crossed the bridge over the central motorway and onto the Moor!
I was accompanied by assorted joggers, dog walkers and students going home after lectures and, of course, the roar of traffic. The main path is tarmac'd so I was able to walk briskly my thoughts running wild as usual and snippets of random songs flitting in and out of my head. If I can find a clip of a group of people singing, yes singing the Highway Code, I will share it. I bet my brother still has the vinyl.
http://youtu.be/Qngi_jSaXlI Hope this is it! If not, it's the weather forecast - just as good!
The Moor is a little treasure in the town. The Freemen can graze cattle there but the cows seem to have been taken in for the winter as none were in evidence. Though I did notice hoof prints and trampled ground around every public bench. Surely the cows don't come round begging for your sandwiches? Blimey! The path carried straight on past some man-made-looking hillocks and on towards Grandstand Road. I paused a couple of times to pick out landmarks (Civic Centre, flats in Spital Tongues, Motor Museum, Great North Road).
At Grandstand Road, I followed the path along the roadside to Blue House roundabout and then down the Great North Road towards the city centre, turning back into the Moor at a gate about halfway along. The main path would have taken me back to my original path, so I chose to walk alongside the hedge, eventually coming out into the Exhibition Park. I have vivid memories of doing this bit at night during a powercut on one of my first forays into Newcastle. I got hopelessly lost. And would you believe it, the same thing nearly happened again today in broad daylight! I found myself looking along an avenue of trees towards the Motor Museum - should I cut left back onto the Moor? This place did look kind of familiar - ah yes! the mela! - stalls, fashions, foods, rides, music! And how did I arrive here then? Ah yes! Back the way I'd come. So I retraced my steps and ended up back at Claremont Road and the short walk back to Northumberland Street and the homely delights of Fenwicks Christmas window.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Monday, 5 November 2012
Mission Walking
I know that Tuesday is going to be taken up with housework, so Sunday's walk will have to do for this week!
There were firework displays planned for Sunday evening in South Shields, and I guessed that the Ocean Road/Lawe Top area would be busy so I decided to walk to the People's Mission for evening service rather than take the car. All that was left to wonder was how cold it would be, and how long the walk would take.
Eventually I allowed myself 50 minutes and left the house wrapped up like an Eskimo. although the day had been cold the evening wasn't too bad and the walking was excellent - just what I needed. I made my way down Chichester Road and then up Hyde Road and along the side of Westoe cemetery to the footpath on Erskine Road then along the top of the South Marine Park, along Lawe Road and then Fort Street. It only took 40 minutes so I had to do a turn round the block before going into church.
The walk was just right for me. It was good to go up streets that I really haven't seen at ground level for a while. The physical exercise was soothing (I had felt a bit out of sorts during the day and suspected that it might be anxiety-related). And it gave me time to prepare for the service.
The service, as always, was uplifting, and it was good to talk to friends afterwards. Then it was off to the Lawe Top to enjoy the firework display. It was only as I walked home that I realised how much good my year of walking has done me. For one thing, this was a walk actually planned into a daily routine, for another thing I was walking after dark and I didn't feel afraid. I feel that I'm back to walking in the way that I used to. A cousin reminisced to me recently how she was walked to the end of the pier and back after morning service. I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon, but I will be celebrating the joy of walking.
There were firework displays planned for Sunday evening in South Shields, and I guessed that the Ocean Road/Lawe Top area would be busy so I decided to walk to the People's Mission for evening service rather than take the car. All that was left to wonder was how cold it would be, and how long the walk would take.
Eventually I allowed myself 50 minutes and left the house wrapped up like an Eskimo. although the day had been cold the evening wasn't too bad and the walking was excellent - just what I needed. I made my way down Chichester Road and then up Hyde Road and along the side of Westoe cemetery to the footpath on Erskine Road then along the top of the South Marine Park, along Lawe Road and then Fort Street. It only took 40 minutes so I had to do a turn round the block before going into church.
The walk was just right for me. It was good to go up streets that I really haven't seen at ground level for a while. The physical exercise was soothing (I had felt a bit out of sorts during the day and suspected that it might be anxiety-related). And it gave me time to prepare for the service.
The service, as always, was uplifting, and it was good to talk to friends afterwards. Then it was off to the Lawe Top to enjoy the firework display. It was only as I walked home that I realised how much good my year of walking has done me. For one thing, this was a walk actually planned into a daily routine, for another thing I was walking after dark and I didn't feel afraid. I feel that I'm back to walking in the way that I used to. A cousin reminisced to me recently how she was walked to the end of the pier and back after morning service. I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon, but I will be celebrating the joy of walking.
Thursday, 1 November 2012
The walk of shame
It's been another week with nothing really planned walkwise. So, Sunday's little foray into South Shields will have to do! It was grey and drizzly as I remember. I set off to walk to the town centre via West Way. There were about three police cars at Laygate blocking the square, so I didn't hang about. I walked briskly on to the (relatively) new pet store for a quick look around - nothing I needed. Didn't even buy a tombola ticket for the German Shepherd rescue. I was walking for air and exercise and browsing, not to buy.
