The Old Ways – Limers Gate

By Lesley Jackson | 7th February 2018 - 8:58 pm | 28th January 2019 Local Countryside, Seasons, Walkers' Paradise, Winterwatch, Yorkshire Dales

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An invigorating early morning hike from Elmet Farmhouse to watch the sunrise on Limers Gate above the village of Pecket Well. Crisp snow, blue skies and pinkish light on the hills beyond Crimsworth Dean.

Initially climbing up onto Wadsworth Moor along Deer Stones Edge, then up to the trig point at High Brown Knoll, which has been painted with a red heart. From here, walking along Limers Gate in fairly deep snow, the path rather difficult to follow. Amazingly clear views all the way to Upper and Lower Gorple Reservoirs and beyond to Widdop Reservoir, the dam clearly visible covered in snow and the water bright blue.

Dropping down off the ridge to Wilcock Dam, wonderful colour contrasts between the orange grass and the pristine white snow, the dam astonishingly vivid blue. Sublime views of Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike during the descent to Pecket Well.

7 February 2018

Hiking in Hardcastle Crags

By Lesley Jackson | 24th July 2017 - 5:23 pm | 31st July 2017 Hardcastle Crags, Local Countryside, Seasons, Walkers' Paradise, Yorkshire Dales

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A Summer Saunter through Hardcastle Crags

A summer saunter through the woodland paradise of Hardcastle Crags in Hebden Dale near Hebden Bridge on 22 July 2017. Starting at Widdop Gate, looping around via Blake Dean, then climbing up to the Crags before dropping down to Gibson Mill.

Returning back through the woods along the banks of Hebden Water, criss-crossing the river over the three footbridges, then ascending to the top of the woods, looking across to Walshaw Lodge before climbing back up the steep steps to Widdop Gate.

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Bluebell Bonanza

By Lesley Jackson | 5th June 2017 - 6:51 pm | 15th August 2018 A Year in the Life of Elmet, Bluebells, Hardcastle Crags, Local Countryside, Springwatch, Walkers' Paradise, Yorkshire Dales

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A haze of blue
The bluebells are spectacular in Hardcastle Crags throughout the month of May
These slopes are near Gibson Mill
Springtime is idyllic in Hardcastle Crags
Wild garlic - known as ramsons - also flower in the spring

Bluebell Bonanza

May is a fabulous time of year in the valleys around Hebden Bridge because the woods are awash with bluebells. The last two years’ displays have been particularly intense because of the hot spring weather. These photos were taken in May 2017 and May 2018 in the beautiful wooded dales of Hardcastle Crags and Crimsworth Dean, both just a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse.

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Photos of the Month 2017

By Lesley Jackson | 9th February 2017 - 4:59 pm | 27th December 2017 A Year in the Life of Elmet, Architectural Gems, Birds & Wildlife, Heather, Local Countryside, Photos of the Month, River of Mist, Seasons, Walkers' Paradise, Yorkshire Dales

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Elmet Farmhouse Photos of the Month: 2017

A hand-picked selection of recent photos featuring views from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge and snapshots of the surrounding countryside in and around the Upper Calder Valley

December 2017

View from Elmet Farmhouse in the snow, with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall on the horizon

The snow-capped hilltop village of Heptonstall, directly opposite Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well

The towering monument of Stoodley Pike on the snowy ridge above Hebden Bridge

Trig point at High Brown Knoll on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well, a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse

Looking towards Warley Reservoir from High Brown Knoll on a snowy December morning

A lovely snowy winter walk up onto the tussocky moorland above Elmet Farmhouse

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

November 2017

Late autumn in Crimsworth Dean – the bracken has turned to russet but the grass is still a vibrant shade of green

Charolet cattle grazing in their scenic hilltop meadows above Crimsworth Dean and Hardcastle Crags

The precipitous bracken-covered slopes of Blake Dean at the top end of Hardcastle Crags

Late autumn splendour at Blake Dean

Blake Dean, where Alcomden Water and Graining Water meet to form Hebden Water, running through Hardcastle Crags

Hardcastle Crags, one of the most beautiful woodlands in the country, on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse

Stoodley Pike on a fine November day – no better destination for a hike near Hebden Bridge

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

October 2017

Elmet at Elmet! Congratulations to Fiona Mozley, whose highly-acclaimed novel Elmet was shortlisted for the 2017 Man Booker Prize. A new addition to the library at Elmet Farmhouse, alongside the Brontes and Ted Hughes

