Going to a new location always presents issues and opportunities. The power of internet research will only get you so far, which was the case as I made my first trip to the Yorkshire Dales. I had a vague idea of where I would like to go – Gunnerside for example with its ubiquitous barns. Waterfalls and limestone also felt right as did capturing some of the autumn colour, but other than that I really wasn’t sure. What was immediately apparent was how far into autumn Yorkshire really was, I would guess that I was about a week late – nevermind there was still colour in the trees and the weather was great (though a little too sunny!)
The intrinsic beauty of Swaledale and Wenslydale were immediate: Aysgarth Falls (picture courtesy of my mobile,) Angram and Cross Top where the light changed so fast that it was just incredible to stand and watch. Sometimes I feel that a picture just will not capture the moment and that it is far better to just ‘be’ – cliched I know. At this time of year it is important to try and keep moving – chasing the light as the sun dips down behind one valley and into the next. This must be a popular location as I bumped into Nigel Halliwell on my way to Wain Wath Force!
I decided that Angram would be the best location for sunrise, as light (hopefully) would come streaming up through Swaledale. With barns in the foreground and a few sleeping cows (!) I rushed to set up my camera…the first hint of pink started appearing…It was a spectacular dawn I hope that the images will do it justice. In the hope that familiarity brings a chance to capitalise on the opportunity I was there on the 2 mornings I was in Yorkshire..we shall see.
With overcast conditions I saught secluded spots, though the 4 mile walk to Gunnerside Gill was rather more tiring than I expected – I put that down to the 20kg pack I was carrying! The walk is a beautiful ramble through woodland, passing by the ruins of failed led works as the stream carries you westwards. The Gill itself is a subtle waterfall that cascasdes down 3 drops – though that wasn’ the image I took it’s certainly somewhere worth returning to.
Putting more miles under my wheels I headed towards the Ribblehead Viaduct – quite simply stunning as the setting sun bathed it in warmth. Although the image is probably not as complete as I would like, in contrast to my thoughts above, it really did warrant a picture!
The following day I sucumbed and with the sunlight in full force took an image of the barns at Gunnerside Bottoms in Black and White. April is really the time of year to consider that particular shot. But I hope that the contrast will make a worthwhile image. Off to Keld and part of the Pennine Way – it was simply stunning in the fresh, cold Yorkshire air. Not wanting to loiter and with a particular idea in mind I went west towards Ingleborough the second highest hill in the Dales – I had a hankering for limestone pavement!
Unfortunatly for the first time that weekend the light failed and although I had made the climb to White Scars it all merged into a grey mush – it is a dramatic location, no doubt I will return. Until I get the images back from the lab, here’s a picture from my mobile!
I made the Buck Hotel in Reeth my base
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