Spring got off to a spectacular start in Manchester and across the UK.
For three weeks we enjoyed dry, sunny and settled weather thanks to a prolonged period of high pressure.
My local high rise buildings gleamed blue under the sun. The cherry blossom season also flourished.
I took a trip to Dunham Massey south of the city to see the gardens sparkle. What a time to take photographs – and be alive!
Winter in Manchester. The days are shorter and darker.
On my daily walks around the city with my phone in my pocket, I try to find colour and light in these harder times.
I was lucky enough to travel to a warm country in January and missed some snowfall and winter storms. But it’s not over yet and we’re still waiting for the release that Spring brings.
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…
It’s safe to say that winter is over, even here in the north of England.
Spring has burst out with tree blossoms, seasonal flowers and green shoots.
I paid a Spring visit to RHS Bridgewater, a public garden on the outskirts of Salford. The sun was shining and the tulip beds were a riot of colour. Dandelions had taken over the meadows.
What’s not to like?!
In my Manchester neighbourhood of Castlefield, there is one tree which gives a sumptuous show of pink blossoms every year – and 2023 is no exception
The trees are putting on a show around Manchester city centre, including this one at Angel Meadow catching the full force of some Spring sunshine
Entwistle Reservoir in Lancashire is just a 30 minute train journey from Manchester. It’s a beauty spot that changes greatly with the seasons. Enjoy the photographs and read more below
My first visit to Entwistle was on a chilly February morning. The area was cloaked in a ghostly blanket of fog while the reservoir’s levels were very healthy.
Fast forward to July and a summer heatwave with piercing blue skies. The waterways were noticably depleted and green blooms of algae were taking hold. It looked a very different place to the winter.
A walk to the magnificent Entwistle Viaduct on both visits was a real contrast. In winter it reflected perfectly in plump waters. By summer the scene was drought-ridden and tainted by algae.
No matter what the season is, Entwistle and the adjacent Wayoh reservoir is a popular place for walkers and their dogs, with the calm waterways and surrounding tranquil forests.
Back in the heat of July, I had to stop for a refreshing drink and hearty pub lunch at the Strawbury Duck before heading back to Manchester.
Entwistle Reservoir is a place I’d go back to for a good walk with my camera and to observe the changing seasons.
