Wigtwizzle

A post-Christmas shopping trip to Harrogate was followed by a drive down Nidderdale and a stop off at Brimham Rocks with the camera.

The day was bitterly cold with a biting wind but after working over the Christmas period and also knowing I was working over the New Year as well, I was just glad to be out with my camera in to the fresh air. The photos aren't anything special but are a record of my day.

This is yet another place where the National Trust rips you off for parking. The minimum charge is four pounds for which you get four hours parking. I can't really see many people spending that length of time here so maybe a two hour period would be more apt albeit not as profitable. I suppose once they've got you there you are stuck with it though.

Brimham Rocks are balancing rock formations and some reach a height of about 100ft. Their formation was caused by the Millstone Grit being eroded by water, glaciation and wind, giving some amazing shapes. Many are named, t…

I should have posted this last week but I'm afraid I just haven't been able to summon up the enthusiasm to write it. I think working all Christmas knocked the stuffing out of me a bit, especially with it being a night shift as well. Anyway it's done and dusted now.

These photos were taken in Sherwood Forest last Thursday when I had a day out with Sal. She was spending Christmas down with her folks from where I picked her up and we sallied forth in search of Robin and his Merry Men. Oh and also to exchange our Christmas presents!

We met up in Kiveton and went for a quiet drink in a delightful pub called The Parish Oven at nearby Thorpe Salvin. It's one of the pubs in that area where they do communal carol singing which is a tradition that has become a major part of the locals Yuletide festivities. Thorpe Hall is said to be the inspiration for "Torquilstone" in the novel Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott.  According to the story, Ivanhoe is imprisoned in Tourquils…

27 November 2011

These shots were taken on my way back down from the Lakes a few weeks ago. I was meeting Sal on Skipton station and thought I had plenty of time to spare but.............

The conditions from the northern end of Ullswater right down to the foot of Kirkstone Pass were amazing with drifting mist on the Lake and lifting cloud on the Fells. No matter how hard I try, I can't resist a photo opportunity so I kept stopping the car and jumping out and just lost track of time.

Fortunately once I started to climb the Pass, the cloud just closed in and by the time I was part way up, I could hardly see a few feet in front of me otherwise God knows what time I would have turned up!. It cleared slightly as I descended but was misty and miserable for the rest of my journey back

We had a lovely afternoon in Wharfedale and Wensleydale though so I think I will be forgiven for my sins ;)

I think I pulled into the station about ten minutes late but if the tables had been…

19 November 2011


I'm not one for lunchtime drinking but if I've earned it then it's a different matter. The walk from Pooley Bridge over to Askham is a nice steady stroll and also a good excuse to pay a visit to the Punchbowl and the Queens Hotel. Well it is if your names are Norm and Dave.

On our walk over, we crossed the Roman Road of High Street which starts at Brougham Castle (BROCAVVM ROMAN FORT) and finishes at Ambleside (GALAVA ROMAN FORT), a distance of some 23.5 miles. The countryside has a vast open feel to it here with many paths and bridleways leading off in all directions and is the start of the High Street fells away to the south.

The area is a great favourite with horse riders as well as walkers due to its openness. Most of the people about seemed to be doing the same as us, just taking a leisurely stroll across to Askham or vice versa.

Askham is one of the most attractive villages in the district, especially in spring when the village greens are full of daf…