Autumn view from Elmet Farmhouse, as featured on the cover of Ted Hughes’s Remains of Elmet

Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall with autumn sunshine bouncing off the hills

Jewel-like colours on the hilltop hay meadows at Heptonstall

Residual purple in the heather moorland above Blake Dean beyond Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

September 2017

View of Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at 7.25am on 19 September 2017 – beautiful pinky-purple light on the hills beyond

Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall in the early morning sunshine, with the trees in Hardcastle Crags just starting to turn

Multiple pockets of early morning mist clinging to the woods in Hardcastle Crags, viewed from Crimsworth Dean

River of mist in the Calder Valley between Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike, photographed at 6.54am on 19 September 2017

The magnificent newly-restored Halifax Piece Hall, built in 1779 for merchants to trade locally-made hand-woven woollen cloth

Looking more like an Italian piazza than an 18th century cloth market, the impressive Grade I Listed Halifax Piece Hall now houses cafes and shops and provides a unique venue for outdoor events

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

August 2017

This month’s photos are devoted to the spectacular display of heather above Widdop Reservoir, not far from Hardcastle Crags. Seen here is a dramatic rocky outcrop called Dove Stones slicing up through the heather moorland on Widdop Moor.

View along Great Edge, a rocky gritstone outcrop running for a mile or so above Widdop Reservoir

Great Edge with heather in full bloom on Widdop Moor

Widdop Reservoir from Widdop Moor

Widdop Reservoir from Great Edge in the early morning sunshine

Cludders Slack above Widdop Reservoir

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

July 2017

Deer oh deer! A beautiful roe deer kid in the field at Elmet Farmhouse, one of pair of twins born in our hay meadow in June.

Double at t’mill! Gibson Mill reflected in the millpond in Hardcastle Crags on a lovely sunny July morning.

View of Gibson Mill with the old packhorse bridge in the heart of Hardcastle Crags

Hebden Water, the river running through the narrow gorge-like valley of Hardcastle Crags, with its verdant summer canopy

First cut: the start of this year’s haymaking in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse, with the panoramic backdrop of Heptonstall Church and Stoodley Pike

Making hay while the sun shines in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse. The grass is turned several times so that it dries out before being baled.

View from Elmet Farmhouse with swathes of mist rising up from Hardcastle Crags and swirling around the hilltop village of Heptonstall, taken at 7.30am on 23 July 2017

© Photos copyright Ian Fishwick and Lesley Jackson

June 2017

The magical hidden valley of Jumble Hole Clough, one of the numerous spurs off the Upper Calder Valley near Hebden Bridge

The atmospheric ruins of Staups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough

Golden plover chick on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well – listen out for the peeps

Curlew in Crimsworth Dean

On the tops above Walshaw between Crimsworth Dean and Hardcastle Crags

Well-fed lambs on the lush green slopes above Hardcastle Crags with golden buttercups in the hilltop hay meadows across the valley

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

May 2017

One subjects dominates this month… bluebells

An aurora borealis of bluebells in Hardcastle Crags

Close up and personal with the bluebells and stitchwort in Hardcastle Crags

Bluebells carpeting the earth beneath the trees in Hardcastle Crags

Newly-unfurled beech leaves overhanging Hebden Water in the woodland paradise of Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

April 2017

Lamb piggy back in Crimsworth Dean

Number 1: new-born lamb in Crimsworth Dean

Early spring sunshine in Crimsworth Dean

Ramsons (aka wild garlic) in the woods in Crimsworth Dean

A river of ramsons rampaging down the steep slopes of Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

March 2017

Mill chimney in Colden Clough near Heptonstall

Evocative remains from a huge complex of mills in the woods near Lumb Bank in Colden Clough

Elmet Farmhouse in the spring sunshine with a dazzling display of daffodils

View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well, looking towards Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike

The handsome stone mullion windows of 18th century Elmet Farmhouse, with forsythia and daffodils in the garden

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

February 2017

River of Mist in Hardcastle Crags below Elmet Farmhouse with Stoodley Pike on the horizon

Mist clearing in Pecket Well Clough below Elmet Farmhouse

Expectant sheep at Grain Farm in Crimsworth Dean

Heron nest-building in the treetops above Hardcastle Crags

Early morning above Colden Clough near Heptonstall

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

January 2017

Stoodley Pike from bridleway above Horsehold, near Hebden Bridge

View from Pecket Well towards Heptonstall

View along Crimsworth Dean towards Stoodley Pike

Sheep in the bracken in Crimsworth Dean

Walshaw Lodge above Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Photo Journal – January 2017

By Lesley Jackson | 1st January 2017 - 9:18 pm | 28th July 2017 Birds & Wildlife, Local Countryside, Photo Journal 2016 - 2017, Walkers' Paradise, Yorkshire Dales

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Have you had your Five a Day?

