Formby: A wonderful winter beach

January 9, 2022January 9, 2022 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Formby on the Merseyside coast is one of north-west England’s most popular seaside spots.

But there’s no glitzy resort town, built-up promenade or lines of beach huts. Just acres of sand, rolling dunes and pine forests to explore.

More than three years after my first visit, I returned on a chilly winter’s day and in the wake of Storm Arwen, which felled large pine trees on the roads leading to the beach.

My walk along the sand blew all the cobwebs away, while epic clouds began to fill the sky. So long as you’re wrapped up warm, a winter beach is wonderful, don’t you think? Please leave your comments below

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Wild northern dunes

April 15, 2018April 14, 2018 / mikeosbornphoto / 11 Comments

This was an escape from Manchester to the Merseyside coast.

Formby isn’t your usual jolly seaside resort, but a haven of tall sand dunes, gnarled pine trees and a broad stretch of beach.

Wind turbines stand tall out to sea and the mighty city of Liverpool is in view.

It’s a place to clamber, walk and inhale the bracing air – not to mention capture in photographs.

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Desert sea

March 12, 2017January 11, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 15 Comments

Qatar isn’t all about its ultra-modern, glittering capital city Doha. In fact, you don’t have to travel far to explore the desert wilderness of this Arabian country. A popular excursion is taking a jeep to the wastes for some exhilarating ‘dune bashing’, a spot of camel riding and to see this small country’s hidden gem.

The Khor al Adaid – or Inland Sea – is a channel of the Arabian Gulf which cuts deep into the desert. It’s a sparkling blue body of water separating Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Aside from the odd jeep, it’s calm, quiet and mostly unspoilt. There are no high-rise resorts here. You’re likely to be offered this trip in Qatar – my advice is to go and take your camera with you.

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Fabulous Fuerteventura

June 30, 2013September 5, 2024 / mikeosbornphoto / 10 Comments

It’s a little speck of Spanish territory off the coast of Africa that contains photographic riches beyond its size. Clear blue skies, light to die for, intriguing natural features and eye-catching architecture.

This definitive album from my stay there features some shots I’ve yet to unveil – and there still some left over. It’s an indication of the influence this island exerts over your compulsion to click.