Still plenty of colour on the Silver Birch Trees surrounding the Quarry.

No so much colour on this particular one. I made a nice print of this scene a few years back that I haven’t released for public sale as yet. However I did manage to produce a copy for a family that have a house here at Hodge Close Quarry.

A 20x60cm Print in a Satin Black Hardwood Frame. Business Card for scale.

Tree on the Edge. Much of my focus in this area the last few years.

Some great colours here contrasting against the slate.

This neat group of trees caught my eye…

Focusing in on the trees.

Harrison Stickle towering over

Beautiful colours

A slim shot of this scene.

There’s lots of interesting compositions to photograph from this vantage point. Next year I will explore the paths around this area in more detail.

Shooting into the Setting Sun, reveals a pleasant effect through the trees.

The old building adding intrigue.

Varying crops of the same scene. Not sure which is my preferred version…

Picking out some details.

I really like this composition and colouring.

I could spend all day here looking at the details. Now I’m short on time to go anywhere else. I’m going to head up Holme Fell and see what I see.

Trees on the edge of Hodge Close Quarry

Details around one of the Tarns on Holme Fell

Ascending up Holme Fell and the view opens up a little.

Great colours over the Tarn

Much better view now I’m higher up. You can see the extent of the Quarry workings from up here. Little Langdale in the green patch.

A wide panoramic image taking in the whole scene.

I’ll post a Drone video here in the coming days when I’ve edited it.

Heading Home now and looking down into Hodge Close on the walk back.

You can see my collection of Lake District Landscape Prints from Holme Fell and Hodge Close Quarry here in my gallery.

Ideally I’d have made it up here a month earlier as the Heather that covers Lingmoor is a beautiful vibrant purple, there were patches left but largely it has gone by mid September this year. However, the view remains the same and as the colours on the fells start to turn brown and the light is a little more golden at the end of the day I wanted to see this location I’ve visited a few times previously, but not at the end of the day when hopefully the fells will come alive with golden browns and illuminate this amazing scene.

Here’s how I got on and make sure you check out the video at the bottom of this post for a snapshot of the walk and some aerial footage too.

Below Side Pike at the start of the ascent, Rowan Trees lead the way. Three to pass as my first goal.

Number 2 and 3 Rowan Trees reached. 162 BMP my heart rate got too on this climb, much more and I could have easily passed out.

Taking a moment to rest and take in the view over Blea Tarn towards Weatherlam.

Thomas and Lewis charging ahead up towards Lingmoor, Side Pike behind us now.

Over the dry stone wall to the Langdale Pikes. The lights getting good now. Hoping it stays a little longer.

A beautiful view of the Langdale Pikes over the wall…

…including Side Pike on the left hand side really makes this composition for me.

At the Stile and can’t resist another shot of this scene…

…or two…

Using my fixed 35mm lens means switching to portrait orientation for more foreground.

Climbing up Lingmoor now and the views just get better and better as well as the light.

Up on the Heather covered ridge of Lingmoor.

Looking over the Langdale Valley to the high fells beyond.

Where the fence meets the wall. Looking straight on to the Langdale Pikes.

Just a bit more height and I’ll have the composition I want.

The view starts to open up now with a little more height.

Fence and Wall

This is far enough tonight. The light is disappearing behind cloud over Crinkle Crags so I set up and make the best of the light.

A flat scene at the moment. Here’s hoping for one last blast of light.

Here it comes one last sight of the sun.

There we go, just what’s needed. Not the light I expected on the Langdale Pikes and Side Pike but happy just to be up here.

and it’s gone. A few moments of light. Good job I stopped and setup or the extra time it would have taken me to climb higher would have missed this, the light didn’t reach the area I wanted anyway so probably the best of what was around for tonight. That’s how I justify it to myself anyway.

Experimenting with High Dynamic Range. Not so sure…

The last of the light above Crinkle Crags.

The odd patch of light illuminates an outcrop above Lingmoor Tarn. Time to head back.

Side Pike at the end of the wall.

A wider perspective showing the surrounding area, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes above Side Pike and the Langdale Valley.

Losing the light now.

That’s it from Lingmoor tonight. I needed this walk and what a beautiful setting. I’ll come back earlier next year to capture the Heather in flower.

Here’s a short video I have put together from my walk up Lingmoor Fell

You can see my current collection of Lake District Prints featuring Lingmoor Fell, Side Pike and the Langdale Pikes here in my gallery.

I do love traditional Landscape Photography. Big views. Beautiful places. For me you can’t beat an iconic view and capturing something inspiring. Here’s how I got on this beautiful September evening, this time I have my drone too so a new perspective for me this time around.

 Date Night at Wastwater. Someone has got the right idea.

 The famous Screes

Beautiful Wastwater.

Heading down to the waters edge.

The golden light illuminating the famous Wastwater Screes.

Nice evening for a paddle on Wastwater.

