Charlecote Park, near Stratford, England. (18/4)
Legend has it that poet and playwright William Shakespeare may have poached here. Charlecote is an imposing house overlooking the River Avon, and has been the home of the Lucy family for over 800 years. The house was built by Sir Thomas Lucy in the 1550's.
The house looks Elizabethan but is largely Victorian, having been recreated in the Tudor style in 1823 , and removing changes made by successive generations of Lucys. The general outline of the Elizabethan house remains.
The history of Charlecote includes a two-night stay by Queen Elizabeth in 1572. And poet/playwright William Shakespeare is said to have left Stratford for fame and fortune in London after being punished by Sir Thomas Lucy for poaching deer in his park.
Legend has it that poet and playwright William Shakespeare may have poached here. Charlecote is an imposing house overlooking the River Avon, and has been the home of the Lucy family for over 800 years. The house was built by Sir Thomas Lucy in the 1550's.
The house looks Elizabethan but is largely Victorian, having been recreated in the Tudor style in 1823 , and removing changes made by successive generations of Lucys. The general outline of the Elizabethan house remains.
The history of Charlecote includes a two-night stay by Queen Elizabeth in 1572. And poet/playwright William Shakespeare is said to have left Stratford for fame and fortune in London after being punished by Sir Thomas Lucy for poaching deer in his park.
Loch Droma, Scotland. (23/7)
Beside the road to Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland.
Standing on rock, Arthur Shannon, and Keith Wickenton crouching.
Rocks in Loch Droma provide a vantage point for viewing the scene.
Loch Droma is the highest water source in the Conon hydro-electric scheme, which is made up of six major dams and seven power stations. The loch’s water is used up to three times to generate power as it moves through the scheme.
Originally formed by a glacier, the capacity of the loch was increased in the mid-20th century by the construction of a dam wall to create a reservoir.
Loch Droma freezes over in winter, and the area is said to be one of the coldest place in the United Kingdom.
Beside the road to Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland.
Standing on rock, Arthur Shannon, and Keith Wickenton crouching.
Rocks in Loch Droma provide a vantage point for viewing the scene.
Loch Droma is the highest water source in the Conon hydro-electric scheme, which is made up of six major dams and seven power stations. The loch’s water is used up to three times to generate power as it moves through the scheme.
Originally formed by a glacier, the capacity of the loch was increased in the mid-20th century by the construction of a dam wall to create a reservoir.
Loch Droma freezes over in winter, and the area is said to be one of the coldest place in the United Kingdom.
Warwickshire, England. (19/4)
Austin A40 Somerset negotiating a ford near Kenilworth Castle.
Austin A40 Somerset negotiating a ford near Kenilworth Castle.
Somerset, England. (27/3)
A view of the high limestone cliffs in the Cheddar Gorge.
In caves off the gorge, the oldest complete British skeleton of a man was found in 1903. The skeleton has been dated at 9000 years old.
The caves also contained human bones dated at up to 13,000 years old.
A view of the high limestone cliffs in the Cheddar Gorge.
In caves off the gorge, the oldest complete British skeleton of a man was found in 1903. The skeleton has been dated at 9000 years old.
The caves also contained human bones dated at up to 13,000 years old.
Lancashire, England. (3/7)
A view over Tarn Hows, a small lake high in the mountains of Lancashire.
Writer Beatrix Potter bought the land containing the tarn in 1930 and gave it to the National Trust, half immediately and the remainder in her Will.
A view over Tarn Hows, a small lake high in the mountains of Lancashire.
Writer Beatrix Potter bought the land containing the tarn in 1930 and gave it to the National Trust, half immediately and the remainder in her Will.
Another view of Tarn Hows. (3/7)
This small lake in Lancashire is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the English Lake District.
This small lake in Lancashire is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the English Lake District.
Grasmere Lake. (4/7)
This is one of the smaller lakes in the Lake District, Westmorland, England. The photo shows the town of Grasmere in which the famous poet William Wordsworth lived.
This is one of the smaller lakes in the Lake District, Westmorland, England. The photo shows the town of Grasmere in which the famous poet William Wordsworth lived.
Rydal Water, Westmoreland, England. (4/7)
Rydal Water is a small lake in the central part of the English Lake District, and has three small islands. It is located near the hamlet of Rydal,
The lake is only 1.18 km (1290yards) long and varies in width up to a maximum of 350m (380yards). Its deepest part is 17metres ( 65 ft).
Rydal Water is both supplied and drained by the river Rothay, which flows from Grasmere upstream and towards Windermere downstream.
No boating is allowed except for residents of Rydal Hall whose estate owns the northern part of the lake.
