Sep
4
2009
Eilean Donan Castle, Wester Ross, Scotland, Fine Art Prints.
Strategically placed where three sea lochs meet – Loch Long, Loch Duich and Loch Alsh. Eilean Donan Castle offered a perfect defensive position around the mid 13th century. The castle itself was re-built between 1912 and 1932 by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap. A testament to his incredible feat of determination and devotion.
The setting for a number of films including James Bond, Highlander and The Avengers.

no comments | tags: castle, eilean donan castle, loch alsh, loch duich, loch long, scotland, wester ross | posted in landscapes
Feb
19
2009
Bolam Lake, Northumberland, fine art prints.
Bolam lake is sited off the A696 just past Belsay Hall. An artificial feature created by John Dobson in 1818,With fishing, boating, woodland walks, lakeside meadows and picnic areas it’s a nice area to loose yourself for a while. Plenty of wildlife, with various varieties of birds which often feed from your hand, red squirrels are also a common sight!

no comments | tags: bolam lake, Featured Photography, john dobson, landscape prints, northumberland | posted in landscapes
Jan
22
2009
Lindisfarne Castle, Holly Island, Northumberland, Fine Art Prints.
Lindisfarne originally named by the Anglo-Saxons later Holy Island by the monks of Durham, after the Norman conquest. Holy Island can only be reached at low tide via a 3 mile causeway. The causeway itself is closed 2 hours before high tide and for up to 3 hours after due to the many who have been caught out and stranded by the fast approaching tides. A fantastic place to visit, steeped in history with beautiful scenery and sometimes spectacular sunsets. With Castle, Monastery and Winery making it’s very own Lindisfarne Mead (the honeymooners drink) an alcoholic fortified wine made from fermented white grapes, honey & herbs, said to have aphrodisiac qualities enhancing fertility.

no comments | tags: Benedictine, holy island, lindifarne, monks, north east coast, northeast coast, northumberland coast, northumbria coast, northumbrian coast, st aidan, st cuthbert, st oswald | posted in landscapes
Jan
13
2009
Sycamore Gap, Northumberland fine art prints
The Robin Hood Tree came about when it was used as a setting in Kevin Costner’s “Robin Hood Prince of Thieves” in fact about the first twenty minutes of the film was shot from this location, (or so I believe). It has to be said however that Sherwood Forest is a good 160 miles from here and therefore very unlikely that Robin Hood ever visited this area. I have passed this tree on a couple of occasions and although it’s well set back and a good walk from the road, it stands tall and proud, extremely hard to miss, even when driving past. Set along Hadrian’s Wall (itself some 73 miles long) surrounded by hills, lakes and Roman remains, there really is an immense awe about this place which is steeped in history.

2 comments | tags: digital images, fine art prints, Hadrians Wall, landscape photography, Sycamore Gap, sycamore gap northumberland | posted in landscapes
Dec
1
2008
Tanfield Railway, Newcastle fine art prints.
Tanfield Railway The Oldest Working Railway In The World. Originally the purpose was for the movement of coal from nearby collieries to ships on the River Tyne. The oldest part was the Lobley Hill section c1647 which closed in 1964. The surviving 1725 Sunniside to Causey section is now the World’s Oldest Working Railway and the Causey to East Tanfield section dates from 1839. The engine shed at Marley Hill was built in 1854 and in colliery use until 1970.

no comments | tags: coal, collieries, durham, gateshead, hexham, newcastle, north east uk, oldest working railway in the world, pits, stanley, steam trains, sunderland, tanfield railway | posted in landscapes