Hadrian's Wall Blog

We've moved

2011-04-07T09:06:00.000+01:00

My blog has moved to http://finiteimage.blogspot.com/ . I'm expanding the area covered by my blog to Hadrian's Wall and areas of interest within an hours travel of Gilsland hoping that it will help with an itinery for anyone wanting to spend a bit longer in this area.
During the winter months I'm taking bird photographs, but it just so happens that the biords do live in places worth visiting :)
Hope to see you on the other site.
Joan

Gilsland Show

2010-08-13T22:06:00.000+01:00

A bit later than anticipated - I just don't know where time goes to these days.

It was a grand turn out for the Gilsland Agricultural Show, lots more people through the gate than last year. Plenty to see and do and, most importantly, the weather was kind.

There are Shows throughout the summer all along Hadrian's Wall with the biggest two the Cumbria show in Carlisle and the Northumberland Show at Corbridge. Both are a bit too commercialised and busy for me - I love these little local shows where the local farming community get together for a good old chin wag.

The sheep pens with rosettes proudly displayed.

Judging the Rams this end one was proper frisky and kept rying to jump the fence

And of course there has to be Cumberland Wrestling

Terrier racing which is always hilarious, the tan dog won because the others had a scrap

Vintage tractors and other engines that men like to tinker with

The Industrial Tent with the childrens entries

Swaledale tup - beautiful markings

My husband would love those horns for his stick dressing

The fleece is coloured, faces and horns oiled and they're brushed just like those pampered pooches at Crufts.

Lots of shows still to come so if you want a really good day out go along here are the places and dates

Caught up at last

2010-08-08T18:54:00.000+01:00

The last of my backlog of pictures.
Tomorrow will be pictures from Gilsland agricultural show that was held today and a grand day out it was too.
Although clouds gathered and looked black they passed over without any rain falling on the showground.
Still that's for tomorrow,today's offerings now.

Cuddys Crag March 2010 (grid ref: NY782686)

Cuddys Crag June 2010 ( grid ref: NY782686)

Steel Rigg May 2010 ( grid ref NY782686)

Housesteads Crag March 2010 (grid ref: NY784686)

Steel Rigg May 2010 (grid Ref: NY782686)

Cawfield Crags July 2010 ( grid ref: NY719667)

Walltown Crags July 2010 (grid ref: NY672662)

Winshields Crag July 2010 ( grid ref: NY743675)

Catch-up part 5

2010-08-07T21:57:00.000+01:00

Nearly there just a few more photographs then I'm upto date.
By then I'd like to think it will have stopped raining so I can get out for a few sunrises.

Cuddys Crag June 2010 (grid ref: NY783686)

Cuddys Crag June 2010 (grid ref NY782686)

View to Housesteads July 2010 (grid ref:NY783682)

Kings Hill August 2010 (grid ref: NY795692)

Hotbank Crag June 2010 ( grid ref: NY774683)

Walltown Quarry July 2010 (grid ref: NY669659)

Playing Catch-up part4

2010-08-06T20:50:00.000+01:00

Well I'm getting through the backlog, trying to mix them up so you don't get bored and fall asleep in your coffee.
It's still changeable weather here in Northumberland but Hadrian's Wall looks good whatever the weather.
Earlier in the year there was a dig at Birdoswald, to preserve archaeology and hopefully await advances in detection technology, only one site is given dig permission every ten years so it was quite a big thing.
It was the site of a Roman burial ground and once the dig was completed the land was ploughed, using a horse plough and sown with wildflower seeds.

I was there on Wednesday and it looks stunning, I used a slow speed to capture the movement of the flowers in the wind, with thoughts of ghostly Romans enjoying the flowers. So there are seven pictures today

Roman Burial Site at Birdoswald August 2010 (NY611659)

Crag Lough July 2010 (NY769680)

Pre-dawn at Cawfields May 2010 (NY669654)

View west from Hotbank Farm June 2010 (NY772682)

Kings Hill August 2010 (NY797692)

Kings Hill June 2010 (NY797692)

Walltown Crags June 2010 (NY675663)

If you click on the pictures you will be able to see a slightly larger version.

More later.

Playing catch-up part 3

2010-08-05T19:45:00.000+01:00

Six more photographs, one of them taken this morning.

Forecast has, once again, headed towards rain - fortunately even with rain there have been bright spells through the day.

Of this batch of six photographs four of them were taken during the day, and on a couple of occasions I've met up with people who exclaimed with surprise to find me out and about with the camera in daylight hours.

I went off to Steel Rigg for sunrise this morning but it was shrouded in a bank of fog, I hung about hoping the rising sun would burn it off, 15 minutes after sun up and it was obvious this wasn't going to happen so I packed everything up and went to Caw Gap.

You can see the bank of fog hanging over Winshields Crag in my picture here, so I think I made the right decision to move when I did.

Caw Gap August 2010 (NY726668)

Crag Lough from Highshields Crag June 2010 (NY763678)

Rapishaw Gap June 2010 (NY780685)

Sycamore Gap June 2010 (NY761677)

Willowford Bridge June 2010 (NY621664)

Winshields Crag July 2010 (NY743675)

Well that's today's selection, another six to come tomorrow.

Catching up part 2

2010-08-04T11:21:00.000+01:00

Day two of the catching up process, I've mixed the pictures up a bit today, they'd sorted themselves alphabetically in the file so Cawfield was heading the list.

It's been an eye opener for me, I've been moaning to TT that the weather has been awful since June, but the photographs prove that wasn't true.

Of course, Hadrian's Wall looks wonderful whatever the weather and I admit I love the big dramatic stormy skies, as long as I can keep the lens rain free.
So ever onwards :

Cawfields Crag July 2010 (grid ref: NY706664)

Crag Lough in Gold May 2010 (grid ref: NY758677)

Mucklebank Crag and King Arthur's Well July 2010 (grid ref: NY680665)

Steel Rigg May 2010 (grid ref: NY752675)

Zig Zag tree near Black Carts June 2010 (grid Ref: NY880717)

Sycamore Gap at Sunset June 2010 ( grid ref: NY761677)

The grid reference should give you the point where I was standing to take the photograph or thereabouts and I hope it will be helpful to fellow photographers.

More tomorrow.

Playing catch-up

2010-08-03T21:34:00.000+01:00

I've been thinking about the Blog, while Blipfoto is great, the one photo a day is limiting especially if I'm wanting to share a few of my Hadrian's Wall shots.....so I hope you don't mind if I upload photographs here again.
There might not be a lot of text, perhaps just the name of the place photographed, but I'll try to keep it going despite the horrible weather we have at the moment.
All of this rain has given me time to go through my pictures since I last uploaded here and I thought I'd play catch-up and post 6 a day until I'm back up to date.
So here we go.

Sunrise at Caw Gap on Hadrian's Wall 15th June 2010

Sunrise at Cawfields 6th July 2010

Morning mist at Cawfields 22nd June 2010

Cawfields Quarry 15th June 2010

Sunrise at Cawfields 6th July 2010

Cawfields Quarry 22nd June 2010

More to come tomorrow.

Time for a change

2010-05-18T16:39:00.000+01:00

The blog has been going for more than a year now and I find increasingly that I'm repeating myself.
It's the nature of the area of Hadrian's Wall that I love to photograph that certain areas will come up again and again.I'm not going to stop posting up pictures however I hope you'll join me at http://www.blipfoto.com/JoanThirlaway on this site I'm allowed just one photograph per day which should concentrate the mind a bit, I can also add some text to tell you the wheres and whyfores of the various photographs.
Thankyou for your comments and questions over this last year and I hope you'll enjoy Blipfoto.
Take care
Joan

Allen Banks - Just off the Wall but oh dear me!

2010-05-01T14:50:00.002+01:00

TT picked the venue for our Wednesday outing.

He chose Allen Banks one of the National Trust woodlands very near to Hadrian's Wall, 5½ miles east of Haltwhistle, 3 miles west of Haydon Bridge.

It's a walk through a gorge with towering cliff faces and lots of waymarked trails.

There's a good carpark with a picnic area and toilets.

Straight out of the car park and onto the path alongside the river, but do mind where you put your feet, irresponsible dog owners have been through.

Allen Banks heading towards the suspension Bridge

The Trust has been doing lots of work on this section over the winter months, lots of trees have been felled opening up the canopy and making a brighter pathway.

Waters of the River Allen tumbling along

Masses of wild garlic, tiny white flowered oxalis, a smattering of bluebells and primroses along the way, although the garlic was beginning to wilt a bit without the tree cover to protect it.

Wood Anemone

As we pass further into the Gorge there's a sense of neglect, it's a bit like visiting an elderly relative whose house has that musty, unkempt smell, a good clean up would make a world of difference.

In some places there has been landslip so the path drops away and you're trying to get down a 2ft drop to continue along the path.

Eventually you come to the smart new bridge at Plankey Mill, it leads you into the field of cows with their calves and it is a bit rutted but hey that's the country for you.

The new bridge at Plankey Mill

On through the field and we're heading off towards Stawart Peel a medieval Peel Tower standing high above Staward Gorge and the River Allan. The path takes us through woodland, much of it commercially planted conifer wood so the trees are planted in lines.

Commercial Pine trees

Having said that it's obviously an area teaming with wildlife, the muddy spots had masses of animal tracks and droppings for us to examine and try to identify.

On a less favourable note, it was also teaming with empty beer cans and bottles.

Please take your rubbish home

We followed the track by the river, watching sand martins swoop into nests a mere 18inches above the water, let's hope there's no big rush of water to flood them out.

The paths are well marked and we headed up to the high point and the Peel Tower.

The path to Staward Peel, Ramsons (Allium ursinum) line the path

It's a very steep climb, and whoever built the steps up the path must think we all have 40 inch long legs and knees that bend up to our ears, folk have made thier own track upwards, avoiding these impossible steps, bit of a waste really.

The Tower part of Staward Peel

Eventually we reach the top, looking forward to the 'tremendous views' promised in the walks leaflet, alas these are all obscured by scrubby branches, although maybe as a photographer I'm being a bit picky here.

The best of the "tremendous views" from the top

I was surprised that there wasn't a seat available, it seems the perfect spot to have your sandwiches and a drink. At the moment the only place you could sit is on the stones of the monument.

Then we went back down and headed back to the car park.

The only people we saw were other walkers, most of them over 50, certainly no children, so the plants pulled up and the flowers, like the Toothwort that I had photographed less than an hour before, could only have been snapped off by one of these older walkers.

Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) a parasitic plant, one of the flowers deliberately snapped off by adult walkers.

Is it because the place has that uncared for feel, that people just don't care?

As we got back to the car park we did see a young NT employee doing remedial works and collecting rubbish so all is not lost.

Would I recommend it as an outing for visitors to this area?

No I wouldn't, and that's a shame, because there is much of interest if only it wasn't all so shabby.

Catch you later.

Up in the mornings and out at night.

2010-04-23T20:34:00.000+01:00

Well my sunrise, sunset season is well and truly under way.
Getting up at 4.40am at the moment and making a decision whether or not to go out, it's actually a hard call to make as cloud comes and goes quickly so I can get up and get out and before I've got the car off the drive things have changed completely.
Still you have to be out there to get a photograph and at least I'm lucky that I don't have hours to drive to my viewpoints.

