River Usk

Before returning home for the summer, I went on a day trip to Abergavenny. The original plan was to walk in the hills but I couldn't seem to find the start of any of the footpaths. Instead I found myself wandering along the banks of the Usk, which was very pleasant. It seemed I was in the middle of nowhere alone with the birds and the field of horses across from me. Here I stopped to take in the view behind me. The river diverted alongside rocky shores here so that the main body of water is to the left of the frame.

Oxford's Camera

A short break to Oxford was taken over the Easter holidays from university. Most days were overcast and this came with rain. However we did catch some sunny interludes. I was most pleased to come across the Radcliffe camera in the sunshine, with a clear blue sky behind as it is an iconic building of the Oxford skyline. The building was built from 1737-1749 and designed by James Gibbs to house the university science library. Today it houses english and historical texts and has underground links to the Bodleian library.

Clifton Observatory

 I feel very lucky to live only minutes away from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. It is somewhere that I hope to go one time and capture the sunset. I just missed it when I went for an evening walk a couple of weeks ago and instead got to see these wonderful pink clouds. The building here is the Clifton Observatory which houses a camera obscura and also a pathways down into the cliffs to look over the gorge which is something I hope to visit before I leave Bristol in the summer.

Clifton Observatory, Clifton, Bristol, UK

Taking the Plunge

Taken at ZSL London Zoo last summer. The Penguin Beach exhibit is wonderful with its large glass fronted area so you can watch the birds swimming. I managed to capture this shot more by luck than anything as the Penguins are so fast when swimming about that most photos turn out as black and white blurs.

Bristol Ferries

Last summer before heading home for the holidays I opted to take a ride around on the Bristol Ferry. These small boats with their friendly crew take you around the floating harbour for a decent price for a hop on/off ticket. I took the boat all the way to both ends of its route. To one end it offers a service to Temple Meads train station the other goes up to Hotwells and then you can hop off at the S.S Great Britain which is what I chose to do. Here I thought the flag waving in the breeze with the colourful houses in the background made for a nice shot.

Cold Plunge

The Fairie Pools on the Isle of Skye are gorgeous. Located in Glen Brittle and a short and not too strenuous walk from the car park these are definitely worth going to visit. To the East the pools and Glen are overlooked by the Cuillin, the largest mountain on the island. We took the stroll up to the pools, although did not go all the way. having found a pool with a reasonably easy scramble down to the water, I decided to go for a swim. The water in the pools is crystal clear, deep and absolutely freezing. It is well worth taking warm clothes with you or perhaps investing in a wet suit like the other people swimming that day.

Fairie Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye.

Tower Bridge

This December I found myself with a few hours to kill in London. I decided that I would do a little it of sight seeing and so visited Tower Bridge. There is a glass platform on the top levels which is quite a nice addition but did get rather busy with people taking photos. After my visit I decided to walk along the river bank and this is where I captured this photo from. Rather randomly the Coca-Cola christmas lorry was parked up behind me at the time.

Tower Bridge, London, UK.

Camden Lock

Camden in London happens to be one of my favourite places in the capital for shopping. It's full of interesting shops and unique little stalls within the markets. This photo was taken on a bright summer day when we had gone for a wander down the river, looking back towards the market. Although the clouds are over exposed here there is something about the light and the colours that really makes me like this photo.

Camden Lock, Camden, London, UK