At the western end of the lake, steps lead to Wordsworth's Seat, which is said to have been the poet William Wordsworth's favourite spot in the Lake District.
Rydal Water is a small lake in the central part of the English Lake District, and has three small islands. It is located near the hamlet of Rydal,
The lake is only 1.18 km (1290yards) long and varies in width up to a maximum of 350m (380yards). Its deepest part is 17metres ( 65 ft).
Rydal Water is both supplied and drained by the river Rothay, which flows from Grasmere upstream and towards Windermere downstream.
No boating is allowed except for residents of Rydal Hall whose estate owns the northern part of the lake.
At the western end of the lake, steps lead to Wordsworth's Seat, which is said to have been the poet William Wordsworth's favourite spot in the Lake District.
Devon, England. (18/3)
A semi-wild Dartmoor Pony makes new friends , Aland and Keith Wickenton, on Dartmoor.
The Dartmoor Pony has lived in south-western England for centuries. Because of the extreme weather conditions experienced on the moors, the Dartmoor is a particularly hardy breed.
Over hundreds of years it has been used as a working animal by local tin miners and quarry workers.
Pony numbers on the moor have been declining steadily since the 1930s.
A semi-wild Dartmoor Pony makes new friends , Aland and Keith Wickenton, on Dartmoor.
The Dartmoor Pony has lived in south-western England for centuries. Because of the extreme weather conditions experienced on the moors, the Dartmoor is a particularly hardy breed.
Over hundreds of years it has been used as a working animal by local tin miners and quarry workers.
Pony numbers on the moor have been declining steadily since the 1930s.
The Bowder Stone, Borrowdale Valley, Cumbria, England. (5/7)
Scientists believe the huge rock was deposited by a melting glacier from the Ice Age after being transported in ice from Scotland. The stone, perfectly balanced on one edge, is estimated to weigh 2000 tons (2000 tonnes). It measures 9 metres (30ft.) high, 15 metres (50ft.) across and 27 metres (90ft.) in circumference. The name is believed to be derived from Balder, son of a Norse god, Odin. The site is a dedicated memorial to King Edward VII who died in 1910.
Scientists believe the huge rock was deposited by a melting glacier from the Ice Age after being transported in ice from Scotland. The stone, perfectly balanced on one edge, is estimated to weigh 2000 tons (2000 tonnes). It measures 9 metres (30ft.) high, 15 metres (50ft.) across and 27 metres (90ft.) in circumference. The name is believed to be derived from Balder, son of a Norse god, Odin. The site is a dedicated memorial to King Edward VII who died in 1910.
Lands End, Cornwall. (22/3)
Arthur Shannon (L) and Keith Wickenton at Lands End.
A small headland on Penwith Peninsular, Lands End is the extreme westerly point on the mainland of England.
It is not the most southerly point. That is Lizard Point, also in Cornwall, about 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Penzance.
Lands End is often used to suggest a vast distance in the United Kingdom.
Land's End to John o' Groats in Scotland is a distance of 1,349 km (838 miles) by road and this distance is used to define races, walks or charitable events in the UK.
Many people think, incorrectly, that John O Groats is the most Northerly point in the United Kingdom. In fact, Dunnet Head about 5 kilometres ( 3 miles) from John O Groats, has that distinction.
Arthur Shannon (L) and Keith Wickenton at Lands End.
A small headland on Penwith Peninsular, Lands End is the extreme westerly point on the mainland of England.
It is not the most southerly point. That is Lizard Point, also in Cornwall, about 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Penzance.
Lands End is often used to suggest a vast distance in the United Kingdom.
Land's End to John o' Groats in Scotland is a distance of 1,349 km (838 miles) by road and this distance is used to define races, walks or charitable events in the UK.
Many people think, incorrectly, that John O Groats is the most Northerly point in the United Kingdom. In fact, Dunnet Head about 5 kilometres ( 3 miles) from John O Groats, has that distinction.
Derwentwater,Cumberland,one of the main lakes in the English Lake District. (5/7)
The lake ,near the town of Keswick, is both fed and drained by the River Derwent. It measures approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) long by 1.6 km (1 mile) wide and is some 22 m (72 feet) deep.
There are several islands within the lake, one of which contains Derwent Island House, an 18th century residence. The famous poet William Wordsworth, who lived in the Lake District, was upset by the building, feeling it spoiled the view.
The lake ,near the town of Keswick, is both fed and drained by the River Derwent. It measures approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) long by 1.6 km (1 mile) wide and is some 22 m (72 feet) deep.
There are several islands within the lake, one of which contains Derwent Island House, an 18th century residence. The famous poet William Wordsworth, who lived in the Lake District, was upset by the building, feeling it spoiled the view.