Headed off to Steel Rigg a few mornings ago, the weather people kept promising a dramatic sunrise with the volcanic ash, the cloud was patchy so I had high hopes.

Steel Rigg (NY749677)

No one around, just me and the sheep with their lambs.
I stood looking at the view and watching a patch of cloud build to my left but moving quite quickly to the right.
There's a group of trees near the top of Hotbank Crag and I noticed a light shining through the trees.
My first thought was that another photographer was up there with a red torch, well it was early and I was half asleep, but then I realised it was the sun rising.
And rise it did straight into the patch of thickening cloud, so it goes.
I did get some photographs to share with you, but not the fiery gem I was hoping for.

Steel Rigg (NY752675)

Sunset is another hit and miss afair but it's not as difficult to motivate myself to go out during the evening.
A trip to Walltown is easy and I can be there in minutes. I love wandering about up there, the views are spectacular, right across to Criffel on the Scottish Solway coast, looking over the plain that takes you past Longbyre and Gilsland following the route that Hadrian's Wall takes to the sea.

From Walltown to the sea (NY672662)

While I was up there a family came to enjoy the sunset, of course the first thing they did was stand on the Wall.
I got chatting and asked them why, they told me it felt like they were walking in the footsteps of the Romans.
Maybe a viewing platform over the Wall, would solve the problem, then I'd complain it was ruining my views of course.

Walltown sunset (NY672662)

There's work ongoing to preserve the Wall, it's done using lime mortar exactly as would have been used in Roman times.
It takes much longer to 'set' and so is covered with tarpaulins, not pretty but necessary.
Heritage Consolidation Ltd, a local company, have been restoring this stretch at Walltown, plus they've cleared out the grass growing on the footings of the Wall and you can see from my photograph how much better that looks.

Walltown Crags

Night before last I picked up my camera and headed off to Housesteads, arriving just as everyone else was leaving. I wanted to get the criss cross bit of the Wall with the lowering sunlight catching the Wall stones.
I'd left home with clear blue skies and arrived to find cloud covering the sun.
Rang home and TT told me it was still clear to the west.
What to do?
Should I stay, or head back west, midges were biting but I could see a clear patch under the cloud.
I decided to wait until the sun dropped below the cloud.
The sun was much further over than I had anticipated so if I missed my photograph tonight it would be another 11 months before I got another chance.
In this shot I'm standing up on the only bit of the Wall that you are allowed to walk on, I would have liked to be to the north side of the Wall but couldn't see any way that I could safely get there, oh for the agility of a gazelle.
After 30 minutes the sun broke through and hit the scene in front of me exactly where I wanted it to, for once patience paid off.

Housestead Crag (NY786687)

Before the sun disappeared completely I set off back down the hill, lambs were gamboling, and seemed to be having such fun, don't know why they have such a burst of energy as the sun sets, but it's lovely to see.
Good weekend is forecast - hope you enjoy it.
Catch you later.

Here and there.

2010-04-21T14:56:00.000+01:00

Haven't had many long walks lately, it seems like I've dashed out when conditions look good, snapped a few photographs and dashed home again.

Sounds like I'm full of busy doesn't it?
But really I'm not, I just don't know where the time goes, one of those 'age' things I suppose.

We've had lovely clouds in deep blue skies, setting Hadrian's Wall off to perfection, and Walltown always does me proud when there are nice clouds to photograph.

Walltown Crags, there were no planes to leave contrails so Mother Nature provided some of her own!

The volcano in Iceland erupting was supposed to bring rich red sunsets and sunrises - so I headed out to Crag Lough thinking the reflected colour in the water would look good.
I arrived early so I climbed up onto Hotbank Crag, one of those bit of Hadrian's Wall that gets the pulse racing, it's a steep climb.
Evening light is hitting the north face of the Wall right now and there's no footpath up to that side.
No, I can't just climb over it, you can see where people have though and scrapped off the lichens with their scrambling. It's got so bad that the Footpaths Officer is getting signs made to put along the trail asking people not to climb on the Wall. Think of all the cloning out that will intail.

Hotbank Crag looking east

There are new boats on Crag Lough, white ones with blue covers, they don't have quite the wow factor the old mahogany boats had but I'd rather have them there than not.

Crag Lough sunset

One of the resident swan's came swimming towards me, I often see them on the Lough but they don't often come within camera range.

Swan on the Lough

It was an okay sunset but not the big dramatic event I'd been hoping for, nice without contrails though.

So to another day and I'm heading out to Caw Gap, this is one place you can get to the north side of the Wall without climbing over it, it's not a particularly easy path but you're on the right side for the light.

The sunset was shaping up to be a bit more of an event than last night had been, I perched myself on a narrow bit of grass, taking care to remember not to step back and don't look down.

North side of Hadrian's Wall at Cawfields

Some lovely colours in the sky and the sun went down as a big ball, as usual I took so many photographs that I haven't had time to go through them all yet.

Sunset from Cawfield Crags

I started to head back down to the car, it would take a bit longer because I had to backtrack almost to Caw Gap to cross through the gap in the Wall and then retrace my steps on the official Hadrian's Wall Path. As often happens, once the sun went down the sky coloured up with a multitude of shades.

The sky over towards Thirlwall Nicks was gorgeous.

Panorama from Cawfield Crags looking towards Thirlwall Nicks.

The views on the way back to the Cawfields Park were a joy to behold and I kept stopping to snap 'just another shot'.

The moon was up by the time I reached the car, a beautiful sliver of a crescent moon with Venus shining bright beneath it.

Yet again I was reminded how lucky I am to have all of this on my doorstep.

Catch you later.

The joys of early morning

2010-04-14T22:00:00.000+01:00

As the year progresses the sun moves back around Hadrian's Wall.

A quick check of the Metcheck site tells me that I have promising conditions for a sunrise shot.

For a change when the alarm goes off and I look outside I discover the forecast was right, so often weather conditions change by the hour, and I'm up and ready to go, keen to get back into the swing of early mornings.

I'd got my timing wrong, should have been up and out a good 15 minutes earlier, and then I was delayed having to defrost the car, but eventually I was underway.

As I was short of time I headed to Caw Gap, from parking the car I can get into place within 15 minutes, so it's a good standby viewpoint for me when time is short.

View towards Winshields Crag

The sky was a beautiful rich red as I parked the car but again these things change quickly, it had faded to a more gentle hue by the time I got everything up and ready.

I took a few photographs, the view here has a great lead-in line of Hadrian's Wall and then follows the line of the Wall as it climbs up to the highest point at Winshields Crag, if my sun position website was correct the sun should be coming up right in front of me.

I stood by the Wall listening to the world come awake, the dawn chorus seems to happen about an hour before dawn as the darkness fades, but the evocative call of the curlew, and the raucous call of the pheasant, helped me remember why it is that I love this time of day so much.

Even the putting of the shepherd's quad bike, as he checked his flock for overnight arrivals, seemed to fit in to the gentle pace of a day waking up.

Pippets and rooks fly before me, too fast to be captured on camera, lambs called and ewe's answered, I take a big deep breath of our fresh Northumbrian air and know what it is to be content with your lot.

Sunrises over Caw Gap

Eventually the sun comes up over the hill and I capture the scene and maybe I have taken the same sort of shot many times before, but I just love this time of day and photography is a great excuse to be out there.

View west from Cawfields to Walltown

It didn't take long for the sun to rise and get too bright for my camera, I wasn't quite ready to go back home so I took the long way back past Gibbs Hill where I could see mist rising from Greenlee Lough.

Road to Gibbs Hill and Greenlee Lough

I'd like to photograph the Lough there properly on sunrise but it's a difficult place to park and one of the landowners gets really ratty if you park on the side of the track.
On this occasion I pulled over took the photograph and then turned back the way I'd come, heading down to Steel Rigg for another quick picture before finally taking the road home for breakfast.

Steel Rigg

Catch you later.

Hadrian's Wall when the sun shines

2010-04-08T21:50:00.000+01:00

Okay that title is maybe a teensy bit misleading.
It rained yesterday but at six oclock the skies cleared and for a couple of hours before sunset the sun did shine.
I decided to go up to Birdoswald, the best sections of Hadrian's Wall with views face east, not a first choice for sunset shots, but I wanted to try and capture that rich evening light catching the stones, and if there was good cloud over Walltown Crags then that would be a bonus.

Hadrian's Wall at Birdoswald with Walltown Crags on the horizon

Panorama, double click the picture to see it at a larger size.

Michael, who farms this area, has his sheep grazing around the fort at Birdoswald, they look so cute in their little plastic macs.

The east Gate at Birdoswald

I wandered about taking my pictures, the ground is extremely boggy, at one point my tripod took on a definate tilt as one of the legs started to sink, remember to bring good boots if you're planning a trip.
The lambs were calling and one very small lamb had obviously become seperated from the ewe it ran all over the field pitifully bleating, to no avail.

The south gate at Birdoswald Fort

Some of the ewe's are so protective of their babies while other's will only take notice of them when it suits them, a bit like human's I suppose.
It's starting to seem like spring is really here, at long last.
The grass is growing thank goodness, it's been an expensive time for the farmers who've had to buy in feed, wild flowers are starting to show with pretty little Celandines leading the way and I saw a bee on the pollen rich Pussy Willow catkins.

Sunsets at Birdoswald

As the sun went down over Birdoswald and the sheep I felt quite optomistic, no matter what man does the world keeps turning and the seasons come and go.
Catch you later

How not to

2010-04-05T14:39:00.001+01:00

I usually head off by myself, photography is a solitary hobby, too much standing around doing nothing at all, for most people.
Good Friday turned out to be good, weather wise, TT was off on one of his bike rides, so I decided to head off south of Hadrian's Wall onto the moors around Plenmeller.
Although there's not a lot of miles between Hadrian's Wall and the North Pennines the terrain is markedly different.

The Nicks of Hadrian's Wall from Broomhouse Common

I drove out to Plenmeller, south of Haltwhistle and parked up in a pull in near to the start of the footpath.
Through the gate and along the track, passing through a conifer woodland, it has the feel of an old estate and probably has something to do with the nearby Unthank Hall.
The Highland Cattle were grazing in the field to the south of me, I love these traditional breeds like the Highlands and Galloways they're much slower to mature as beef cattle so not a good money crop for most farmers.

Dry bracken and yellowed grass with tumbles of rock.

At the fork in the track you head up to the right, to the left is a lake but that's now out of bounds due to problems of vandalism. It's actually not a terribly interesting lake, being surrounded by conifers and with very few wildfowl.
Up the hill the footpath crosses a stile and passes behind Warren House, a derelict cottage, since I was last up here the roof has caved in. Over another stile and onto Broomhouse Common and area criss crossed by footpaths. Last time I was up here I saw a ghost and while he wasn't around on this visit, there's still an atmosphere that makes the hair on your arms stand up.

The view from the moor by Warren House

Here's where I admit that I didn't have a map with me and my mobile phone battery was down to one bar.