Five photos taken on walks in the countryside and villages around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley, interspersed with views from Elmet Farmhouse in the village of Pecket Well, and a few forays further afield. Yorkshire at its finest. Enjoy!

These are the last entries in my Five A Day Photo Journal covering 12 months from 1 February 2016 to 31 January 2017. Scroll down to see how the landscape and the natural world evolves from season to season over the course of the year.

31 January 2017

Walshaw Lodge above Hardcastle Crags

View across Hardcastle Crags towards Heptonstall Moor

Looking across Hardcastle Crags near Walshaw, with Heptonstall Moor on the far hilltop

Moorland between Walshaw and Crimsworth Dean

Pony on top of the moor

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

30 January 2017

Former quarry in Crimsworth Dean, below Shackleton Hill

Track through a copse of Scots Pine trees near boundary of National Trust estate in Crimsworth Dean

Meadow in Crimsworth Dean, at the foot of Shackleton Hill, where Ted Hughes camped as a child

View from Walshaw across Hardcastle Crags towards Stoodley Pike

Looking towards Slack Top and Stoodley Pike across Hardcastle Crags from Walshaw

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

29 January 2017

View from Elmet Farmhouse at 10.30 am as the early morning fog was clearing

Blue sky over the woods in Crimsworth Dean at at 11.37 am

The beauty of leafless trees in winter

An oak tree in Crimsworth Dean, near Mideghole

Drystone retaining wall of disused dam in Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

28 January 2017

This year we will be wearing…

… lots of extra layers…

… because it’s cold out there

… in Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

27 January 2017

Freezing fog makes for some intriguing visual effects – that’s Old Town mill chimney on the right

View from Pecket Well War Memorial, looking towards Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike, with River of Mist in the Calder Valley

Three monuments in alignment: Stoodley Pike, Heptonstall Church and Pecket Well War Memorial

Pecket Well War Memorial honouring the dead from the First and Second World Wars – echoing the obelisk form of Stoodley Pike

Peachy sky over Old Town early on monday morning

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

26 January 2017

Extras from Baa-Baa Land in Martin Parr’s old haunt of Crimsworth Dean

As retweeted today by the Martin Parr Studio!

Crimsworth Dean looking rather ethereal early yesterday morning

Nonconformist sheep in Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

25 January 2017

Beautiful pink sky in Crimsworth Dean at 8.15 am this morning

Sunrise over Old Town

View along Crimsworth Dean towards Heptonstall

Old Town Mill chimney on the horizon from Crimsworth Dean at 8.11 am

Crimsworth Dean on an early January morning

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

24 January 2017

Hebden Dale from Pecket Well War Memorial at 7.50 am this morning

Old Town Mill chimney silhouetted against the sunrise at 7.45 am this morning

River of Mist in the Calder Valley at 8.55 am yesterday morning

Sunset in Crimsworth Dean last friday afternoon

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

23 January 2017

View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge at 9 am this morning

Freezing fog at dawn melted into a River of Mist at sunrise

Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall separated by the River of Mist

Hard frost on the hills, mist in the valleys

Stoodley Pike rising above it all

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

22 January 2017

The Queen of Crimsworth Dean

Top of the Flocks

View along Crimsworth Dean in late afternoon January sunshine

Heptonstall Church in the centre, Stoodley Pike on the far right

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

21 January 2017

Yesterday’s glorious sunset at Elmet Farmhouse

After days of overcast skies the cloud lifted – this was the scene earlier in the day at 2.50pm

Rosy sunset after a warm sunny day spent planting apple trees in the field

Perfect backdrop to Stoodley Pike

Looking towards the west from Elmet Farmhouse at 4.45pm

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

20 January 2017

Beautiful sunset in Crimsworth Dean at 4.10pm this afternoon

Pink haze over Crimsworth Dean with Stoodley Pike on the far horizon

Pastoral scene in Crimsworth Dean

Stoodley Pike framed by the steep wooded slopes of Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