Looking the other way

 Reflections of the Screes

 One final burst of pink light on the Screes over Wastwater

 Heading Home. Another amazing visit to Wastwater. I must not leave it so long next time and i need to spend more time in other locations around the water in future. This is such a great location though and a classic Lake District Landscape Photography location.

Here’s a short video I captured form my visit to Wastwater including some aerial shots.

You can see my current collection of Wastwater Landscapes available as framed prints, canvas prints and aluminium prints here.

The location of the house is fantastic, literally a 1 minute walk down the track to the beach. The view over Rùm is spectacular and one I would never tire of. It has been a great few days of peace and quiet. When I arrived, I checked out the Beach for photographic opportunities and noticed the rocks at the far end of the beach would make an interesting element to a photograph. Last night and tonight are the only two nights this week that the tides going to be out to access this area and last night was a little flat so hopefully tonight will give me one last shot at what I imagine to be a different kind of shot from Laig Bay.

Here’s how my last day on Eigg worked out.

A huge Rainbow over Rùm to start the day.

A huge Rainbow

Pouring down with rain to start with.

After the rain passes by time for a wonder.

George’s tractor

Keen to get in there.

Thomas has loved being in the Sea this week.

Back to the house and the day is looking a lot brighter. Time of rest before this evenings shoot.

Someone’s set up Camp in the Dunes.

It’s looking promising…

In position and ready for whatever unfolds…

The rocks here are amazing.

Just hoping the Sun shines through the cloud one more time to light up these rocks.

While I was setup and waiting I took the Drone for one final flight over Laig Bay, the video gives a great perspective of the houses location.

Looking back towards the house over the Beach

Here comes the sun…

Muted colours as the sun sets behind Rùm

The other half of the Beach is getting a soaking from some incoming rain…

As you can see here.

Eventually coming my way.

Eventually easing off to allow me to capture these last few shots over towards Rùm.

A great end to my nights on the Beach.

That’s it from Laig Bay and the beautiful Isle of Eigg. It’s been an amazing week that I’ll never forget. Fantastic Scenery, friendly people and time to rest and take in this wonderful place. One day I hope to return to Eigg and explore other parts of the Island but for now I am really pleased with what I’ve captured both with my Drone and Cameras.

You can see my collection of Isle of Eigg Prints available to purchase here in my gallery. Or see my previous days photography on Eigg here. Or my other Scottish Landscape Photography Shoots here.

In fact life on Eigg seems pretty good too, it’s more relaxed, more out going and in every way better. 60 people live on the Island, more live on my street back home. I’ve talked to more people on Eigg in 5 days than I have on my own street in 4.5 years. Such is modern life in built up areas I guess. I will miss this place for sure.

The last few days are catching up with me energy wise so its a rest day today with just a gentle walk down to the Beach. The kids seem to have really taken to the Sea. Thomas especially so they are keen to get out and enjoy the Beach on such a nice day. We have been lucky with the weather.

 Great patterns in the sand

 Love these spikes.

 These Sea Kayaks came ashore, day 2 of a 3 day tour from the mainland. I wish I had the energy for something like that.

Beautiful

 The kids enjoying the Beach

Thomas loving the Sea

 Back at the house and we had some visitors…

 Swallows

The sound of the Shutter startled them.

A really hot day today. I would never tire of this view.

The Basalt Black patterns I’ve been looking for all week.

 Now the tides out at Sunset I can explore the small stream…

…and the rocks at the far end of Laig Bay.

I noticed a face like rock formation on the edge of the cliff.

 There he is. Looking over Laig Bay and Rùm.

A wider perspective.

My penultimate night on Eigg. Hopefully tomorrow night ill get a little more light on the Rocks.

Light painting back at the house.

You can see tomorrows photos from Eigg here and my collection of Isle of Eigg Prints available to purchase here in my gallery.

A cloudy day today, I’m getting more confident flying the drone lately so went for a look along the coast between Laig Bay and Singing Sands. Not the best of conditions so will have to try this again later in the week if the weather’s kind. This is the furtherest away I flown the Drone, over 2km. It’s quite daunting with the waves splashing below and the signal dropping on the remote control so you can’t see anything. At first I thought I’d lost control of the drone itself but it seems the live video stream is all I lost. Hopefully later in the week I’ll push the boundaries a little further and get some awesome footage of this fascinating coast. The Lava Tubes are amazing. Gullies and tubes in the rocks where molten lava once ran.

Waves at Laig Bay shot with my 100-400mm lens

Laig Bay waves.

With no real plan for today and the weather being a little overcast and dull we decided to head out for a walk up along the Beach and up to Cleadale for a look about. Here’s how we got on in this video I shot along the way.

A weathered Post Box at Cleadale. Collection time is 1 hour before the ferry departs.

We shall be forever indebted to you for your Bravery and Sacrifice.