I had told TT where I was going but this is a huge area and needs to be treated with respect , it's also not as busy with people, so please don't do as I did, at the very least make sure you have a fully charged phone.

The wall runs N/S and is a useful landmark.

I was heading towards the waterfall on the Park Burn, I remembered it as being a pretty little fall although quite hard to access.

On Friday it was full of water, and yet again I was foolhardy enough to decide to go down a very steep hill to get level with the river. The track down is little more than a sheep track through the heather, eroded in places and needing a lot of care.

Waterfall from the top footpath

I had my biscuit break at the bottom and watched a dipper who seemed happy to sit and watch me back for a while. I changed to my 300mm lens thinking I'd be able to get a nice dipper shot, but the minute I lifted the camera up to my eye the dipper took off.

Close up of the Park Burn Waterfall

I took my waterfall shots then climbed back up the slope using the dry stone wall to help me up.
The weather, which had been nice when I set off was taking a turn for the worse so I decided to head back. There's a dry stone wall running more of less north-south across the moor so I was able to get my bearings from that.

Dry stone wall

The moor was alive with wildlife, masses of big fat rabbits, and quite a few rabbit remains, sky larks, curlew and lapwings calling and displaying in the air above me. I was careful where I put my feet although it's probably a bit early for eggs. Pippits and dunnock hopped around the rocks and amongst the heather black grouse called. I was lucky enough to spot one but it was too far away for a good photograph. More mosses and lichens and no doubt on a day when I could linger there's be hosts of insects to spot.

Lichens

When I got back to the footpath to the car I discovered the Highland Cattle had come up into the wood, the hay feeder was there for them. I stopped to take some photographs and laughed to see their muddy legs, you'd think they had knee socks on. Eventually they got tired of posing and wandered off.

Playing in the mud

I got back to the car looking forward to home and a nice cup of coffee.
If you'd like a guided walk of this area check out the Haltwhistle Walking Festival Spring 2010 programme.
Catch you later.

Hadrian's Wall - April Fool

2010-04-02T10:13:00.000+01:00

I was sitting in the conservatory at home watching the clouds skud across the sky thinking how beautiful they looked.

I've just bought a book on cloud spotting fromThe Cloud Appreciation Society and was trying to identify the type.

Suddenly it came to me that the Sycamore Tree on Hadrian's Wall would look jolly impressive with a backdrop of big rolling clouds so I gathered together my photographic equipment and headed off to the Wall.

Of course it was April the 1st and it seems nature doesn't know the 12 noon rule so when I got to Steel Rigg Car Park the sun had gone and it was hailing.

Sycamore Gap

That's the thing about Hadrian's Wall it seems to have it's own eco system so weather on the Wall can be totally different within a mile or so.

I like to check the NNPA webcams before I set off it does give me an idea of what to expect.
Anyway I hauled out the plastic carrier bag, wrapped it around my camera and set off to Peel Crags. I positively hate the climb up those steep rock steps, I have big feet and they don't fit very well on the narrow steps so I took the lower track that runs parallel to the Wall.

View to Hadrian's Wall from the lower track

There's a spot not too far along where you can see the Hadrian's Wall Path and cut uphill to join it or, you can stay on this lower path and end up at Sycamore Gap.
By the time I got to the Sycamore Tree the hail had stopped and the sun was playing hide and seek. I set up the camera, while the clouds weren't those big boiling jobbies that I had a Gilsland they were well worth a photograph and for a change the Sycamore Tree was free of visitors.
The clouds were moving really fast, I have 10ND filter, looks like black glass, it slows the shutter speed down so that I can record the movement. Played with that for a while but there was too much cloud and I couldn't get the effect I was after.

Rain over Gilsland viewed from Highshields Crag

I climbed the path up to Highshields Crag,and nearly got blown off my feet by the gale force winds. Pretty scary I have to tell you and really brings home just how powerful Nature is.
Crag Lough below me was huge with the rain we've had recently, I don't think I've ever seen it as full.
After another push from the wind I decided to head away from the edge and potter back along the Path.

Above Castle Gap and the swollen Crag Lough

As usual I took a few photographs from the hill above Castle Nick looking towards Hotbank. There are still patches of snow on the lee side of the Wall and I could see across to the North Pennines where there's a substantial snow cover.

Snow on the North Pennines from Hadrian's Wall

Back along the track and not wanting to face the gale going down the side of Peel Crags I cut across to the lower track, passing the Hotbank Cattle grazing by Peel Bothy.
The climb back up to Steel Rigg was very muddy and very slippery so if you're heading out there for Easter have good cleats on your boots or be careful how you go.
When I got back home TT told me those big angry clouds had dumped a substantial amount of wet stuff on Gilsland, I could see that happening from my high point on the Wall but fortunately it had worn itself out before it got to me and I stayed dry.
I'm off to Plenmeller Common now, it's a while since I've been there and the on my last visit I saw a ghost, hope he's away for Easter.
Catch you later.

Doesn't time fly

2010-03-28T22:49:00.000+01:00

It's been a year since I first started blogging my way along Hadrian's Wall, that's a lot of words and photographs shared.

Looking back I see that last year was a much better year, weather wise for photographs.

I can't remember the last sunrise I was up for although the last thing I do each night before I switch off the computer is check the Metcheck site to see what the weather will be for the next day.

TT has dibs on the car on Tuesday and Thursday mornings but that leaves another 5 days each week when I could go out if conditions were right.

Hopefully we're getting all of the horrible weather over and done with early in the year so a lovely summer awaits us all.

Cawfields Crag from the road

Saturday morning was brighter than expected so I went off to Cawfields simply for the excercise.

Spoke to a man wandering around the lake there with a clipboard. He was waiting for some divers who were coming to do a survey of the quarry lake, apparently there's some weed that grows in the deeper part of the lake that's not good.
NNPA and the Police (didn't quite understand why they were involved) wanted it surveyed so they could dredge the lake and remove the weed later in the year.

Stormy weather over Cawfields

I wandered off along to Hadrian's Wall, the blue sky was rapidly disappearing and I wanted to get some photographs before the light went. I like this bit of Hadrian's Wall, it twists and turns it's way up the Crag a nice substantial chunk of masonary and covered in lichens which gives me something to look at while I'm waiting for the light to hit the spot I've mentally marked with an 'X'

Lichens on the stomes of Hadrian's Wall, like a shot from Google earth

I set up the tripod but I was hand holding the camera to take some shots of the Wall stones. I kept looking to see how the sun was doing, a brisk wind was moving the clouds at a fair pace and I could see patches of light dancing across the landscape so I was fairly confident that if I was patient it would get to me eventually.

Thorney Doors

Wouldn't you know it just as it was getting to my 'X' someone stopped to talk to me, hardly anyone around as it was early yet Murphy's Law in action again. The guy was a photographer so I explained I'd been waiting for the light to hit ghe stones and would he excuse me a minute while I took the photo, blow me if he didn't walk right into my shot.
Boy was I cross and thank goodness for the clone tool.

Caw Gap

I spent a nice couple of hours wandering along towards Caw Gap, of course at the highest, most exposed part of Cawfields Crag the heaven's opened and I got absolutely soaked. I was luckier than Christine and Dave from Burnhead B&B who were out for a run and heading home running directly into the wind and icy rain.
Made me feel positively sluggish and I'm determined to be more energetic.

Caw Gap and Bogle Hole

We have a snow forecast for next week, I hope this time they'll grit the roads so I can get out of Gilsland.
Catch you later.

March on Hadrian's Wall in photographs

2010-03-23T20:34:00.001Z

I'm not up to scratch at the minute, my brain is all over the place so I thought I'd load some photographs taken in the last week or so and just do you a description of each.

Sunset over Crag Lough, the sun has started to move again and the camera was pointing directly at the sun, I had to wait for it to set before I could take a photograph without masses of flare.

Up on Highshields Crag, just above Sycamore Gap, it's nice to be out on the Wall for sunset again, next week the clocks change and my photo outings start in earnest, anyone for a 3.30am start with me?

Probably my favourite shot from that evening outing, the sun's not too bright and is just catching the mosses on the rocks of Highshield Crags. Hadrian's Wall Path runs along the top by the fence.

A bright sunny day, not my favourite conditions for photographs but a joy to be out in the fresh air.

Lot's of people Walking the Wall, like this couple coming down from Winshields Crag, it's certainly becoming a year round activity.

The sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds, I'm not too unhappy to have to stand around and wait for the light when I'm looking at a view like this from Winshields Crag.

The wide bit of Hadrian's Wall tapers down to a single wall over the original wide foundation before heading down towards Steel Rigg and the crags beyond.

Heading down Winshields Crag you get a view of the Great Ditch to the north of Hadrian's Wall. The stones here are covered in green lichen making a lovely patchwork effect.

I know I'm always going on about NOT walking on the Wall, well there's one bit you can walk on, it goes through the woods to the north of Housesteads Fort and is a small stretch of the turfed Wall, this is the view you get as you come out of the woods heading west.

Coming down Cuddys Crag before the climb up to Housesteads, lots of lovely Wall curves.

Hadrian's Wall is covered with lichens and mosses while the turf topping has a mass of tiny plants growing in it. I'm setting myself a little task to photograph and identify the various plants growing on the Wall.

Another lichen on the Wall stones, they're an amazing plant and I'm determined to learn more about them. I guess I should photograph a ruler next to them to give an idea of scale, can't work out how to get it to stay put on a vertical wall though.

Off to the Doc's tomorrow so hopefully normal service will soon be resumed.

Catch you later.

Morning after

2010-03-14T12:05:00.002Z

Regular reader's of this blog will know how much I love Hadrian's Wall, hoping my scribblings will tempt people to come to this area and see for themselves how wonderful it is.

So it's with a heavy heart that I write about the Illuminating Hadrian's Wall event last night.

I'm sure many people will declare it a resounding success, business along the Wall have reported record numbers of visitors. The Greenhead Hotel served 200 meals yesterday and hope for something similar today and B&B's are full at a time of year when there would normally be very few people about.

People start to gether on Cawfield Crags

The Wall farmers however have not fared so well, most of them get no income from tourists and have had to put up with thousands of people trampling over their land, with no regard for the countryside or livestock.
One farmer had several dogs running freely amongst his sheep, he would have been well within his rights to shoot them but when he asked owners to put the dogs on a lead he got a torrent of abuse.
People were clambering all over the Wall with no regard at all for this ancient monument. Roads were clogged and people were parking where ever they could, or simply driving along the Military Road looking at the lights along the way.

Mucklebank Crag panorama at sunset, only three burners were lit along this whole stretch

I went to Cawfields, people spent all day there so they'd be sure of getting a parking space. I chose to be on the public footpath that goes up towards Great Chesters Farm thinking I'd get a nice line of lights coming all the way down from Winshields Crag up through Great Chesters Fort and onto Mucklebank Crag.

Hundreds of people wait for the illuminations to begin

Of course that assumed that people would be able to light the burners and would have enough gas for them to burn for a while.
There were obviously technical problems, so there were big gaps where lights should have been.

Where are all the lights?