19 January 2017

Percy the Pheasant in the field in front of Elmet Farmhouse

Muted view from Elmet Farmhouse on a mild cloudy January morning

Fungi on lilac tree in the garden

Beautiful patterns and colours

Ivy-clad gateposts and ornate Victorian gate leading into the field in front of Elmet Farmhouse

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

18 January 2017

Crimsworth Dean Beck near Midgehole and Hardcastle Crags

Still some copper-coloured leaves clinging to the beech saplings in Crimsworth Dean

Cornus ablaze at Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean

Packhorse bridge over Crimsworth Dean Beck at Wheat Ing

View from Pecket Well towards Heptonstall on a mild misty January morning

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

17 January 2017

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Crimsworth Dean on a mizzly January morning

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Leafless trees silhouetted against the misty landscape

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Everything is in soft focus and looking rather muted

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Pecket Well ponies looking a bit bedraggled

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But at least they live in a des res

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

16 January 2017

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Looking down on Luddenden Dean from Wadsworth Moor

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Snowy expanse on Wadsworth Moor, looking in the direction of Crimsworth Dean

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Reservoir on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well

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Winter heather with its characteristic deep purplish-brown hue contrasting with the snow

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Wadsworth Moor above Old Town a couple of days ago

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

15 January 2017

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Walking up to Limers Gate up on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well yesterday morning

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Sun blazing on the snowy hills

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Swaledale sheep camouflaged in the snow

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Here today, gone tomorrow…

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Enjoy it while you can!

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

14 January 2017

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Snowy panorama from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge

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Stoodley Pike looking particularly magnificent, the snow highlighting the contours of Langfield Common, the ridge on which it stands

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Heptonstall looking positively alpine

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Our recentCanadian guests compared the view to the Rockies, and you can see why!

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Pecket Well War Memorial with Hardcastle Crags and Shackleton Hill beyond

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

13 January 2017

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Spectacular sunset at Elmet Farmhouse at 4.20 pm yesterday afternoon

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Amazing colours reflected off the newly-fallen snow

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This view is across the fields from here at Pecket Well towards Lower Crimsworth

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Heptonstall church is just visible on the horizon on the left

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

12 January 2017

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Snowy panorama from Elmet Farmhouse at noon today

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We’re back in the throes of winter

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Pecket Well War Memorial on Smeekin Hill with mist rising from Hardcastle Crags

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A blizzard of sorts, but not particularly heavy

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Pecket Well Clough in the middle distance with Heptonstall on the hill above Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

11 January 2017

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge at 11am

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Ivy clad gateposts flanked by lilac and laburnum trees

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View from Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the horizon

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Stoodley Pike on the far side of the Calder Valley

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Winter sunhsine on the village of Heptonstall perched on the hill above Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

10 January 2017

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Hebden Bridge in the winter sunshine…

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… glowing with pride after winning the Great British High Street Competition

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Not only Best Small Market Town…

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But the People’s Choice as well, attracting 40,000 votes from its admirers

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Hip Hip Hooray for Hebden Bridge! What a top-notch little town

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

9 January 2017

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Aternoon sunshine in evergreen Crimsworth Dean

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“I’m ready for my close up”

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Aerial vew of Crimsworth Dean, looking towards The Steps

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Well-insulated sheepin Crimsworth Dean, ready for whatever the winter has to throw at them

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Rosy Crimsworth Dean sunset on New Year’s Day, with Stoodley Pike in the distance

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

8 January 2017

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Lumb Falls in Crimsworth Dean

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Two waterfalls side by side with a plunge pool below

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Packhorse bridge over Crimsworth Dean Beck above Lumb Falls

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Looking downstream along Crimsworth Dean Beck from the packhorse bridge

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And looking upstream along Crimsworth Dean Beck from the packhorse bridge at Lumb Falls

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

7 January 2017

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Ruins of 13th century chapel at Heptonstall

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Weavers Square in Heptonstall with the tower of the chapel in the background

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Alleyway with arched gateway near the churchyard in Heptonstall

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Top ‘oth Town, next to Weavers Square in Heptonstall

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

6 January 2017

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Pink early morning sunshine on the frosty hills above Hardcastle Crags at Blake Dean

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Blake Dean wearing its winter coat

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Hardcastle Crags below Widdop Gate at 9 am