A variety of vehicles on the Island. This is the only Taxi, driven by a nice chap Charlie. £10 for a 3 mile journey to the Pier…

An informative Taxi ride later and we’re down at the Pier where the locals are very friendly. From here I decided it was worth a walk up towards An Sgùrr. At least to see how far we could get.

 Past the Community Hall

 First sighting of An Sgùrr. What a sight. An Sgùrr is the highest point on Eigg. It was formed almost 60 million years ago, the result of one of the last eruptions of a volcano, the core of which now forms the Isle of Rùm. (wikipedia facts)

 Glorious colours on the hillsides around here.

It was a flat and grey day. The Midges were horrendous. We were simply not prepared for this today and the weather wasn’t looking too promising for a great photographic opportunity from the summit if we indeed get that far. However minor details like that aren’t going to stop me today. I have energy and I want this. More than anything today. It’s happening. It was at this point Thomas turned around and started walking home.

He eventually came back…

 While Lewis bagged my new Midge net.

 I can’t turn back now. Once you can see your goal insight you can’t give up. Never.

 A couple of Buzzards were soaring around us.

 Looking back towards the Pier. Lewis looking back to Thomas. Still not happy at all.

  The view over towards Cleadale and Laig Bay with the Isle of Skye in the distance.

The mainland as we ascend.

 Traversing the Sgùrr to pick up the path leading to the summit, great echo’s here. Kept the kids interested, better than…

Falling into Bogs.

 Poor Thomas, he was not at all happy. A life lesson for him today in many respects.

 More of Cleadale now visible.

 Rùm visible now too.

Heading up on to the Rocks.

The small Isle of Muck from between the Rocks.

 The Red Dots mark the way to the summit. Note the rock formations. Like boiling Lava.

 Muck.

 Maybe that’s the Summit. Spot the red dot…

 Muck. I hope the cloud holds off so there’s a view from the Summit.

  Rum. Looks like the cloud is coming. Amazing rock formations underfoot.

 There it is. The Summit of An Sgùrr. Apologies for the blurred image.

 A great view of Cleadale and Laig Bay now. What an achievement getting up here.

 Back to the Pier where we started walking from. Really proud of getting up here today.

Rùm, now almost lost in cloud.

We’re not alone.  A couple of nice German ladies on the Summit too. The rocks around here are amazing. Boiling Lava solidified.

 The mainland. The visibility is closing in every second.

 Cleadale and Laig Bay become lost in the approaching Rain.

 Amanda, Thomas and Lewis on the Summt of An Sgùrr. A great achievement for Thomas after almost quitting. We literally had 2 minutes on the summit then headed back down as the rain started. There was a tricky scramble over steep rocks on the way up and I didn’t fancy tackling that in reverse and in the wet so we made a move.

 The fine looking An Sgùrr. For a moment we were the highest people on Eigg.

 Amazing

 Back to the start of the climb and what an achievement for everyone. Good on Thomas for not giving up.

Rowan Trees.

The disused Post Box marks the spot where our route meets the main road. Call the Taxi Dad…

 Dragging one another along the road.

 Back to An Sgùrr.

 George’s Land Rover. George is the Farmer that owns the house we’re staying in. He Farms one side of Eigg his Father the other.

 Another Bost Box.

 Back to Sgurr.

 The boy is literally broken today. A huge lesson for him in life and as I’ve always said Fell Walking is very much like life. You have to tackle what’s in front of you and you simply can’t quit, while sometimes things appear impossible as a whole, taking little steps eventually leads you to your destination. Over 3 years ago I got Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or M.E. after a really bad spell of Glandular Fever which hospitalised me, at times I’ve not had the energy to get out off bed, some weeks/months I don’t leave the house. I’ve fought with depression, anxiety, loneliness and hopelessness for my old life, the life where I had energy to do the things I love, like my job, my hobbies, riding my motorbike to basic things like playing with my children. Today marks a truly monumental day for my recovery. To head out for a simple little walk and walk 10 miles up to the highest point on the Island is a real achievement for me. 8 months ago I could not walk a mile without breaks and I put on 22kg of weight since getting ill. This year I’ve been doing graded exercise therapy everyday and am much more accepting of my condition, its limitations and my abilities to stay within the boundaries of my ability without crashing and burning on a weekly basis. So while your tears are for tiredness Thomas mine are tears of joy for being able to do this and to do this with you and Lewis after so many years of saying sorry, I’m too tired.

 Back to the beautiful Laig Bay

 Think I’ll give the beach a miss tonight. An early night is in order.

 Rum from the front door. That’s as far as I got tonight.

As much as possible I try and capture video from my Landscape Photography shoots nowadays, last Autumn I started taking videos to document my shoots specifically, I haven’t done that at all this year however I am still keen to capture these amazing places. As such I captured this video below of our walk up An Sgùrr. A great compliment to the photographs and a family day out to remember forever.

You can see tomorrows photos from Eigg here and my collection of Isle of Eigg Prints available to purchase here in my gallery.