What did make me cross was when I saw Roger Clegg's lovely shot looking down from Winshields Crag towards Steel Rigg.
The VIP's were all gathered at Steel Rigg and obviously wanting to make sure they were impressed, twice as many lights were used along the crag there.
I can count 17 burners and no doubt there are more in the 'dunks' how fair is it that people who paid good money to come and view this event get faulty burners and black space while VIP's on a freebie get extra lights.
Even the burner on the highest point of Hadrian's Wall at Winshields Crag seemed to run out of gas after being alight for just 5 minutes.
There was a line of light along the route of Hadrian's Wall but it was car lights in nose to tail traffic.
Some great photographs of the Roman Soldier's at Bowness on Solway firing flaming arrows into the sea, I wish I'd been there!

Hope to be posting on a more positive note later in the week.

Hadrian's Wall in lights

2010-03-11T14:23:00.004Z

Just two days to go until the Illuminating of Hadrian's Wall.

I hope that by now you've all worked out where your going to be for this unique event.

There are car parks at Once Brewed Visitor Centre, Cawfields and Walltown to cover the cragys bit of Hadrian's Wall.
Alison's 'Walltown Cafe' will be open this weekend for snacks and drinks.

Steel Rigg, Housesteads, Birdoswald and Brocolitia Car Parks are accessible to ticket holders only.

From Kennel Crag looking towards Housesteads

I'm still exploring possibilities and went out to Housesteads earlier in the week.
I went up the track east towards Sewingshields Crag. This is a nice 'bumpy' bit of landscape with the line of the Wall snaking across the curves.

The Curvy bits of Hadrian's Wall looking east to Sewingshields

While it's not a big wide chunky Wall it is nevertheless Hadrian's Wall.

The view west from Kings Hill

Sewingshields Crag

As I've said in previous blogs, I was put off photographing the event actually on Hadrian's Wall because of the way those bright green HiViz jackets seemed to dominate my pictures.

Shining green jackets - very distracting I think.

Today I wanted to see what the view was like from the footpath that goes through the gate at Kings Wicket and then turns back west parallel to the Hadrian's Wall Path.
Nice views but very, very muddy underfoot.

View from footpath, access via Kings Wicket but very muddy

It's also a long way from the car parking area.
Nevertheless with the correct gear, waterproof boots and a strong torch (bring spare batteries) it's a viewpoint that has possibilities.

I'm still in favour of the viewpoint from Barcombe Fell and if you're undecided I'd urge you to consider it.

At Bowness on Solway a contigent of Roman Soldiers will be firing flaming arrows over the Solway - now that'll make a great photograph.

Wherever you go have a great time, park safely, please don't climb on the ancient monument and I look forward to seeing some of your photographs on the Official 'Illuminating Hadrian's Wall' Flickr site.

Please be aware that big chunks of this area don't have mobile phone coverage - don't take unnecessary risks

Guidlines from Hadrian's Wall Heritage.
As the Line of Light will span 84 miles there will be many other

opportunities for people to view this spectacle across the country.
There are many parts of the countryside from which the Wall can be seen.
Please be aware that anyone travelling to view the Illumination of
Hadrian's Wall does so completely at their own risk. As such we would
urge people to behave responsibly and to take utmost care for the health
and safety of themselves and other members of the public. Please do not
park on roadside verges or trespass onto private land. Please take care
when crossing roads, especially in the dark. For health and safety
reasons our advice is that visitors are strongly advised not to try and
access the Wall at any point other than the designated viewing areas, or
to wander onto the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail or adjacent land.

Sorry about the copyright notice across the photo's, people have been pinching them to use on their own websites - very naughty.

catch you later.
Joan

Views where Buzzards soar

2010-03-01T21:12:00.002Z

Such a beautiful morning to welcome March, TT was going for a cycle ride so I headed out with my camera.
I had no real destination in mind but I'm still thinking about where I want to be for the Illumination of Hadrian's Wall.
I pottered around Cawfields, I do like the way the Wall climbs up from Cawfields to Winshields Crag and there are lots of spots where you can capture this view without being on the Hadrian's Wall Path.

Near the Hadrians Wall Path at Cawfields

You will have already seen the pictures I posted of the rehearsal (if not scroll down) I was very much put off by the green HiViz jackets that seemed to show up brighter than the lights.
I had planned to go to Hotbank Crag and scout out the path that goes parallel to Peel Crags but driving along the road I noticed the turn to Barcombe Fell.
I posted a picture from the Long Stone on Twitter a few days ago and decided on the spur of the moment to go up to the stone again.

Heading up Barcombe Fell

I'm so glad I did the views of Hadrian's Wall are amazing.
If you're looking for a spot to see a long line of lights then look no further.

Panorama of Hadrian's Wall from Barcombe Fell -see all the way from Sewingshields to Walltown

Double click this photo to see an enlarged version

You don't have to go very far up the public footpath to get good views, it's a well worn track so you will be safe as long as you take reasonable care.
The road leading to the FP is part of Stanegate, the old Roman Road, and it's wide enough to park on without causing too much disruption to the farmer.
Perfect in fact.

FP up Barcombe Fell here's a link to the OS map showing you where it is.

Trig point on the site of a Roman Signal Station and the Long Stone on the horizon

I climbed up to the Long Stone, it's a monument to miners killed in a pit accident.

Mining disaster memorial stone with views over Vindolanda

The views over Vindolanda are super and as I walked over the bracken I remembered a book I've read recently that said the Romans used to collect bracken from Barcombe Hill to use as matting for their dwellings.
Certainly walking in the footsteps of history.

Bracken on Barcombe Fell used by the Romans of Vindolanda to carpet their dwellings

I sat on the stone base and ate a ceral bar, watching buzzards in a mating dance high above me, larks were singing, a Kestral hovered and I could smell the scent of dianthus ( I know really weird) and I don't think I could have been any happier.
It seems I wasn't the only one feeling the joys of spring, as I walked along towards the bridle way to take me up to the Military Road, making a circular walk, I noticed a circular contrail in the sky. Can you imagine the pilot looping the loop and shouting wheeeeeeee?

Full of the joys of spring?

I have some more information on the Illumination but will post that tomorrow for you.
Catch you later.
Joan

Busy day on Hadrian's Wall

2010-02-23T12:30:00.002Z

Yesterday was bright and clear perfect for setting off Hadrian's Wall in a good light.
I was down at Willowford Farm early in the morning to witness the announcement that Hadrian's Wall is the first World Heritage Site to be awarded Fair Trade Status.

Our Roman soldier has a cup of tea with a visisting Indian Fair Trade Cotton producer

A happy group of people cavorted in the sunshine with various blow-up Fair Trade items while photographers recorded them for posterity.

Making the announcement that Hadrian's Wall has Fair Trade Status at Willowford.

We even had a 'proper' Roman Soldier on hand to keep the locals in line.

Then in the afternoon it was a rehearsal for the Hadrian's Wall Illumination event that takes place on the 13th of March.
For yesterday's rehearsal lights had been set up between Hotbank Crag and the milecastle 37, just west of Housesteads Fort.

Lighting the gas beacons on Hadrian's Wall

Goodness it was busy, it seems you could hardly move for television crews and newspaper photographers, hope some great publicity comes from it.

I got to see that nice young man from Country File,Matt Baker up close, he's a particular favourite of mine simply because he's a local lad and very unstarry.

Matt from Country File

Of course in all this exaulted company I managed to fall flat on my face! I was trying not to get in the way of any of the tv people and didn't look where I was going, always a mistake on the uneven ground that surrounds Hadrian's Wall.

My thanks to Neil Carney from Hadrian's Wall Heritage and two of the TV people for helping me get upright again.

I decided after that I'd get out of the way and headed to the viewpoint on Cuddy's Crag, once there I didn't have long to wait for things to begin.

Dusk falls over the Military Way on Hadrian's Wall

As the sun started to go down the gas beacons were lit.

While not quite as big as I'd thought they'd be they were still impressive against a night sky.

The gas beacon

Then the burners were extinguished and flares were lit. These burn very brightly and make lots of smoke, but show up really well against the darkening dusk sky.

Flares light the way along Hadrian's Wall

A few more goes with the gas lights and the flares until all the TV groups had got the pictures they wanted and it was over.

Burners and flares at Cuddys Crag

Light on Hadrian's Wall

It was bitterly cold by this time and I bet everyone was glad to be heading home for a warm cup of tea.

Very spectacular though I'm looking forward to the event proper.

More details HERE

Catch you later - I'm off to soak my bruises.

just some pictures of Hadrian's wall

2010-02-21T22:32:00.000Z

Weather has been quite mixed today, the early promise of brightness didn't materialise and we had some very cold winds with 'gritty' snowflakes.
Then at 4.30 this afternoon the light changed and I headed off to Walltown.
Took some pictures, charged around with the tripod in my normal manner and then headed home.
Nothing much to say today so I thought I'd just share the photo's.
All taken on Walltown Crags. The one without any of Hadrian's wall on it looks across the valley to Longbure and Gilsland with the Solway in the far distance.
Catch you later.

JoT

Hadrian's Wall awash with visitors

2010-02-20T21:44:00.001Z

Thick fog in Gilsland on Friday, in fact we'd been shrouded in fog for a few days but on Friday I could see just a chink of blue sky.

I was getting stir crazy and needed a break from trying to capture my perfect shot of the Gretna Starlings, so I headed out to Steel Rigg.
The trees were just ghostly shapes in the mist and mine was the only car in the car park.
I thought about going up onto Winshields Crag, hoping to get above the fog but then thought I'd just go along and see how the Sycamore Tree was faring in the mist.

As I left Steel Rigg there was a glimmer of light, I paused to take a photograph as two walkers came into frame, perfect timing.

Figures in the mist at Steel Rigg

Then Peel Crags started to clear a bit and that confirmed my decision to head east.
It's probably my least favourite climb up the stone steps of Peel Crags, I especially hate the very skinny steps two thirds of the way up (my big feet weren't made for skinny steps) then when you reach the top there's a ladder stile to get over, as if you had breath to spare!

Peel Crags

Once you're on the top it is worth the effort.

I stopped to take some photo's as yet more and more walkers came past, nice to see the weather hadn't deterred people.
Of course it was the half term break so a lot of folk were on holiday, some had been to other places like the Lakes or the Northumbrian Coast and had popped to Hadrian's Wall for the day.

Walking into the mist

Happy to report visitors were impressed and planned to return.

Blue skies above Peel Crags on Hadrian's Wall

Above Castle Nick on Hadrian's Wall

By the time I got to the Sycamore Tree the fog had all but gone.

Sycamore Gap

I had planned to go on the circular route past the back of Hotbank Crag, with a stop to capture Crag Lough wearing white ice but the sky ahead had taken on a slate grey hue and snow had been forecast.

Crag Lough and grey skies over Hotbank Crag

A caterpillar of people coming along the Wall

(Double click the picture to enlarge it slightly)

And if I'm honest my toes were giving me pain, I have arthritis and this week it's the toes turn to ache.

Still I had a nice walk, met some lovely people and got some photographs, what more could I ask?

Oh! and people are still standing on the Wall - don't do it, I get ever so cross with you!

Catch you later.

My best picture of the Gretna Starlings so far.

Walltown again

2010-02-14T17:58:00.000Z

Despite the forecasts and early cloud, Saturday turned out to be a nice day.