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Sun catching the tops of the hills through the trees in Hardcastle Crags

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Farm on the horizon near Widdop Gate above Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

5 January 2017

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Heavy frost at Blake Dean, Hardcastle Crags

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Frost-coated bracken by Hebden Water

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Parting of the Red Sea

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Scots Pine and rocky outcrops near Blake Dean

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

4 January 2017

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View from Elmet Farmhouse in the village of Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge at 12.30 pm today

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With Stoodley Pike in the distance and Heptonstall on the horizon, surely this is one of the most perfect panoramas in Yorkshire

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A glorious view all year round

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Here it is again with a pinkish glow at 15.40 pm in the afternoon two days ago

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And back to the here and now

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

3 January 2017

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Hebden Bridge beaming in the January sunshine

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Winner of the Best Small Market Town in the Great British High Street Competition

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What a heroic achievement!

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What an amazing setting…

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… what a remarkable town

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

2 January 2017

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A walk to Stoodley Pike on beautiful frosty January morning

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The stark beauty of leafless trees

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Sheep on the hillside below Stoodley Pike

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Busy day up at Stoodley Pike – the fine weather brought people out in throngs!

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View across the Calder Valley from Stoodley Pike

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

1 January 2017

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Crimsworth Dean at 15.20 pm

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Late afternoon sun in Crimsworth Dean

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Sheep at Walshaw

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Grain Farm in Crimsworth Dean

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Thrush in Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Photo Journal – December 2016

By Lesley Jackson | 2nd December 2016 - 6:20 pm | 28th July 2017 Birds & Wildlife, Local Countryside, Photo Journal 2016 - 2017, Walkers' Paradise, Yorkshire Dales

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Have you had your Five a Day?

Five photos taken on walks in the countryside and villages around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley, interspersed with views from Elmet Farmhouse in the village of Pecket Well. Yorkshire at its finest. Enjoy!

31 December 2016

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Frosty morning in Crimsworth Dean

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Scots pines in Crimsworth Dean

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Starlings at Walshaw

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

30 December 2016

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Sheep on meadows at Walshaw above Hardcastle Crags

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Stoodley Pike beyond Slack Top

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Slack Top from Walshaw

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Blake Dean from Walshaw Moor

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

29 December 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 8.36 am

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Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the horizon

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

28 December 2016

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Sunset at Elmet Farmhouse at 15.20 pm

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Highland cattle above Pecket Well Mill

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Stoodley Pike from Wadsworth Moor at 4.20 pm

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

27 December 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 12 noon

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Pecket Well War Memorial

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

26 December 2016

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Tree bole in Hardcastle Crags

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Beech leaves covering the path in Hardcastle Crags

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Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

25 December 2016

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Christmas tree in living room at Elmet Farmhouse

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Christmas grotto under the stairs

Festive festoons on the cabinet in the living room, ready for our Christmas guests

Ingredients for our Christmas pudding…

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Christmas cake fresh out of the oven

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

24 December 2016

Churchyard Bottom in Heptonstall – completely derelict during the 1970s, now restored

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Village pump in Heptonstall

Silver Street in Heptonstall, lined with weavers’ cottages with stone mullion windows

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Heptonstall Primary School, still thriving today

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Grand residence above Heptonstall

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

23 December 2016

Heptonstall’s beautifully preserved main street…

Lined with handloom weavers’ cottages….

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Silver Street, the cobbled main road running steeply uphill through Heptonstall

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The handloom weavers are long gone but their cottages remain

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

22 December 2016

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16th century gateway on Northgate in Heptonstall inscribed JB 1578

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Heptonstall courtyard

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Grand three-storey house on the main street running through Heptonstall, indicating the village’s former wealth

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Handloom weavers’ cottages in Heptonstall

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Towngate Tea Room in the centre of Heptonstall

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

21 December 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 11.40 am…

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Same old view but subtly different each day

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Pecket Well Clough falling away steeply below the village

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Stoodley Pike and Hetponstall on the horizon at midwinter

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A significant turning point – now the days start to get longer and lighter again

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

20 December 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 2.30pm on a sunny December afternoon

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Still compelling even in the depths of midwinter

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The majestic outline of Stoodley Pike with interleaved hills

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Silhouette of Heptonstall church with prickly scaffolding on one side

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Crimsworth Dean Beck from Lumb Falls

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

19 December 2016

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Stoodley Pike from Heptonstall…

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Hazy mist in the Upper Calder Valley

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The stark beauty of winter

Stoodley Pike on the brow of Langfield Edge

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Stoodley Pike framed by leafless trees from Heptonstall

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

18 December 2016

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A beautiful sunset in Crimsworth Dean with Stoodley Pike on the horizon

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Some unusual sheep in Crimsworth Dean

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Their faces are so woolly that you can hardly see their eyes!