I walked past the entrance to the Tedco industrial estate and St Hildas colliery (remains of) to Asda where I checked my bank balance. Oh dear. Well, the end of the month was in sight. I looked at the clothes department rather disconsolately.
What next? Straight back home? As I was out I decided to continue to look at the shops on Waterloo Street. I browsed Next, and River Island and Debenhams and BHS, all were quiet. I guess then, I was not the only one riding out the financial tides until next pay day. I remember when browsing was aspirational - one day I will be able to buy something like this. Not any more. I still love to look at the materials and styles available in clothing stores but buying is firmly put to one side for the time being.
Perhaps I walked home a little more slowly. Perhaps I felt more subdued. But I know I still have options and that's more than a lot of people have. And I can still appreciate the walking and the locations and the trees and...and...life is good.
I walked past the entrance to the Tedco industrial estate and St Hildas colliery (remains of) to Asda where I checked my bank balance. Oh dear. Well, the end of the month was in sight. I looked at the clothes department rather disconsolately.
What next? Straight back home? As I was out I decided to continue to look at the shops on Waterloo Street. I browsed Next, and River Island and Debenhams and BHS, all were quiet. I guess then, I was not the only one riding out the financial tides until next pay day. I remember when browsing was aspirational - one day I will be able to buy something like this. Not any more. I still love to look at the materials and styles available in clothing stores but buying is firmly put to one side for the time being.
Perhaps I walked home a little more slowly. Perhaps I felt more subdued. But I know I still have options and that's more than a lot of people have. And I can still appreciate the walking and the locations and the trees and...and...life is good.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Night Walking
Plans for a walk a little curtailed this week as I volunteered for an extra shift at work. The misty weather didn't help either. So, in the end, my walk this week was to church on a misty evening. The foghorn boomed. The trees were still gloriously autumnal and very atmsopheric in the glow of the streetlamps and with the mist every present. It was moody, thoughtful weather. Walking down the road, my mind raced and roved over all kinds of ideas till eventually it was calm. I promised myself to walk home the long way and enjoy more of the bittersweet melancholy.
Inside the church was calm, reverent silence, candles and subdued light. After the service, a friend offered me a lift home. We drove through the mist to home and she accepted my invitation for coffee. As we chatted, she remarked that exercise is apparently as effective as mental activity such as crossword puzzles in staving off memory loss and dementia. So my walking is important, but I also feel that friendship and human company is too
Inside the church was calm, reverent silence, candles and subdued light. After the service, a friend offered me a lift home. We drove through the mist to home and she accepted my invitation for coffee. As we chatted, she remarked that exercise is apparently as effective as mental activity such as crossword puzzles in staving off memory loss and dementia. So my walking is important, but I also feel that friendship and human company is too
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Functional walking
Little trips across Harian's wall and round Gibside are one thing, but how would I cope if I had to walk everywhere? This train of thought has been prompted by the car's MOT appointment. What if it doesn't get through? How will I get to work? How will I get heavy shopping home? The thoughts were getting gloomier and gloomier as I walked back up Laygate from Maxwell Street. I crossed in front of Chichester metro and imagined many visits that way.
Truthfully, of course, if I had to manage I would manage without a car. We have excellent public transport in the North East and it would probably work out as cheap to buy a season ticket as to run a car. Of course, my time planning would have to change - no more racing to work at the last minute! I would have to fit in with the metro and bus schedules. But I could read or knit while on the journey. As for shopping, maybe I could shop online and have things delivered. And I'd have to walk that little bit more for functional reasons and not just for fun. I used to do it, as a family we didn't own a car.
Could I do it? Could I take the plunge and say 'no more car ownership for me'? The phone rang, it had passed, I could collect it. I walked happily down Chichester Road, cut round the back of Storey's carpets onto Victoria Road and, pausing only to admire the crumbling frontage of Bethesda Free Church (my father preached here, even attended Sunday School), I paid up and drove the car away. Another year of car ownership beckons, but maybe I need to learn not to be so dependent.
Truthfully, of course, if I had to manage I would manage without a car. We have excellent public transport in the North East and it would probably work out as cheap to buy a season ticket as to run a car. Of course, my time planning would have to change - no more racing to work at the last minute! I would have to fit in with the metro and bus schedules. But I could read or knit while on the journey. As for shopping, maybe I could shop online and have things delivered. And I'd have to walk that little bit more for functional reasons and not just for fun. I used to do it, as a family we didn't own a car.
Could I do it? Could I take the plunge and say 'no more car ownership for me'? The phone rang, it had passed, I could collect it. I walked happily down Chichester Road, cut round the back of Storey's carpets onto Victoria Road and, pausing only to admire the crumbling frontage of Bethesda Free Church (my father preached here, even attended Sunday School), I paid up and drove the car away. Another year of car ownership beckons, but maybe I need to learn not to be so dependent.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Northumberlandia and Gibside
I've had some company - my brother - over the weekend and this combined with the fine weather has made for some lovely and memorable walks. Here goes...