Headed off to Walltown as much for the fresh air and exercise as to take photographs.

I'm not that fond of daylight photo's, I'm a bit like a bat, most comfortable when I'm out at dawn and dusk, but over the winter months the sun rises and sets well away from Hadrian's Wall.
Of course if I'm out and about the camera is with me, if not the Nikon DSLR then the Canon compact in my pocket.
On Saturday I had the Nikon, the light was good and there were clouds, proper 'chocolate box' weather.
I parked in the main Walltown car park and walked up the hill.

Walltown Quarry and picnic area

I'm feeling a bit jaded at the moment, there's only so many photographs you can take of the same scene, especially if there's not a dramatic weather condition to add that extra something.

Old quarry face with basalt pillars

I took the obligitory shot of the gnarly hawthorn tree and then wandered along the Hadrian's Wall Path, met a nice young couple from Liverpool who had stopped on their way up to Edinburgh. They seemes to be enjoying the experience so hopefully they'll come back for a 'proper' visit sometime.

Walltown Crags with a view west over the lowland towards the Solway

Not many people about yet all but one of the folk I saw, were at some point standing on the Wall. I did say this wasn't allowed but some didn't believe me because "there are no signs to say we can't" and they're right.

I would have thought that common sense should tell you that it's not a good idea to stand on an ancient monument but have we become so used to signs telling us what we can and can't do that we no longer think for ourselves?

Walked along the top of the Crags smiling to myself that there was I telling people of the need to preserve our heritage when someone had quarried away a big chunck of the rock face and Hadrian's Wall along with it.

Someone quarried right through Hadrian's Wall

Got to Mucklebank Crag, I've never been entirely happy with photographs I've taken of this crag in the past, but the one I share with you today is the best so far, you can see the hump that is all that remains of this bit of Hadrian's Wall as it heads directly up this steep crag.

Mucklebank Crag and King Arthur's Well

To the right are the trees on top of the mound known as King Arthur's Well.
Not only Romans here but knights of the round table as well :)

I've just been looking at a superb book of photographs by Don McCullin, not his usual war photographs but photograhs of Roman ruins and blow me if he didn't have some of Hadrian's Wall, taken standing on the Wall - good job I wasn't around to see him I would have given him a right telling off!
Catch you later.

A different side.

2010-02-11T20:06:00.004Z

Yesterday the weather was beautiful, I'd checked the tide times and discovered high tide at Bowness on Solway was mid morning, and I've been wanting to try my hand at photographing oystercatchers on the wing.
Bowness on Solway is the start (or finish) of the Hadrian's Wall Path, I find it a strange place not at all welcoming and the little hut that walkers pass through, is tucked away out of site.
Nothing to see of the Roman fort which once stood there
I imagine finishing a long walk here is a wee bit of an anticlimax, although I have to admit the walk on a beautiful day the walk along from Port Carlisle is stunning.

The Solway Firth an AONB, is the third largest area of continuous intertidal habitat in the UK and hosts thousands of wintering wildfowl and waders.

Oystercatchers in flight

Probably the best place to see geese and swans is over at Caerlaverock on the Scottish side of the Solway, birds are fed there twice a day so that's generally where they can be found.

Yesterday I wanted the sunlight behind me to highlight the birds plummage so it was that I came to be plodging through the mud that makes up the shoreline of the south side (and the English side) of the Solway

Asleep on the shore

High tide wasn't quite as high as I'd hoped so I had to go out to the birds, standing out like a sore thumb against the flat shore line. Never mind I did get a couple of shots and discovered places that offer good views for when the tide is higher than yesterday's 5ft offering. Something for another day.

Oystercatchers on the mudflats

When the tide does go out it goes a long way as you can see on this aerial shot of the mud flats
We called into the RSPB reserve at Campfield Marsh but, as usual, there was very little to see a few swans and a dusting of widgeon.

Widgeon and mallard on the shore, so cold the sea has frozen on the mudflats

After that we headed home.

That evening I decided to go to Gretna to try, yet again, to get a decent shot of the starlings, there are so many of the birds that you'd think it would be easy but fading light makes it difficult and they aren't roosting in the same place each time.

Last night I stood on the motorway bridge waiting to see which way they were going then headed down to the potato field.

A murmuration of Starlings

Starlings are constantly flying in to join the group

Getting ready to go down to the roost, as I was watching a peregrine flew over my head once they were safe the starlings went down into the conifers.

Got a couple of shots I like but I managed to lose my car keys and in the dark it was impossible to find them.

I'm indebted to Mr Eric Stanwix and Mr David Stephenson, who helped my search and incredibly kind when they had a long way to go home.

TT got a lift from our neighbour Richard and brought the spare key so at least we got home.
I rang today and a replacement for the one I lost would cost £185 plus VAT - for a car key!
Borrowing a metal detector we headed back there this afternoon and thankfully found the keys.
It was nearly a very expensive Starling shot.

Both of these sites can be reached within 45 minutes from Gilsland, so if you're coming on a winter holiday and fancy a break from walking these options might be to your taste.
Catch you later

Bright light through the fog on Hadrian's Wall

2010-02-07T14:49:00.001Z

Woke up yesterday to a beautiful morning, just a light frost with a clear blue sky.
As soon as I was able, I got my camera and headed off to Hadrian's Wall, there's a certain point on the road out of Gilsland where Walltown Crags appear much closer than they actually are, don't know why but they do, anyway yesterday I could see some mist swirling about the tops of the Nicks.

Could be interesting conditions, a couple of years ago I was out in similar conditions and took a photograph that won me a DSLR.

Yesterday the interesting mist turned into thick fog, I called into Cawfields Quarry just in case something inrteresting developed but no, fog it was, just two people appearing alongside the Wall like ghostly centurians of long ago.

Mist at Cawfields

Reluctant to go home I set off to visit the good folk at Saughy Rigg Farm, one of the Hadrian's Wall B and B's, beautifully situated for visiting the best bits of the Wall.

Brad was in the middle of extensive refurbishment works so I didn't stay long but headed down to the Northumberland National Parks Authority Visitor Centre at Once Brewed.
The best place ever for information on Hadrian's Wall!
It only opens at the weekend during the winter months and Pam was on duty yesterday, I hoped she might have some leaflets about the Illuminating Hadrian's Wall event, I keep meeting people walking along the Wall who have heard nothing about this event.
I thought I'd have a few leaflets in my bag to hand out to people who express an interest in the night of lights.
Guess what, there are no leaflets it seems all the information is online.

Had a word with Peter, he was one of the NNPA Wardens and has recently retired, he told me the fog only started at Housesteads and that the local hunt was meeting at Limestone Corner. I set off east, saw the hunt gathering through the fog which had obviously moved east since Peter travelled the road and decided that I should just give up on photographs and head home.

As I drew level with Winshields Farm Campsite (tel 01434 344 243) I noticed a chink of blue appearing through the fog.

I turned up towards Caw Gap and then headed up the Hadrian's Wall Path towards Cawfields. This is one of my favourite stretches of Wall, the views are lovely yet it still has that feeling of bleakness.

Cawfield Crags

Cawfield Crags looking towards Walltown

The sun broke through, catching the stones of Hadrian's Wall and the mosses and lichens that grow on it.
(My challenge this year is to photograph the various plants growing on and near the Wall)

Cawfield Crags above Thorney Doors

I took some shots, including a group of four walkers, enjoying the fresh air and not at all put off by the varied weather conditions.

A walk on Cawfield Crags

After ten minutes the sun disappeared and the fog returned, never mind I had a couple of photographs to share with you and I went off home happy that my excursion had been fruitful.
It's almost a year since I started this blog and I'd like to thank those few who have followed my ramblings from the beginning.

Catch you later,

Joan

Birdoswald

2010-02-06T22:15:00.000Z

One of the viewing points for the Illumination of Hadrian's Wall is likely to be Birdoswald and I went out to get some pictures to show you the views from there.
It's a nice circular walk from my Gilsland home, about 5 miles if I meander in my usual fashion.
I walked through Gilsland village and noticed just how untidy it looks.
I suppose when you live in the Village you don't notice the crumbling wall outside the village hall, or the old caravan covered in green algea that obviously hasn't moved for years, but visitors must.
It's never been a pretty village but it could look better and people do try, when the hanging baskets are on the hall and pretty planted tubs by the bus stand in the summer it cheers the place up.
I went on up the Hill, taking the footpath through the field that cuts off the corner past Kiln Hill Farm, Michael has some of his cattle in there and they bellowed a bit as I passed them by.

Michaels cattle

The path passes through a little wooded dene, quite a steep climb on one side but there are steps to help you up.
As you come out of the wood you can see Birdoswald Fort across to your right with the line of Hadrian's Wall in front of you.

Hadrian's Wall at Birdoswald

Through the field of sheep to the kissing gate and out onto the road.
The view from the road at Birdoswald along the Wall to Walltown in the distance is always spectaular, it's a good stretch of Hadrian's Wall here and so easily accessible.

Birdoswald looking towards Walltown

Birdoswald looking west

For my walk today I head east following the Hadrian's Wall Path to the bridge abutments above Harrow Scar, from the top here looking down towards Willowford you get an idea of just how determined the Roman's were. It's a bridge building exercise that would tax todays engineers yet the Roman army managed to build a very impressive structure, as shown on the interpretative boards on the lower abutments.
Nowadays you have to walk down the hill and cross the River Irthing using the new Willowford Bridge, impressive in it's own right, a gentle arc over the river.
I love to look for fossils here especially after we've had a heavy flow of water to churn things up a bit.

Fossil at Willowford

There are some fine remains on this eastern side of the Roman bridge and a long line of Hadrian's Wall takes you up hill to Willowford Farm, one of our local Bed and Breakfast places and a great place to stay, right on the Wall.
The track takes you alongside the Wall back to Gilsland, notice the Willowford Farm access track it runs along the line of the defensive ditch that was to the north of the Wall.

Gilsland Village

A fine weekend

2010-02-05T12:23:00.000Z

Sunday was fine and bright.
Biting cold as befits the last day of January, but you layer up and have a hat to cover your ears and head for the hills.
I parked in the old telephone box layby and set off up the footpath that is part of the Pennine Way.
It heads uphill through the field of Bradley Farm ewe's fat with lamb, over the stile and up past the Lime Kiln.
At one time there were lots of these kilns but most have fallen into disrepair, this one has been restored and very fine it looks too.

The Lime Kiln (NY781683)

The path passes in front of the kiln and curves on up the hill. Some wonderful views from here looking south over the Pennines, still snow tipped and on a clear day the Lakeland hills are visible. A good excuse to stop and catch your breath for it's a steep climb, well maybe a youngster can bound up but I like to pause now and again.
The path leads you up to Rapishaw Gap where the Hadrian's Wall Path and the Pennine Way path cross. I'm still researching my viewpoints for the Hadrian's Wall Illuminations event and I head off to the east and up onto the stone steps of Cuddys Crag. This is the viewpoint used on the Illuminations website and one of the most beautiful views on the Wall.
Just a touch of frost on the stones of the path so I set up my camera and wait.
I usually like to include a figure in my shot, it gives a sense of scale to the Wall I think.
On this lovely day people were out in force, a group of walkers from Haltwhistle came by, too many for my purpose but they passed by with a cheery 'good morning' greeting. Shortly afterwards a heavily laden hiker came into view, he was wearing red, always a plus, and he was wearing proper walking gear, blue jeans and trainers just don't do it.
I took a photo making sure to ask his permission as he passed.