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They thought I was bringing them some food

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Watery winter late afternoon sunshine in Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

17 December 2016

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Lumb Falls in Crimsworth Dean

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Best seen after heavy rain

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Old packhorse bridge above Lumb Falls

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Crimsworth Dean Beck flowing under the packhorse bridge

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Another view of Lumb Falls in Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

16 December 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well at 9.20 am

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Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike…

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…on a hazy December morning

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Mild weather at Pecket Well as Midwinter approaches

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

15 December 2016

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Heptonstall church in the mist from Colden Clough

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Dry stone walled field enclosures below Stoodley Pike on a rather murky December morning

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Bridlepath along the top of woods above the Calder Valley near Hebden Bridge

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Steep road up from Horsehold above Hebden Bridge paved with stone setts

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Woods at Horsehold, just outside Hebden Bridge

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

14 December 2016

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Crimsworth Dean at 8 am this morning…

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…with Heptonstall church just visible in the mist

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Beautiful soft pinky-purple sky over Crimsworth Dean at sunrise

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Clouds illuminated from below at sunrise

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Pastoral idyll – sheep grazing at Grain Farm in Crimsworth Dean at 8.40 am

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

13 December 2016

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View along Luddenden Dean

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Looking towards the Castle Carr estate in Luddenden Dean

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White cow with black muddy bootees in Crimsworth Dean

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(Below) Buzzard wheeling above Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

12 December 2016

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River of Mist in the Calder Valley from up on high at Deer Stone Edge above Pecket Well

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River of Mist in Hardcastle Crags…

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… just below Pecket Well War Memorial

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Spectacular sunrise at 8.08am on Deer Stone Edge, with Emley Moor transmitter in the distance…

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Compare and contrast… Emley Moor transmitter poking out of sea of mist viewed from Heptonstall Moor near Colden

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

11 December 2016

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Our old friends, the pigmy goats, in Luddenden Dean

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Looking very dapper

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Push me, pull you?

When it comes to beards, these goats are ahead of the pack

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The mild December weather has spawned some spectacular fungi

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

10 December 2016

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Octagonal Methodist Chapel in Heptonstall -directly across the valley from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well

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Built in the mid 18th century and a favourite preaching place of John Wesley

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18th century marriage stone on Northgate in Heptonstall

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Some of the many handsome houses lining the main cobbled street in Heptonstall

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

9 December 2016

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Atmospheric ruins of the old church at Heptonstall…

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… dating back to the 13th century

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The ancient village of Heptonstall is extremely well preserved and unspoilt

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It’s full of interesting historic buildings

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No wonder it’s a conservation area

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

8 December 2016

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Rocks at Hell Hole near Heptonstall, high up above Hebden Bridge

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Huge rocky outcrops are perched on the steep hillside

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The cliff-like rockfaces are partially hidden by trees…

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… but can be explored via a network of paths

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View of Lumb Bank from Hell Hole at Heptonstall – formerly owned by Ted Hughes, now the home of the Arvon Foundation

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

7 December 2016

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Early morning sunshine on one side of the Calder Valley

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View from Hell Hole at Heptonstall, looking down on Hebden Bridge and the Calder Valley

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Boundary wall of Lumb Bank in Colden Clough near Heptonstall

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Steep path running down from Lumb Bank

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The path runs down through the woods in Colden Clough below Heptonstall to Hebden Bridge

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

6 December 2016

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Chimney of Old Town Mill from Crimsworth Dean on a frosty winter morning

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Is this a shooting star? Probably not, but it’s rather magical nevertheless

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Looking along Crimsworth Dean towards Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike

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Steep path down to Lumb Falls in Crimsworth Dean, one of many old packhorse tracks

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Lumb Falls in Crimsworth Dean on a frosty winter’s morning – no one swimming there today – Brrrr!

