Wednesday 25 September 2013

The Waggonways and Sundial country park

Principally a place to post photographs my side interest is edgelands created by the demise of Industrialisation and the reclamation of derelict land. How long would it take for nature to reclaim the land. Plants have the ability to grow in the most diverse and inhospitable enviroments and often this is a greater attraction as a enviroment for a wider range of wildlife than the open countryside.     Originally laid down in the 17th century the waggonways were used to transport coal by horse drawn cart across the Northern coalfield and were later converted to steam during the historic Stephenson trials. They are now utilised as cycle and pathways and are part of an extensive network stretching around North Tyneside and other 'reclaimed' industrial areas.  Long straight paths with no focal point, ideal corridors for the passage of birds, animals and insects are not so enticing for the human whether on bike or foot and like motorways are used to zip people from a to b, Percy main to Backworth and back again. too many covert cameras too many suspicious eyes on someone not on a bike, jog, dog walk, route march or trudge to work.          


Much better are the side paths, leafed lanes, not so extensive that lead off into distances and are worth a detour and explore away from paranoia and the sanctuary and bustle of greenery.


Crackling and fizzing in the drizzle overhead power lines mark the skyline in a way thats difficult to ignore. The Sundial park as its locally known, a reclaimed rubbish tip, is ringed by roads and office blocks but it is possible to get lost in quiet corners. 
    
 


 



Sunday 1 September 2013

Tynemouth outdoor pool - Faded glory

Among the Northeasts iconic landscapes the crumbling remains of the once loved outdoor tide fed swimming pool lies almost unnoticed in a rocky corner of Tynemouth Longsands beach. Once an integral part of a day out its now mostly ignored and edited out of souvenir photographs. It still has a faint whiff of the faded glamour of its glory days. Built in 1925 it now has the rusting crumbling look and atmosphere of a once luxurious cruise liner. The crumbling concrete and flaking paint still has a beauty but requires a different point of view, and realistically whichever way its viewed its a shame.







Tuesday 16 April 2013

Langwathby station, Settle to Carlisle railway. Brief Encounter cafe

Langwathby station and cafe, On the Settle to Carlisle railway  was closed ( as we often found, unlucky I guess) on the day we went hoping to recreate some of the romance and nostalgia of 'Brief encounter'. One day we'll have tea and cakes there.








Lady's well. Holystone, near Harbottle in Northumberland.

In a tranquil, ancient and oddly beautiful glade. Walking along a track, past stone built farm houses and washing that wasn't quite white I became aware of the knock, knock, knock of a water pump sending water off to the village. We headed further along towards the picket fence a little out of the village which was where the baptismal pond or watering hole lay. A place genuinely of quiet contemplation where the history of the place is ongoing and very much a part of the landscape in which it sits. I had a chat with a lady who was on a pilgrimage around the religious  sites of Northumberland before she went home after 35 years.  " I like to come here, although you're rarely on your own", even though its a hidden gem in the truest sense. The waters dark and shimmering moved around by the swirling breeze, but coming close I realise it's probably only two to three foot deep.


Possibly a  Roman watering hole , definitely medieval it's fed by a natural spring that supplies water to the village of Holystone.
                                                                                                                               

Almost hidden in the landscape  as you approach you can hear the knock of a water pump. If you look on google maps the pond is virtually invisible hidden beneath the canopy of trees.

I was amazed by the quantity and sound of birds in the village