Walker on Cuddys Crag (NY783686)

Cuddys Crag heading west (NY783686)

I wandered about checking out the various viewpoints, although I have a feeling this part of Hadrian's Wall will be the first destination for most photographers on the 13th so maybe it's not for me.
I wandered back down to Rapishaw Gap and then made the climb up onto Hotbank Crag, still some snow about on this crag, frozen solid it will be some time before it melts away completely.
The views from Hotbank Crag don't feature much in Hadrian's Wall literature but I love them.

Hotbank Crag (NY777685)

The way Hadrian's Wall undulates across the crags always brings a smile. From here you can follow the Wall all the way to Sewingshields and as a viewpoint it has definate possibilities. It's a bit further from any parking area so not as many folk will be heading here.
There's also a view west over Crag Lough, I love 'twofers' viewpoints.

Hotbank and Crag Lough ( NY774684)

Feeling the need for a coffee I decide to head back, there's a lower level path here that runs parallel to the Wall following the Roman Military Way. It's much flatter that Hadrian's Wall Path and the views aren't quite as spectacular but it's a pleasant walk on a nice day.

Housesteads Crag from the Military Way (NY780685)

Soon I'm back at the car and heading home, at this time of the year most of the cafes are closed, I toy with the idea of stopping at the Twice Brewed pub for a bowl of their superb soup, but in the end I just go home.
It was a grand walk out though and at this time of the year every nice day is a bonus :)
Catch you later.

Housesteads s'il vous plaît

2010-01-31T22:05:00.001Z

Beautiful clear day, cold and crisp but well wrapped up it was a joy to be out.

I'd taken myself off to Housesteads Fort.

As I said in an earlier blog it's one of the proposed visitor viewing areas for the 'Illuminating Hadrian's Wall' event and I wanted to see, well - just how much you will see.

Housesteads stands proud on the hill, with trees to either side of it so the views are obstructed.

Housesteads Fort

I took it upon myself to clamber (not a pretty sight) around checking out viewpoints. Housesteads Fort is open all year, except two days at Christmas, and people were milling about the Fort. I came across one young man perched on a rock sketching.

His name is Dan, I think he was French and he's studying Architecture at Northumbria University.

Dan at Housesteads

The students were on a field trip and have a project in class to design a new museum for Housesteads. I'm not sure if this is an actual Housesteads Museum, or just something the tutor set but anyway that's what they were doing.

Looking across at Housesteads Fort, sitting there on a site that slopes away, built without the help of computer programmes or theodolites, not even sure about plans, yet is still hanging on there, all these years later.

To the west of Housesteads Fort

It makes me appreciate just what a tremendous achievement this mighty Wall and all it's milecastles, forts and turrets along the 84miles, was.

And that doesn't count the Cumbrian Sea-Wall that makes a left turn at Bowness and heads down to Maryport.

I've read that Hadrian's Wall was built over a ten year period, by 30,000 soldiers using in excess of 24 million stones and I've no idea how that number was arrived at but I'm quite willing to believe it's there or thereabouts.

Of course they didn't have Local Planning Departments or Building Regulations and certainly no Health and Safety they just got on and built it.

Let's hope the students come up with some great and inspiring designs.

The jury is out on the views from Housesteads, depends on where they let people stand, see what you think.

From Housesteads to Sewingshields

Catch you later.

Hadrian's Wall Illuminations on the 13th of March 2010

2010-01-28T20:42:00.003Z

I've been looking through Google Analytics at the search questions that have brought people to my blog and thought I'd do a quick entry that covers some of those questions.

On the 13th of March 2010 Hadrian's Wall will be lit by gas beacons, a once in a lifetime event that will never be repeated.
From Wallsend on the east coast to Bowness on the West, approximately 500 beacons spaced every 250metres will cover the 84 miles of the Hadrian's Wall.
The first beacon will be lit at Wallsend at approx 5.35pm and lighting will progress in sequence east to west with a six second delay between each beacon firing up so, 50 minutes later the last beacon will be lit.
Beacons when lit will be about 10ft high.
They will burn for approximately 75 minutes.
There is a plan to extinguish all of the lights at the same time to mark the anniversary of the end of Roman Occupation in 410AD

You can apply to be one of the team who light the beacons and will receive a certificate to say you were an 'Illuminator', to date there have been 1500 applications, Sign up here.

Audience participation events are planned in Wallsend/Newcastle and in Carlisle Celebrations in Carlisle
Organizers are hoping the main visitor focus will be at these two events.
(But when you think about Hadrian's wall Newcastle or Carlisle don't immediately spring to mind do they?)

A lot of the Hadrian's Wall Path is relatively flat and, in the dark, not terribly interesting but it's not hard to see that the high crags part of Hadrian's Wall from Sewingshields to Birdoswald is going to look spectacular.

Steel Rigg

On Hadrian's Wall itself there will be three main viewing areas at Steel Rigg (NY750676) (NE47 7AN)

at Housesteads (NY790687)

and Birdoswald(NY618663)(CA8 7DD)

You must apply for a ticket to park at these points. Apply here for free tickets organizers anticipate 500-800 people at each viewing point.
Disability parking will be available at Brocolitia (not exactly an exciting view point!)

It is possible that all other car parks on Hadrian's Wall will be locked and laybys will be cordoned off. (They cite health and safety reasons)
The roads are very, very narrow and the grass verges are boggy with hidden ditches so parking is going to be a problem if you haven't got a ticket for the official parking sites.
Park and Ride may be available depending on demand.

The highest point on Hadrian's Wall is Winshields Crag and that can be accessed from Steel Rigg, there is normally a parking fee but on the 13th tickets will be free.

The view from Winshields Crag

There is no additional entertainment planned for any of the viewing areas at this point in time, for me it will be enough to be able to say 'I was there when Hadrian's Wall was illuminated', but maybe you should think of taking a flask of coffee and extra warm clothing as there'll be a lot of standing around.
At Steel Rigg you're near to the Twice Brewed pub and there are toilets in the Once Brewed Visitor Centre. Housesteads has toilets and the cafe/toilets at Birdoswald may be open during the event.

Take a torch, the ground is uneven and the rocks are slippery.
Remember you are walking on farm land and as it's lambing time, keep dogs on a lead and do close gates, please respect the countryside don't leave litter.

Hadrian's Wall itself is an ancient monument - don't climb up on it for a better view.

Posted at the request of HW Trails officer

Photographers - my website has a grid reference on each of the photographs that should show you, on the centre of the relevant multimap, where I was standing when I took the shot. Please plan well in advance how you are going to get to your chosen spot.
If I learn anything more I will blog it here for you.

Vindolanda will be open that weekend and in my opinion it's the most interesting site on Hadrian's Wall and well worth a visit.
NB The Vindolanda Museum is currently being upgraded and won't be open to visitors.

For accomodation in this area try here. B and B's are already filling up so don't dither.

Light up the Wall

2010-01-25T14:01:00.003Z

There are plans afoot to light up the length of Hadrian's Wall on the 13th of March 2010, a spectacular sight that I doubt will ever be repeated.
http://www.illuminatinghadrianswall.com/site/
You can vounteer to be one of the illuminators, lighting the gas powered beacons, and will get a certificate to say you took part.

I'd love to do that but I'll be out there with my camera hoping to get a good shot of the lights crawling across the undulating landscape of the high crags, no doubt rushing backwards and forwards in my usual way.

I've heard from my friends at Willowford Farm that bookings for the weekend of March the 13th are brisk so if you're thinking about coming up (or down) for the event please be quick.

It will also be wise to do a recce of the site beforehand.
The Military Road is very narrow, by modern day standards, with marshy verges so you really can't just pull over to watch the event.
Car parks along the Wall will be busy and you will need to allow time for climbing up and down to viewpoints.

On my website I have a grid reference on each of the photographs, this should give you an idea of the best places to view from.

You'll need warm clothes ( it's always a couple of degrees colder up on the high bits and there's always a wind) and remember a torch, the ground is uneven and the rocks can be slippery if it's wet.

Please be aware that you will be crossing farm land and it will be lambing time so dogs should be kept on a lead at all times.

The view from Walltown Crags east, if it's clear you can see right the way to Winshields Crag and as the lights will be lit from east to west will see them coming towards you.

No doubt Alison will be opening the Cafe at Walltown Quarry so hot drinks will be available there, and there are toilets.

The view west from Sewingshields Crag, a much longer walk from Housesteads Fort car park but you have a view right along the line of Hadrian's Wall to Winshields Crag in the far distance.

Sea Air

2010-01-22T20:57:00.001Z

Our anniversary today, can't think why we chose January to get married but there you are, we did, and now we're stuck with finding somewhere to go when the weather is, inevitably, grey and cold.

Years ago we were keen birdwatchers so we decided on a trip down memory lane and headed for the Northumberland coast. Not so long ago a Glossy Ibis was spotted at Cresswell Ponds [NZ283944 (OS 50 000 Sheet 81)] so we made that our first stopping point.

Much has changed in the years since we last visited, especially the road system so we got horribly lost, with a detour past an unattractive bit of Ashington, the Alcan works.

Eventually we did get to Cresswell and it's ponds.

Cresswell Pond, bird hide to the left

Loads of birds there, we counted in excess of 20 species in the 45 minutes we sat there. Probably there were many we missed, birdwatching is an art, you sort of get your eye in and recognise the jizz (the way different birds move) we're a bit rusty. No Glossy Ibis or anything that would bring out the twitchers.

It wasn't very warm in the hide so we headed down to the beach for a brisk walk to warm up.

abandoned ball on Cresswell Beach

Here in Northumberland we're spoilt with miles of golden sand; even on a warm sunny day it never gets crowded, fishermen and dog walkers seemed to be the only people out today, oh and three very brave surfers.

January Surfers

Lunch at the Widdrington Inn, it was packed and once the food came we understood why, delicious and to be recommended.

Next stop was Druridge, last time I was there I was taking photographs of the opencast site at East Chevington, for a planning appeal, now that whole area has been turned into a lake with a walk and wildlife hides. Map of Druridge Bay

The lake is big and birds know to stay away from the hides but with a good pair of binoculars you can see plenty.

Once again we were drawn to the beach, I love the sea air and it's the only thing I miss about living on Tyneside. Sandling were dashing along the incoming waves, as it was such a grey day I'd only brought a small camera with me and they were moving to fast for me to get a good shot of them.

northumberland coast birdwatching will give you more ideas on what's available on our beautiful coastline.

Now I know this is supposed to be a Hadrian's Wall blog but our journey today took us just over an hour from Gilsland and if you're coming to Northumberland for a holiday then you might fancy a day off from walking on our Hadrian's Wall Trail.
Northumberland and all our treasures, is Englands best kept secret:)

Catch you later.
Joan

Been a while.