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

5 December 2016

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Early morning mist rolling up onto the moors from Pecket Well

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Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning

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Sunrise at High Brown Knoll above Pecket Well

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A sea of mist playing strange tricks…

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Sunrise at Deer Stone Edge above Pecket Well

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

4 December 2016

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Crimsworth Dean with Stoodley Pike on the far horizon

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Late afternoon sunshine in Crimsworth Dean

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Still plenty of green in Crimsworth Dean, even at midwinter

View towards Blake Dean and Gorple Reservoir from Walshaw Moor

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Sheep grazing on hilltop meadows above Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

3 December 2016

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Slack Heptonstall on the brow, looking across Hardcastle Crags

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Stoodley Pike in the distance beyond Slack

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Sheep grazing at Walshaw

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Hardcastle Crags in the valley below Walshaw

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The rare orange sheep of Walshaw!

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

2 December 2016

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Ruins of the old church in Heptonstall

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This ancient building dates back to the 13th century

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The evocative remains of the old church…

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… just across the graveyard from the new church, built in the 19th century…

… where Sylvia Plath was buried in 1963

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

1 December 2016

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Old Town Mill above Hebden Bridge

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View from Old Town towards Heptonstall

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Packhorse bridge in Nutclough on the outskirts of Hebden Bridge

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Looking down Nutclough from the packhorse bridge

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Misty Mornings & Serene Sunsets

By Lesley Jackson | 28th November 2016 - 12:24 am | 31st July 2017 A Year in the Life of Elmet, Autumnwatch, River of Mist, Sunsets, Yorkshire Dales

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Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness

The many moods of Autumn at Elmet Farmhouse, perched on the hilltop at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge. Misty mornings and serene sunsets during November 2016, with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the horizon.

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Snow-Capped Pennine Hills

By Lesley Jackson | 19th November 2016 - 11:17 pm | 31st July 2017 A Year in the Life of Elmet, Local Countryside, Seasons, Yorkshire Dales

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Snow-Capped Pennine Hills

Last week we had our first dusting of snow overnight up here at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge, but by the following day it had all disappeared. Yesterday we had our second dose, with blizzards for most of the day up on ‘the tops’. Today we’ve had alternating snow and rain, so it’s pretty slushy underfoot.

These photos show a snow-clad Elmet Farmhouse and wintry views of Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike. Below are the steep wooded valleys of Hardcastle Crags and Crimsworth Dean, with swathes of mist rising up from the trees.

November 2016

© Text and photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Autumn Glory

By Lesley Jackson | 17th November 2016 - 2:57 pm | 28th July 2017 Autumnwatch, Hardcastle Crags, Local Countryside, Seasons, Walkers' Paradise, Yorkshire Dales

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Autumn Glory

Wow! Just look at these astonishing colours in Hardcastle Crags and Crimsworth Dean. Autumn came late to the Upper Calder Valley this year. It wasn’t until mid to late October that the trees really began to turn because of the unseasonably warm weather. But when Autumn finally arrived, it was worth waiting for. Truly glorious! An explosion of russet, auburn and gold.

The woods in the deep, plunging steep-sided valleys around Hebden Bridge are amongst the best in Yorkshire. On a sunny October afternoon or a misty early November morning, there’s no greater pleasure than wandering along the riverside paths by Hebden Water and Crimsworth Dean Beck, drinking in the intoxicating colours.

Even now, in mid November, there are still leaves on the trees. Enjoy them while you can! All just a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well, which has a bird’s eye view of this breathtaking panorama…

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© Text and photos copyright Lesley Jackson

Photo Journal – November 2016

By Lesley Jackson | 17th November 2016 - 12:34 pm | 28th July 2017 Autumnwatch, Birds & Wildlife, Local Countryside, Photo Journal 2016 - 2017, Walkers' Paradise, Yorkshire Dales

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Have you had your Five a Day?

Five photos taken on walks in the countryside around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley, interspersed with views from Elmet Farmhouse in the village of Pecket Well. Yorkshire at its finest. Enjoy!

30 November 2016

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View from Crimsworth Dean at 8.30 am

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Stoodley Pike in the distance, sunrise on the frosty hills

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Sheep with their winter woollies in Crimsworth Dean

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Early morning sunshine on the frosty slopes of Crimsworth Dean

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Sun rising over Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

29 November 2016

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Crimsworth Dean clad in its winter attire at 8.20 am

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Now that’s what I call a hard frost!

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Iced bracken in Crimsworth Dean

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Ice-coated catoneaster at Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean

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Even the Crimsworth cows have turned to ice!