Looking from Honister Pass, east towards Borrowdale Valley, Cumberland.England. (5/7) Honister Pass reaches an altitude of 356 metres ( 1167 feet) making it one of the highest roads in the English Lake District. It is also one of the steepest, with gradients of up to
1-in-4.
1-in-4.
In Burnham Beeches
Forest, Buckinghamshire,
England. (30/6)
The forest was purchased by the City of London Corporation in 1879 to ensure the retention of the beech and oak woodland. Many of the trees are several hundred years old.
The forest was purchased by the City of London Corporation in 1879 to ensure the retention of the beech and oak woodland. Many of the trees are several hundred years old.
Beech trees at Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire, England. (30/6)
The area of ancient woodland covers some 220 hectares (540 acres) about 40 kilometres (25 miles) to the west of London.
The area of ancient woodland covers some 220 hectares (540 acres) about 40 kilometres (25 miles) to the west of London.
The valley of the River Dee, Aberdeenshire , in the Highlands of Scotland. (26/7)
The photo was taken from a hill high above the river a few miles from the village of Braemar.
It's the closest significantly-sized settlement to the upper course of the River Dee.
On 6 September 1715 John Erskine, Earl of Mar, raised the Jacobite standard at Braemar, instigating the rising against the Hanoverian Succession to the throne of the United Kingdom.
The photo was taken from a hill high above the river a few miles from the village of Braemar.
It's the closest significantly-sized settlement to the upper course of the River Dee.
On 6 September 1715 John Erskine, Earl of Mar, raised the Jacobite standard at Braemar, instigating the rising against the Hanoverian Succession to the throne of the United Kingdom.
Aberdeenshire,Scotland.(26/7)
The bridge over the River Dee, near Braemar.
Initially built in 1527, the structure was rebuilt between 1718 and 1723, and was widened in 1841. But the bridge still sits on its original 16th century piers!
The bridge over the River Dee, near Braemar.
Initially built in 1527, the structure was rebuilt between 1718 and 1723, and was widened in 1841. But the bridge still sits on its original 16th century piers!
Chequer pattern of hedged fields near Barnstaple, North Devon, England. (26/3)
Barnstaple lays claim to being the oldest borough in the United Kingdom.
By the time of the Domesday Book, Barnstaple had its own mint.
Its size and wealth in the Middle Ages was based on it being licensed to export wool through the town's excellent port.
Five ships were sent from Barnstaple to fight against the Spanish Armada in 1588 .
Barnstaple lays claim to being the oldest borough in the United Kingdom.
By the time of the Domesday Book, Barnstaple had its own mint.
Its size and wealth in the Middle Ages was based on it being licensed to export wool through the town's excellent port.
Five ships were sent from Barnstaple to fight against the Spanish Armada in 1588 .
Travelling down a typical Dartmoor road near Widecombe, Devon, England. (18/3)
Dartmoor is now a National Park protected moorland of about 954 square kilometers (368 square miles).
Dartmoor is now a National Park protected moorland of about 954 square kilometers (368 square miles).
View over Blea Tarn, Westmoreland, England. (4/7)
Aland (L) and Keith Wickenton crouching at the edge of Blea Tarn, in England's Lake District.
The Tarn is forested on its western shore and a great show of rhododendrons is also found there.
Fish living in the tarn are brown trout, perch and pike.
Blea Tarn was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1989 because of its importance for palaeo-environmental studies. Pollen analysis from the Tarn shows evidence of elm branches having been collected as fodder from 3300 BC and forest clearances occurring from around 3000 to 2000 BC.
This period corresponded with a specialised stone tool (particularly stone axes) manufacturing factory in the area.
Aland (L) and Keith Wickenton crouching at the edge of Blea Tarn, in England's Lake District.
The Tarn is forested on its western shore and a great show of rhododendrons is also found there.
Fish living in the tarn are brown trout, perch and pike.
Blea Tarn was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1989 because of its importance for palaeo-environmental studies. Pollen analysis from the Tarn shows evidence of elm branches having been collected as fodder from 3300 BC and forest clearances occurring from around 3000 to 2000 BC.
This period corresponded with a specialised stone tool (particularly stone axes) manufacturing factory in the area.
Waterfall on the Blackwater River west of Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. (23/7)
Salmon were leaping at the upper fall when this photo was taken.
Salmon were leaping at the upper fall when this photo was taken.
Thirlmere, between Ambleside and Keswick ,Cumberland, England. (5/7)
Thirlmere is a reservoir in the English Lake District.
The growth of the industrial city of Manchester during the 19th century had led to an increased demand for water. To satisfy this demand Thirlmere was created in 1890–1894 by construction of a dam wall at its northern end.
Before this, the site was occupied by two smaller lakes.
