Buttermere - Lake District UK

On my birthday we took Grandad for a beautiful drive in the Lake District - from Keswik south along the spectacular Newlands valley, over Newlands pass and then down to Buttermere. From there we returned over the equally spectacular Honister Pass. At Newlands pass, I just had to stop and start climbing. This shot is looking down from the top of Moss Force. Our car is the white spot to the far right of the picture. Although cloudy that day, visibility was excellent.

Saltaire (near Bradford, Yorkshire) - England

Saltaire was designated as a world heritage site in 2001. It is a complete town that was build around the weaving industry during industrial revolution. Much of the weaving industry shut down in the 1960's, including Saltaire. Since then, it has been transformed into a business and artistic centre.

The old weaving mills are now home to many artists and their work.

More colourful displays.

A 5 step lock on the Leeds-Livepool canal near Saltaire. Old disused canals are being rejeuvinated throughout England to be used for pleasure. Many people now holiday by travelling through the countryside on canal barges.

Dent, Yorkshire (with a surprise) - England

Today the skies were beautifully clear. We went for a walk starting in the fells above Dent, dropped down into Dent and then climbed back up to our starting point. The sky was so clear you felt you could reach up and touch the lovely fluffy clouds.

The village of Dent.

Old oak trees silhouetted in the bright clear sky.

Maggie and I decended a rather steep and rocky wooded gully which ended right at Dent. One of the first things we saw in Dent was a church which was called the Dent Meditation Centre. When we entered, it was like stepping into another world. The church had been transformed inside into an amazingly beautiful and peaceful place for meditation.

A small alcove for meditation or just relaxing.

Artistic, beautiful, peaceful.

Photo of Me

Swaledale - England

Maggie and I spent 2 days exploring the beauty of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales. Here is a haybarn typical of the Swaledale area. Every corner seems to bring another lovely view.

Another great example of a haybarn and farm track.

We came across an old disused coal mine and found some very interesting patterns. Here is what looks like a fossilized egg in a coal seam. We were near Tan Hill, which has England's highest pub at 1758 ft.

Lovely waterfalls near Keld.

Maggie and I stayed at a working sheep farm B&B high in the hills overlooking Swaledale Valley. When sheep have triplets, one of them often has to be fed by hand as shown here.

One of several old lead mine and smelter ruins in the Yorkshire Dales.

We also visited Richmond, described as one of the most beautiful towns in England including an 11th century castle and England's most complete and still functioning Georgian theatre.

Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton in Yorkshire England

Lower falls on River Ure at Aysgarth.

Amazing carpets of Yellow Celandine at the church in Aysgarth.

Carpets of beautiful White Anenome in woodland beside the River Ure.

Castle Bolton near Aysgarth. Bolton has never been sold and remains in the ownership of the decendants of Lord Bolton, Richard le Scrope who completed building it in 1399. It is one of the few castle ruins in England still owned by the original family. Although not permenantly habitable, parts are still in good enough repair to host weddings and other important functions.

Castle Bolton - interesting windows and stonework.

Circular Drive north from Settle - Pen-y-ghent / Littondale / Malham Tarn - England

This drive passes some of the most spectacular geological features in the Yorkshire Dales. Maggie and I went for a walk along the highly eroded limestone of Pen-y-ghent Gill and also around part of Malham Tarn, an internationally designated feature of geological importance. Here is a view of Pen-y-ghent, one of the Yorkshire Dales highest hills at 2275 ft. We will be back to try several of the stunning walks in this part of the Yorkshire Dales.

Stepping stones across the river at Stainforth.

Looking across the Littondale valley to see a very large stream literally emerging from the side of the limestone hills.

Yew Cogar Scar - an amazing canyon like geological feature just off the Littondale Valley. Maggie is on the grass at edge which gives you some perspective as to how steep and deep this eroded valley really is. In fact, the bottom is far below what you can actually see here.

Lambs only 30 minutes old.

Daffodils at Maham Tarn

A Walk In Yorkshire Dales - England

Today Maggie and I went with Rob and Sue on 12 km walk up Drumaldrace (2014 ft) near Hawes in Yorkshire Dales.

Interesting stile at Hawes

Typical hay barn in Yorkshire

A chilly day with snow on hill tops and sun in the valleys.

Farleton Fell at Sunset - England

Maggie and I checked out this site for sunset pictures. Sunset tonight was not spectacular but it is an interesting location for future imaging. Only 15 minutes from Honeysuckle Cottage.

The setting sun.

Limestone pavement in evening light.

Evening light on tree

Interesting sky at sunset.

Jet trails in evening sky.

A Day at Wast Water with Grandad - England

Maggie and Grandad - great memories of long ago family holidays at Wast Water.

Maggie and Grandad at Wast Water.

Wast Water near Wasdale Head

Talk about green fields.

Fertile fields nestled in between the hills at Wast Water.

Only the sheep would follow me.