Winter. Howling winds, driving rain and slate grey skies are no fun.
But when it’s freezing cold and the sun is shining, walks are bracing and photographs shimmer.
Here are the fruits of recent walks around Manchester when the light was beautiful.
Autumn leaves radiated, canals dazzled with reflections and new buildings were stellar against crisp blue backdrops. What a time to be alive with a camera…
How’s the weather where you live today? January has been mostly grey, miserable and sodden here in Manchester.
But in December there was a prolonged blast of frozen weather with bone-bitingly chilly temperatures.
The city turned into a different place, with stellar light throwing out glossy blues, industrial plumes of steam and strong reflections in still waters.
I spent a day with photographer William Perugini on his first visit to Manchester. It was a very cold, productive day filled with Arctic magic.
Yorkshire is just a hop from Manchester, and I took a day trip to explore the scenic Calder Valley. CONTINUES BELOW
The thriving canalside town of Hebden Bridge appears at first glance to be traditionally Yorkshire but is filled with lovely little independent shops and cafes, making it a real draw for visitors.
It is also home to a sizeable LGBT community, making it an unexpected place to find rainbow flags proudly flying and gay friendliness.
I decided to take an uphill hike to the village of Heptonstall, enjoying delightful views of Hebden Bridge and surrounding countryside as I climbed.
Historic Heptonstall is a beautiful little place of dark stone cottages, but most famed for its shell of a church which was abandoned in 1847 after a devastating storm. A new church was built next door. The ruins still feel oddly alive.
I got so caught up in this abandoned building that I forgot to visit the grave of poet Sylvia Plath. Next time…
The visit ended with a hearty pub lunch and getting caught in a sudden shower of rain. I would return to this area and heartily recommend it.
Have you visited Hebden Bridge? Why not share your impressions below.
Canada geese rule Manchester’s waterways. There is a healthy population patrolling the canal next to my Castlefield home close to the city centre.
Some residents complain about their noise and mess. Others think they’re bold, beautiful birds and part of the landscape.
Varying shades of light and the water make them arresting subjects to photograph…
This is when your return from a lovely day out is so well-timed that you catch a beautiful sunset.
Winter is closing in here in Manchester, and the walkway near Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop is an excellent place to watch the sun slide away. The sky is pierced with urban silhouettes, adding detail to sundown frames. Down by the canal, there’s a purple haze to the water and a few lit windows beckon you into cosy interiors.
The northern chill seems to bring more dramatic colour schemes to the darkening sky. It may no longer be warm and the nights are lengthy and dark, but isn’t that a small price to pay?…