2010-01-18T20:07:00.000Z

Sorry to neglect you, I got very frustrated not being able to get out of Gilsland while we had the snow.
A Ford Focus does not do well on ungritted, hilly roads.
Then when things did improve I was otherwise engaged on a bird photography course at Caerlaverock. I wasn't very good at bird photography, they move about a lot more than a landscape does, but I enjoyed it.
I'm just going to post you some pictures of snowy Gilsland with a couple of Caerlaverock shots and hopefully I'll be back to normal shortly.
Catch you later.

Wardrew Hill

Wardrew Hill to Gilsland

Roe Deer

Sheep in the snow

The footpath to Gilsland

River Irthing

Gilsland from the Spa

Geese on the Solway

Whooper swans

Flying swans

Teal

1st of January and it's more snow

2010-01-01T20:33:00.001Z

Yet again we can't go anywhere in the car, no sign of the gritting wagons though I suppose they have their hands full keeping the main trunk roads open, our rural roads will be a long way down on the list.

We are lucky that we have a variety of walks from our doorstep so today we went off up Wardrew hill again.
This time I took the precaution of strapping on Snow Spikes to help me cope with the ice underneath the soft snow.

Footpath to Gilsland through Irthing House Farm

We were passed by Chris, the farmer from Irthing House in a digger, towing a car to the main road. They'd been staying in his holiday cottage but were heading home today. Even the heavy digger was having trouble getting purchase in the ice.
The snow spikes were working a treat, and I got up Wardrew Hill without mishap.
The black sheep were grazing hay put out for them, they're a breed called Zwartbles and real characters (useful name to remember if you like scrabble!)

Zwartbles

We headed down the footpath to the Irthing Gorge woods, Kay and Malcolm were sledging with their young daughter, lots of laughter and squeals. Two of the people staying at West Nichold Cottage came through the woods, they're leaving at the weekend and are hoping they'll be able to get back down the hill. I can think of worse places to be marooned, West Nichold is a 5* cottage.
Heading into the wood, lots of tracks again, foxes, deer, rabbits and pheasants but no squirrell tracks which is a shame. Snow was pilled high on the branches and kept dropping on our heads.

Spa Bridge

River Irthing

Over the Spa Bridge and up the hill to Gilsland Spa itself, the views over Gilsland from the Hotel are wonderful, although with the falling snow today it wasn't particularly clear.

Gilsland

Nice views to Temple Mount, showing the hill we'd climbed up before reaching the woods.

Temple Mount

Past the church and a dither over whether or not to risk the path down to the stepping stones. Several of the 'steps' were washed away in the heavy rain before Christmas so we decided to stick to the road.

Jacobs Sheep

Jacobs sheep on the way down and a very happy little mule ewe posed for pictures.

Mule ewe

Down into the village and back home.
Gilsland is a funny place, it doesn't matter which way you go it's uphill both ways, we soon warmed up and a bowl of broth hit the spot.
Wonder if we'll be able to get the car out tomorrow?
Catch you later.

2010 is here

2010-01-01T09:19:00.000Z

And it's brought more snow so I'm unable to get far today.

Have a very happy new year may 2010 turn out to be an extra special year for you in many ways.

Take care

Joan

Slipping and sliding along.

2009-12-29T11:14:00.003Z

-10 on Sunday night left the minor roads hereabouts, like a skating rink.

It really wasn't worth taking the car out, although the main roads were well gritted all of the access roads to Hadrian's Wall are little windy roads, with an incline that water runs down, perfect conditions for black ice and accidents.

A walk from the house was decided upon, and the route was up Wardrew Hill to Temple Mount, ( I wonder if there was a temple there, must check Google earth and see what it looks like from space), across the footpath towards Barron House, along the footpath to Greenhead then returning to Gilsland along the Hadrian's Wall Path.

Gilsland Panorama from Temple Mount

Got my camera ready and set off up the hill, I'd hardly gone 100yards before I fell the first time, I was well wrapped up and didn't hurt myself but getting up was a chore.

Everywhere was so icy that I couldn't get an purchase to push myself up, had to crawl on hands and knees to the verge, then I got a fit of giggles so it was a while before I was upright again.

Made it to Irthing House Farm but Wardrew Hill was solid ice, I detoured into the adjacent field (I have permission from the farmer) and climbed up to Temple Mount, the untrodden snow had an ice crust so it was easy if strenuous walking.

View over Gilsland from Temple Mount, Lake District mountains on the horizon.

At the top it was so beautiful, you can see for miles, the north Pennine range and even the snow covered mountains of the Lake District were visible.

No-one had walked this way so I followed animal tracks, obviously this is a busy thoroughfare during the night, unfortunately the way the melt and refreeze distorted the tracks it was impossible to identify what creature left them, unless there really are Yeti's roaming these hills :)
Paul and Christine were out on the quad bike spreading hay for their sheep, they have a beautiful 5 star, holiday house to rent, West Nichold Cottage a converted barn that you can see in the picture. Not a bad place to spend a winter holiday, even being snowed in there would be pleasurable.

West Nichold Cottage, perfect spot for a holiday

The views from the footpath, across to the Thirlwall Nicks (used to be the 9 Nick of Thirlwall but quarrying took at least one of them out!) and Hadrian's Wall at Walltown are lovely, the hills seem much closer than they are and, with a shining white field of fresh snow, they made a nice picture.

Views to Walltown from footpath.

Down the Hill to Barron House Farm, the footpath goes through the farm yard and the farmer Leslie ( happy 60th birthday Leslie) and his young son John were there to greet us.

The footpath down to Barron House

Had a catch up on the news before heading down their farm road, the ice here was so bad and the verge so thin that I had to edge down the hill sideways. The idea of slithering my way to Greenhead, especially as the cafe there is closed now until March, didn't appeal so I carried on down over the railway line to join the B6318 and head back into Gilsland.

A warm coffee and a bit of Christmas cake my reward for all the effort :)

Catch you later,

Joan

Click on the photographs to view them at a larger size.

Christmas Day

2009-12-26T21:22:00.004Z

I've already told you I'm a bit of a grinch when it comes to Christmas, but I love the fact that while people are kept indoors by 'family' obligations, I can get out for a walk.

We set off from home to the sound of church bells ringing and headed through the village of Gilsland and turned up towards Birdoswald, a nice circular walk of about 4 miles.

Birdoswald

The road through the village had been well gritted so walking was easy but once we turned onto the B6318 heading up towards the Hill the going wasn't so easy.

We saw the tracks of roe deer in the snow, there are a good number around and they can often be seen early in the morning, heading down to the River Irthing to drink.

One of the bucks had been knocked down, someone had taken the antlers but the carcass was left,

crows, foxes and badgers will probably share what's left.

It was a cold, foggy day and there was very little traffic on the roads so we were able to walk on the tyre tracks with relative ease.

From this road you can look over towards Willowford Farm B&B and follow the line of Hadrian's Wall as it goes from Gilsland to Birdoswald via Willowford Bridge.

Got to Kiln Hill Farm and turned down towards Birdoswald, Eric from Slack House Farm (home of Birdoswald Cheese) snow ploughs this road, a great service and one I much appreciate, it's a steep hill with sharp bends so would be dangerous otherwise.

The buildings of Birdoswald Visitor Centre were just visible though the mist, it's closed now for winter like many of the centres.

Of course Hadrian's Wall itself is 'open' all year, with a lovely stretch of Hadrian's Wall at Birdoswald, easily seen from the road and, one of the most accessible for anyone with a disability.

Hadrian's Wall at Birdoswald, view west

On a clear day you can look east towards Walltown, but that wasn't visible on Christmas Day, the Wall just disappeared into the mists.

Hadrian's wall at Birdoswald

Michael's sheep were on the track down to Harrow Scar, he'd been in with hay for them to feed on, so they weren't the least bit interested in us, as we passed by them.

Down the steep track to Willowford Bridge, looking at the various animal tracks in the snow and wishing I'd taken my tracks ID book with me, although it was probably a bit too cold to stand around flicking through a book!

The River Irthing is always beautiful, some lovely mature trees down in this dip, I'd like a good hoar frost to coat the trees, but still took lots of photographs of them in the snow.

Willowford Bridge

Willowford Trees

Up the stone steps past the blue tarpaulins, put there to keep the lime mortar repairs to Hadrian's Wall dry.
English Heritage have a policy to use the same amterials that the Roman builders used and spent considerable time getting the exact same 'recipe' for the mortar.
Apparently lime mortar takes longer to set, although leaving the tarps on for months on end seems a bit excessive.
Past Willowford Farm B and B which can truely claim to be right on Hadrian's Wall, along the track and back into Gilsland.
We saw just one other couple in all the time we were out and they were visiting from Japan, brave souls.
Catch you later.

Snowing on the Grinch

2009-12-20T13:09:00.002Z

I love snow, perhaps because I can choose when I go out in it, unlike people who have to go to work.
It started snowing on Hadrian's Wall on Wednesday, not enough to block the roads but enough to show a covering of white on the Hadrian's Wall Path.

We had relatives visiting from New Zealand, they're staying with their son and daughter-in-law and seem to have spent most of the visit shopping.

Now I'm a self confessed Grinch, I don't like Christmas and I'm not that keen on shopping, especailly when it's crowded so I suggested a trip to see the Wall and maybe a walk.

We tried Vindolanda, I'd been raving about the amazing museum they have there, my brother-in-law is keen on history but when we got there the museum is closed. A lottery grant means the museum and coffee shop area are being rebuilt and will eventually be a mind blowing visitor experience.

The site itself is still open but, on a cold snowy day, the site itself didn't have that much appeal.

I'd kitted them out with decent footwear so we went up to the highest point on the Wall, Winshields Crag, instead.

From there you could see the snow storms rolling in towards us, and strange patches of bright green grass isolated between snow covered fields.

I guess the storm simply missed that bit of land.

Having had a bracing walk we retired to the Twice Brewed for a bowl of their excellent soup followed by a hot beef sandwich.

Today we've had a lot more snow, the roads around Gilsland are very icy, although the gritters have done the main road through the village.

I had a walk out with TT to post the Christmas cards through neighbours letter boxes. We did a circular route, down through the village, up past the stepping stones through Irthing Farm and back down Wardrew Hill home.

Much as I'd like to be out on the Wall with my camera I'm leaving it for a safer, brighter day.

Take care and keep warm.
Joan

Winter mists

2009-12-12T15:16:00.006Z

Gilsland was shrouded in mist on Friday but the webcams along Hadrian's Wall Hadrian's Wall webcams were showing some patches of blue.
I've been wanting to check out the views from Mucklebank Crag (NY681667), to see if a winter sunrise shot would be possible.
As I'm an official 'wrinkly', I have to go out and time how long it's going to get me to 'X marks the spot' especially if I'm clambering around in the pre dawn light.
TT decided to reprise his starring role as 'he who carries the tripod' and came with me.
It's the first time he's been on the new footpath up Mucklebank Crag and was impressed at how much easier, and safer it was to go up and down.
As we climbed the temperature did too and coming up into the sunsine was lovely.
High up on the crags that form part of the Nine Nicks of Thirlwall you get wonderful views all round.
The ground is still very wet, understandable considering all the rain we've had, I'd recommend gaiters and good boots if your venturing out onto the Hadrian's Wall Path.
It was amazing to watch the mist ebb and flow over Walltown Crags and I took loads of shots so instead of writing a long blog I'm uploading extra photographs.
Catch you later.

