North Devon
After I moved to North Devon in July of 2018, I started to explore more. This is a collection of pictures from all around this region including Exmoor, Lynton, Lynmouth and the Heddon Valley, also Ilfracombe and Saunton Sands.
Often these pictures are taken whilst on walks when I see amazing weather or views develop in front of me as I wander along with my dog. Other times, I'll head out at a specific time with a certain picture in mind, but that rarely goes to plan!
August 2021 - This picture shows the “Summer Lights” of Ilfracombe and was taken during the busy holiday period when most lights of the town would be active. A particular feature is the lights of Fore Street right in the centre winding down the street, plus the Oldenburg and many other boats in and around the harbour. It also shows the lights of the coast path around Capstone to the right, the Torrs and then Lundy in the far distance, look closely to see its lighthouse flashing to the right!
July 2017 - The walks around Countisbury enjoy some stunning views because of its high position. The views generally look over towards the Channel or over Exmoor. In this case we’re looking back towards Exmoor and down into the trees of the Lyn Valley. At the bottom of the valley is the Watersmeet garden. The image was taken in August when the beautiful purple Heather is at its beautiful best.
June 2018 - This image includes many great features of the Exmoor coastal landscape with its large rocky cliffs. Taken in mid summer after a long period of warm dry weather and in the late evening sunlight giving the landscape a golden appearance. The picture also features Lee Abbey and the distinctive Valley of the Rocks with its evening shadows cast behind. In the distance is Foreland Point Lighthouse.
September 2019 - This is a prominient row of thatched cottages on the corner of Lynmouth opposite the harbour. The flowers and signs in the late summer sun really stand out against the white of the buildings and the picket fence. The buildings contain popular attractions including the Harbourside cafe on the corner and the Rising Sun Hotel.
June 2018 - This picture was taken from Hillsborough which offers many excellent views over Ilfracombe and beyond as you climb the path to the summit. This was an early summer sunset which cast its beautiful light on some of the higher sea facing buildings and also the wildflowers in the foreground. The sea and sky were lit an amazing orange which contrasted the mainly green land perfectly!
July 2019 - A beautiful warm summer evening at Saunton Sands, the picture was taken at 8:40pm. At this time of year, the sun sets over Saunton Down which was perfect for getting this picture including both the beach huts and the sun. As the sun was low, it created the shadows on the sand in front of the beach huts and there was a warm glow which made the bright colours stand out proudly.
October 2018 - Everyone who knows Watersmeet knows the birds that gather around the tables, on the fences and posts. Usually it’s Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches, Nuthatches and of course Robins. It’s a great highlight of a visit to try and capture a picture of a bird close up. This particular Robin seemed happy to pose for pictures on the fence for a long time and seemed to want to show off its best red side!
June 2018 - The tide here in Ilfracombe\North Devon has the second highest rise and fall in the world, so at low tide the water completely drains out of this harbour making a completely different image. This picture at dusk on an early summer evening, captures the boats bobbing on the shiny surface of the water and the reflection of the lights. To the right is Verity standing proudly at the busy harbour entrance.
May 2018 - This lime kiln found on the beach at Heddon's Mouth was originally restored by National Trust in 1982. In the 19th century, limestone and coal were brought across the Bristol Channel and burnt in the kiln to make the lime needed to counteract the acidity of the local soil. Get there by strolling through ancient woodland alongside the River Heddon, between some of England's highest cliffs.