Sunday we travelled to Cramlington to visit Northumberlandia. You know, the largest sculpture of the female form, made from colliery spoil heaps, known to the wits as Slag Alice. Yes her. She really is a striking sight and there were plenty of people to admire her. We walked up her arms to her 'third eye', across her chest, paused at her hips and knees before walking all round her. It is only a matter of time before they are doing meditation walks round here, you mark my words. What a landmark to imagination and creativity! And from her forehead you can see Penshaw Monument and possibly the Angel of the North.
Next up was Gibside on Tuesday. We didn't do the skyline walk, but instead followed the riverside walk which first climbs up a one side of a dene, then back down to the Derwent. At the top, surrounded by trees and sheltered in the bright sunshine, it was beautifully warm and so so quiet. At the riverbank the evidence of recent flood water was there to see but on this day it was a calm and gentle river running past. It again makes me wonder why I don't come here more often, we are so lucky to have such a beautiful place on our doorstep.
We also slotted in small walks e.g. round the Angel of the North; along Shields beach; round Roker Park to admire the lights show; round West Park in Shields. There's so much more incentive to walk in company.
Sunday we travelled to Cramlington to visit Northumberlandia. You know, the largest sculpture of the female form, made from colliery spoil heaps, known to the wits as Slag Alice. Yes her. She really is a striking sight and there were plenty of people to admire her. We walked up her arms to her 'third eye', across her chest, paused at her hips and knees before walking all round her. It is only a matter of time before they are doing meditation walks round here, you mark my words. What a landmark to imagination and creativity! And from her forehead you can see Penshaw Monument and possibly the Angel of the North.
Next up was Gibside on Tuesday. We didn't do the skyline walk, but instead followed the riverside walk which first climbs up a one side of a dene, then back down to the Derwent. At the top, surrounded by trees and sheltered in the bright sunshine, it was beautifully warm and so so quiet. At the riverbank the evidence of recent flood water was there to see but on this day it was a calm and gentle river running past. It again makes me wonder why I don't come here more often, we are so lucky to have such a beautiful place on our doorstep.
We also slotted in small walks e.g. round the Angel of the North; along Shields beach; round Roker Park to admire the lights show; round West Park in Shields. There's so much more incentive to walk in company.
 |
| On Northumberlandia |
 |
| River Derwent at Gibside |
 |
| Orangery at Gibside |
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Heaton Park and Armstrong Park
With autumn now well and truly here, I think the rest of Hadrian's Wall will have to wait till next spring. Let's hope I'm still up to it by then!
Today I was heading for Newcastle to have coffee with a friend and to visit the bank, so I decided on a stroll round Heaton Park. I've driven by it before, but never visited. How lucky Newcastle is with its green areas - not only the Town Moor but also a huge green lung stretching down Jesmond Dene and into Armstrong and Heaton Parks! I parked in Heaton Park View and walked down past the play area and the bowling green. I saw the ruins of the palace and the windmill and continued through Armstrong Park to the bridge across the coast road and the entrance to Jesmond Dene. Tempting though it was to walk up the Dene, I turned back and followed a path down to the bottom of the park and continued along parallel to the road. It was so lovely and soothing to be amongst greenery. The trees are magnificent this year, really benefitting from the rain, and the autumn colours are beginning to develop. I walked above the cattle drove (a little oddity I hadn't heard of before) and eventually the path turned up a flight of stone steps under trees. By now it was raining hard and I stopped under the trees, sheltered from it all and enjoying listening to the patter of rain on leaves. I was alone, and it was quite a spiritual moment, haven't had one of those for a while.
I followed the path round by where the Temple had stood (so an information board told me) and back to where I had begun. It wasn't a long walk by any means, but it was a soothing one and I'm sure I shall return to it and to sample the delights of the Italian restaurant in the pavilion.
Today I was heading for Newcastle to have coffee with a friend and to visit the bank, so I decided on a stroll round Heaton Park. I've driven by it before, but never visited. How lucky Newcastle is with its green areas - not only the Town Moor but also a huge green lung stretching down Jesmond Dene and into Armstrong and Heaton Parks! I parked in Heaton Park View and walked down past the play area and the bowling green. I saw the ruins of the palace and the windmill and continued through Armstrong Park to the bridge across the coast road and the entrance to Jesmond Dene. Tempting though it was to walk up the Dene, I turned back and followed a path down to the bottom of the park and continued along parallel to the road. It was so lovely and soothing to be amongst greenery. The trees are magnificent this year, really benefitting from the rain, and the autumn colours are beginning to develop. I walked above the cattle drove (a little oddity I hadn't heard of before) and eventually the path turned up a flight of stone steps under trees. By now it was raining hard and I stopped under the trees, sheltered from it all and enjoying listening to the patter of rain on leaves. I was alone, and it was quite a spiritual moment, haven't had one of those for a while.
I followed the path round by where the Temple had stood (so an information board told me) and back to where I had begun. It wasn't a long walk by any means, but it was a soothing one and I'm sure I shall return to it and to sample the delights of the Italian restaurant in the pavilion.
 |
| King John's well |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)