The new reservoir was then able to supply water to Manchester via the Thirlmere Aqueduct, roughly 160km (100 miles) long.
The Aqueduct still provides water to the Manchester area and other parts of North West England.
Thirlmere is a reservoir in the English Lake District.
The growth of the industrial city of Manchester during the 19th century had led to an increased demand for water. To satisfy this demand Thirlmere was created in 1890–1894 by construction of a dam wall at its northern end.
Before this, the site was occupied by two smaller lakes.
The new reservoir was then able to supply water to Manchester via the Thirlmere Aqueduct, roughly 160km (100 miles) long.
The Aqueduct still provides water to the Manchester area and other parts of North West England.
Ducks at Barton Straithe, Norfolk Broads, England. (31/7)
Once thought to be natural water features, the broads have been proved as being formed from the effects of flooding of mediaeval peat excavations.
Once thought to be natural water features, the broads have been proved as being formed from the effects of flooding of mediaeval peat excavations.
Norfolk, England. (31/7)
Reeds in Ormesby Broad. Peat cutting in the 17th Century resulted in large areas of marshlands being created Norfolk.
Reeds in Ormesby Broad. Peat cutting in the 17th Century resulted in large areas of marshlands being created Norfolk.
High Sweden Bridge, above the Lake District town of Ambleside, Westmoreland, England. (6/7)
In 1952, some locals suggested the bridge may date from pre-Roman times. However, English Heritage which has listed the structure, dates it from the late 1600s.
A typical stone packhorse bridge of the region, it crosses the river Scandale Beck with a span of 4.2 metres (14 feet) and is 1.7 metres (68 inches) wide. Unlike many packhorse bridges, it has no low parapets.
In 1952, some locals suggested the bridge may date from pre-Roman times. However, English Heritage which has listed the structure, dates it from the late 1600s.
A typical stone packhorse bridge of the region, it crosses the river Scandale Beck with a span of 4.2 metres (14 feet) and is 1.7 metres (68 inches) wide. Unlike many packhorse bridges, it has no low parapets.
Lake District, England. (5/7)
Looking across Watendlath Tarn towards Fold Head Farm house.
The farm was used by the famous English novelist, Sir Hugh Walpole as the fictional home of his heroine Judith Paris in a series of four novels, set in Cumberland and published in the early 1930s.
Watendlath Tarn is stocked with brown and rainbow trout and is a popular fly fishing water.
Looking across Watendlath Tarn towards Fold Head Farm house.
The farm was used by the famous English novelist, Sir Hugh Walpole as the fictional home of his heroine Judith Paris in a series of four novels, set in Cumberland and published in the early 1930s.
Watendlath Tarn is stocked with brown and rainbow trout and is a popular fly fishing water.
Snow covered fields between Corwen, Wales, and Chester, England. (2/4)
View over the snow covered countryside, from the Wye Valley Guest House, Herefordshire, England. (30/3) Ross-on-Wye is claimed as the birthplace of the British tourist industry. In 1745, the local rector started taking friends on boat trips down the valley from his rectory at Ross.
Herefordshire, England. (29/3)
The River Wye from heights near the village of Symond’s Yat.
Light snow is falling.
Yat is an old word for “gate” or “pass” and Symonds was Sheriff of Herefordshire in the 1600s.
The River Wye from heights near the village of Symond’s Yat.
Light snow is falling.
Yat is an old word for “gate” or “pass” and Symonds was Sheriff of Herefordshire in the 1600s.
On the road from Ross-on-Wye to Hereford, England. (31/3)
Thick snow is seen along the road and in the fields.
Thick snow is seen along the road and in the fields.
Lake Llyn Padarn, North Wales. (1/4)
Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake and is dammed by glacial moraine. It’s about 3.2 Km (2 miles) long and at its deepest point is 29 m (94 ft) deep.
Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake and is dammed by glacial moraine. It’s about 3.2 Km (2 miles) long and at its deepest point is 29 m (94 ft) deep.
Abbotsford, near Galashiels, Scotland. (14/7)
This country mansion on the banks of the Tweed River was the home of famed Scottish author and poet Sir Walter Scott for the last 20 years of his life.
He added to an existing house to create the mansion which was completed in 1824.
The walls of the additions included many sculptured stones from ruined castles and abbeys of Scotland. The gardens of Abbotsford are virtually as they were in Scott’s time.
This country mansion on the banks of the Tweed River was the home of famed Scottish author and poet Sir Walter Scott for the last 20 years of his life.
He added to an existing house to create the mansion which was completed in 1824.
The walls of the additions included many sculptured stones from ruined castles and abbeys of Scotland. The gardens of Abbotsford are virtually as they were in Scott’s time.