Category: Photography

Just photos – no particular theme

Dunvegan and Kilmuir

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Skye, WalksLeave a comment

22 August ctd: an afternoon walk at Dunvegan – it’s described as the “two churches” walk, from the old ruin on the hill, across the moor and back through the forest to the new(er) church opposite the shore. A short detour takes in the Millennium Monument, a standing stone erected by human effort. Afterward, we drove down the shore beyond the castle, where seals bask on the many islands in Loch Dunvegan.

The light in the evening was too good to ignore – just right for a walk along the road through Kilmuir.

Dunvegan Two Churches Walk – we did it anticlockwise, starting from the lay-by near the old church

The Cave of Gold

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Skye, WalksLeave a comment

22 August: a beautiful bright, clear, sunny morning on Skye – perfect for a walk along airy clifftops with superb views to Lewis and Harris. It would be a good walk even if there wasn’t a cave of gold – the Uamh Oir – at the far end. The guide books say it’s inaccessible, as was the case today, but many years ago, at a low spring tide, we managed to get inside, to scramble along slippery rocks and retrieve the gold. So don’t bother trying…

A circular route would be perfectly possible, but further outings were planned for this fine day, and the most scenic route is to retrace one’s steps.

Hinnisdal and the Fairy Glen

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, SkyeLeave a comment

21 August: the afternoon was showery at first; later, the rain cleared. We had gone to walk the forest track in Glen Hinnisdal, but our wanderings were limited by felling operations. Back to Uig – a mile or so up Glen Uig is the “Fairy Glen”, a remarkable landscape in miniature. Last time we were here, perhaps 20 years ago, we had the place to ourselves. Today the glen is much better known, and accessible to the tourist minibuses.

A evening exploration of the rocks Camus Mor was foiled by the high spring tide, but the light was good…

Canal Central

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Walks1 Comment

A stroll along the bank of the Montgomery canal, a formerly dry section that has only relatively recently been restored. It’s connected to the national network at Frankton Junction, and is in water as far as Redwith Bridge, on the Knockin to Llynclys road. It’s navigable as far as Gronwen Wharf; the next stretch to Redwith Bridge is clearly appreciated by the numerous moorhens, ducks, swans and others. Beyond, work is in progress to extend the navigable waters, though it looks to be a slow job.

Canal Central is a good place to start the walk – it’s an even better place to end…

Starboard Way revisited

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Walks1 Comment

A short walk on the southern part of the Long Mynd, along the cutely-named Starboard Way past the gliding field. The paragliders (is that what they’re called?) are in the ascendancy (so to speak) these days – dozens of them wheeling above the steep western slope, and just two or three hang gliders. The conventional gliders were being winched up at regular intervals too. The large white butterfly behaved itself for a photo, but none of the many peacocks were cooperative, so no photos. Then, by the pool, we startled a dragonfly, which, when it landed again, got on with the business of laying its eggs (we think…).

Flying things notwithstanding, it was a good afternoon for a wander on the Shropshire hills – the air was clear, with views extending to Cadair Idris, some 45 miles distant on the western horizon.

Wigmore and Shobdon

On By geoffspagesIn NT and EH, Photography2 Comments

We’re wandering in the north-western corner of Herefordshire. Wigmore Castle is unusual in that it hasn’t been tidied-up in its derelict state – rambling and colourful undergrowth rather than manicured lawns. Just the place for the Famous Five, or was it the Secret Seven, to have an adventure. Yes, they turned up, complete with dog.

The Shobdon Arches form a folly on the hillside, some remains from the interior of the old church which was replaced more than 250 years ago. Sadly, the stone carvings are suffering from the weather.

Flora

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In the company of those who aren’t really up to some our more energetic outings, a wander around the gardens will have to do. There’s plenty to point the camera at, even though it’s firmly in the “sunsets, kittens and flowers” category.

The first few are taken beside the Severn in Ironbridge; then it’s a visit to The Dingle near Welshpool, and finally David Austin Roses at Albrighton. Like everything else, the roses are late into bloom this year.