View over Haltwhistle Common from Allolee Farm

View east from Cockmount on the Hadrian's Wall Path

A fogbow over Walltown

View from Mucklebank Crag, south over Haltwhistle Common

The trees that mark King Arthurs Well in the mist

TT adding a sense of scale to the view across Walltown Crags

Tree on the footpath up to Mucklebank Crag

Walltown Crags from the turret on Mucklebank

Walltown Farm in the Mist

One of the beautiful old trees at Walltown Farm

Panorama from Cockmount on the Hadrian's Wall Path

PS. If you click the photographs they'll enlarge a bit but they are small file sizes for uploading.

The photographs featured in my blogs are available to buy as a print or canvas from a high resolution image.

Sunshine and Showers

2009-12-07T21:25:00.001Z

I had to meet up with another photographer yesterday, to do a swap of camera equipment.
I was buying his 80-400mm lens for my bird photography and he took a compact camera in part exchange.
We decided it would be civilised to meet in the Twice Brewed Pub (NY751668), near Steel Rigg.

It had been raining on and off all morning and while not frosty, it was cold, so we decided to spend some time enjoying a bowl of the 'Twicey's' best cream of mushroom soup, and very fine it was too.

Their soup is always home made, served with a bit of crusty French bread and butter and alway delicious!

As we were finishing the sun came out, and as we were close by I suggested a climb up Winshields Crag (NY742675) to enjoy the views.

I was doing my tour guide bit and pointing out the best viewpoints and just as if I'd ordered it up a rainbow appeared, lasting long enough for us to get a few shots before the rain made us rush to cover the camera's up.

We continued on up to the trig point, it's the highest point on Hadrian's Wall at 1132 feet and you get lovely views down to Crag Lough and way beyond the last of the crags at Sewingshields.

All that was missing was a person walking the Wall to give a bit of scale to the shot but with in minutes a figure in a bright yellow jacket hove into view.
Blow me if it wasn't another photographer, Danny Brannigan from Haltwhistle.

We stood around chatting for a while and then another walker came up the hill.
It must be quite disconcerting to be faced with three people behind tripods, especially as we were all waiting until the person reached the point 'on the thirds' to balance the shot when we fired off a barrage of shots.

The walker stopped at the trig point consulting his map before headeing back down the hill again.

By this time the wind was getting up and we were beginning to feel the chill so we headed back down to the car park.

On the way home I saw some nice sun rays coming through the clouds, for a change no-one was coming up fast behind me and there was space to stop the car so I stopped and took a photo.

I'm working on a gallery of photographs showing shots through 12 months of the year so other photographers can see where the sun rises and sets and plan a visit accordingly. I've got three months up so far but it's an ongoing project, if your thinking of coming to Hadrian's Wall it might be worth bookmarking http://joanthirlaway.jalbum.net/

Steel Rigg

2009-12-04T22:06:00.001Z

Isn't it funny how people are drawn to certain names?
Steel Rigg seems to be one of them, and as a place it draws me.

Most people mistakenly think that the whole of the Crag from the car park down to Hotbank Farm is Steel Rigg, it's actually just the bit near the car park.

I was there in Steel Rigg car park again this morning before sunrise and certainly it's a fine view from Steel Rigg east but I was heading up onto Peel Crags.

The NNPA have put in large stone slabs to help walkers get through the wet area in the dip before the climb up the steep side of Peel Crag.

This morning they were lethal, black ice coated the surfaces and with running water over the top every step was a challenge.

Fortunately the pal I was with was ahead of me and called out a warning to take care.

I got to the top of the crag without mishap and enjoyed the view while I got my breath back, the youngster went on ahead to set his gear up while I stopped to take a photograph of the moon over Winshields Crag.

I had plenty of time to get to Castle Gap, which was this mornings starting point. We had a clear sky ahead of us and at this time of the year we weren't after a sunrise shot but were waiting for the morning light to catch the Wall.

There's something magical about those first few touches of light coming just minutes after the sun appears over the horizon.

I realised that the sun would also be catching the Sycamore Tree ( note the capital letters to give it due reverence )

Leaving the youngster to catch me up later, I headed onto the next 'gap'.

I know this is December but for some reason in my mind I saw the tree with leaves on and of course they've long gone.
Never mind as I'd hoped the tree was bathed in light, I spent some time looking for a patch of frost to use in my photo, plenty of it around just non in the right place.

Eventually I had exhausted all the photographic posibilities of Sycamore Gap and my companion had another engagement so, while he hurried back to his car, I meandered along the Hadrian's Wall Path enjoying the views.

I love the Wall and it's stones the amount of work cutting and laying the stones never ceases to amaze me, I'd love a time machine to travel back and watch the construction.

I find myself wondering, did the men sing as they worked.

Even at my slow pace I eventually find myself making the descent and then the climb back up to Steel Rigg, the Hotbank cows - lovely wooly Gallowa's - are on the path, they shake their ears at me and snuffle, rolling their big eyes before getting back to the job of grazing.

On the way home I stop at the Mare and Foal standing stones. Most people would simply think they were abandoned stone gateposts but they're genuine standing stones and with mist in the valley behind them I thought they were worthy of a photograph, which I share with you here.

Hoping the weather holds.

Catch you later.

December's here

2009-12-01T21:07:00.000Z

Can you believe it? Where has the year gone to?
Woke up this morning to a frosty landscape and some red light in the sky.

Headed off to Cuddys Crag, I swear that climb up past the restored Lime Kiln gets steeper every time I climb it.

I know I'm a pensioner and carrying a couple of stone extra but I'm always out and about so you'd think I could go up and down these hills like a linty.

Still stopping to catch my breath gives me time to stop and take in the views, something I've noticed many of the groups of ramblers, using the Hadrian's Wall Path, fail to do.

Have you noticed people who walk in big groups just chatter all the time, you could do that over a cup of coffee :)

This morning it was a sheer joy to look south over Beggar Bog and watch the colours in the sky change.

Eventually my breathing got back to normal and I got up onto Cuddys Crag, for some strange reason there looked to be hardly any frost up there.

The sun rose I took some photographs and then the sun went behind the cloud, story of my life.

Still at least going back it's downhill.

Stopped for a chat to the ewe's from Bradley Farm, I remember Stuart telling me last year that they were getting a different breed, very like the Cheviot sheep to look at but prettier and these sheep were quite bonny.

Home in time for tea and toast and I think I got the best of the day with my early jaunt.

Hope you like the pictures.

Frosty Morning at Housesteads Crag

The view from Cuddys Crag

Rapishaw Gap and Cuddys Crag

Sewingshields Crag

Catch you later.

An amazing day

2009-11-29T19:14:00.001Z

Saturday didn't start too well but by 10am it was brightening, I happened to the twitter site and found a posting saying there was mist on the Wall.

Within 15 minutes I was up at Crag Lough, then onto Hotbank Crag with a final stop at Sycamore Gap.

It was very, very muddy after all the rain but along, with several dozen other people out enjoying Hadrian's Wall, I didn't care, it was just great to be out there.

Not going to write much tonight just post up extra photo's so you can see for yourself.

Catch you later.

Crag Lough

Hotbank and Crag Lough

Hotbank panorama looking east

Hotbank to Sewingshields

Hadrians Wall Path passing Hotbank Farm

Mist in the valley looking south from Hotbank

Highshields Crag

Mist coming through Sycamore Gap

Sycamore Gap in the mist

Walking through the mist

It's actaully stopped raining!

2009-11-27T20:44:00.002Z

Today I started the Christmas shopping, heading off to Carlisle (a lovely, unhurried place to shop) just after ten o'clock this morning.

Somewhere around lunchtime, I realised that the skies above were bright and blue, something we haven't seen in Cumbria for ages, it had actually stopped raining.

Home again by 2.30pm and feeling optomistic, I headed upstairs to check out my old faithful website, Metcheck, to see what time the sunset was, 3.50pm - goodness it's early isn't it?

I had a quick look at the sun position site to see where the sun would be at sunset and decided that, the best place for my outing today would be Walltown Crags.

The sky was clearing as I climbed up to Hadrian's Wall, sheep scattering before me. I paused to catch a photograph looking east featuring the ewe's, some nice light but it was already very low.

At this time of the year it doesn't get very high at all, giving lovely long shadows.

The cloud that was left in the sky covered the sun, wouldn't you know it, but I set up shop with the gnarly hawthorn tree in the foreground and Walltown Quarry as it's backdrop. Hadrian's Wall runs through the picture but not in a dramatic way, still it is there.

The temperature was dropping and I was facing into the wind, made me think about sorting out my winter woolies.

I'd tried on one of those Russian trapper hats, in Carlisle but when the lady behind me almost fell over laughing I put it back.

Time was passing and the sun managed to break through the clouds just long enough for me to get a photograph, then it disappeared for another day.

Saw several walkers out making the most of a nice evening, we must all be going stir crazy, it's so nice to be able to get out again and not get soaked!

Hoping for a frosty morning tomorrow,
Catch you later,
Joan

overflowing

2009-11-22T16:27:00.000Z

We had some sunshine today between the deluges so I decided to go down to the River Irthung at Willowford and see how the water was flowing.

As I turned into to track to Willowford Farm I could hear the waterfall roaring, I've not yet managed to find a safe way down to this fall and today definately wasn't the one to try it.

Lots of repair works to Hadrian's Wall going on and much of the Wall is covered with tarpaulin while the traditional lime mortar fixes.
Essential work but no good for photographs.

The sun was shining as I headed down the steps towards Willowford Bridge, at this time of the year the sun is low and today at midday it was shining directly down towards the bridge.

I headed south and tried some different shots, trying to get some long exposure shots without any real success.

Typical of the day the rain started and in the darkening sky in front of me a rainbow appeared.

I hadn't brought an umbrella and the filters were getting covered in raindrops. I was frantically trying to dry them off to catch a photograph of the rainbow over the bridge. Managed one with just a few rainspots that I was able to clone out.

The cloud covered the sun so I moved to the north side of the bridge, the water there was showing whitecaps.

I just got set up when down came the rain again. This time I was facing diretly into the rain and had to cover the camera, shame because the light was lovely. Eventually I managed to take a photograph, then two walkers crossed the bridge but alas by then my filters were covered in rain again.

Spent a little bit of time seeing how many fossils had been washed down by the torrent of water, some very large stones had sea shell fossils but they're too big to move.

Amazing to pick up something that was a sea bed millions of years ago.

Apparently I missed the canoeists coming down the River Irthing, at least someone is glad of all this water.

Eventually I wandered back home, stopping at the House of Meg in Gilsland for a warming cup of coffee. Andrew has just won an award in the Cafe section of the Ethical Good Food Awards 2009, congratulations to him and his team. Wonder if the resident ghost Meg Teasdale (Walter Scott's Meg Merrilees) helped influence the judges :)

Take care and stay safe