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

28 November 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 5.10pm

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Another spectacular pinky-orange sunset

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Heptonstall Church on the hilltop opposite Pecket Well

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Perfect end to a beautiful day

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

27 November 2016

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More highlights from yesterday morning’s River of Mist…

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These photos were taken about an hour and a half after those illustrated yesterday’s entry

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The mist is gradually thinning and dispersing…

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Same view of Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well – but changing minute by minute as the River of Mist flows through the valleys

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

26 November 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 8.50 am…

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A heavy frost and a sea of mist…

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Heptonstall floating in mid air…

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And Stoodley Pike hovering in the heavens

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An astonishing sight to wake up to

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

25 November 2016

Another serene sunset at Elmet Farmhouse…

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Heptonstall, Hardcastle Crags and Stoodley Pike at 2.50 pm…

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…suffused by a pinky-orange radiance

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Late afternoon sunshine casting long shadows…

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… and bathing the hills

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

24 November 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well…

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…on a serene November afternoon

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Stoodley Pike perched on the rolling Pennine hills

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Heptonstall church silhouetted on the horizon

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Not a bad panorama for a winter’s day

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

23 November 2016

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Kitling Bridge at the top of Kitling Clough below Pecket Well

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The last glorious days of autumn in Kitling Clough, also known as Pecket Well Clough

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Looking down the steep stone paved packhorse track to Kitling Bridge

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Streams merging in Pecket Well Clough, running down to Hardcastle Crags, where they merge with Crimsworth Dean Beck

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A carpet of newly fallen beech leaves beneath the vibrant autumn canopy in Pecket Well Clough

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

22 November 2016

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The last leaves on the trees and the last snow on the ground in Crimsworth Dean

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A rather amazing contrast of colours…

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… as winter overtakes autumn

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Shimmering pinky gold beech leaves in Crimsworth Dean

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Hardcastle Crags and Shackleton Hill from Pecket Well War Memorial with snow and mist

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

21 November 2016

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Highland cattle in Pecket Well

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On the hunt for tussocks of grass sticking out of the snow

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Pecket Well in the snow….

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Looking towards Oxenhope Moor from Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well

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Sunset at Stoodley Pike

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

20 November 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 4pm

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Elmet Farmhouse bathed in pink late afternoon sunshine

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A still afternoon and a beautiful sunset

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Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall church silhouetted against the pink sky

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Sun setting in the west across the snowy fields from Elmet Farmhouse

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

19 November 2016

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Wintry view from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well

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The black obelisk of Stoodley Pike towering over the snowy landscape

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The tower of Heptonstall Church also standing out against the snow

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A cold day with alternating snow and rain…

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… mist rising up from the wooded valleys of Hardcastle Crags and Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

18 November 2016

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View of Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse – snow on the tops and a swathe of mist in the valley

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Overnight snow, followed by another deluge in the morning

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These photos were taken at around 3.40pm during a blizzard, hence the dark sky

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Elmet Farmhouse looking pretty as a picture in the snow

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Snow-capped walls and snow-laden plants in the garden at Elmet Farmhouse

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

17 November 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 9 am in the morning

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Compare and contrast with the photos from late yesterday afternoon

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Because the sun is shining from the opposite direction…

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It illuminates the landscape in a completely different way

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Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike in a soft pinky-orange glow

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

16 November 2016

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View from Elmet Farmhouse at 15.50 pm

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Heptonstall illuminated by shafts of late afternoon sunshine

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The light changes every minute…

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Shafts of sun radiating through the clouds on Heptonstall

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You need to have your camera at the ready when you come to stay at Elmet Farmhouse to catch these spectacular effects

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

15 November 2016

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Heron in Hardcastle Crags…

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… doing a spot of breakfast fishing

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This weir is one of the herons’ favourite spots in Hardcastle Crags

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I see herons here regularly on my early morning walks

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Dippers are also resident by Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags – like a robin but with a white breast

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

14 November 2016

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Crimsworth Dean

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Picturesque railings near the main dam in Crimsworth Dean

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Dam through beech leaves

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Crimsworth Dean Beck from hillside above

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Traffic light colours – red, yellow and green – in Crimsworth Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

13 November 2016

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Mill dam in Crimsworth Dean…

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… with dazzling autumn foliage

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Even the beech leaves on the surface of the dam retain their vibrant colours

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Crimsworth Dean Beck running through the woods near Midgehole

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Weir on Crimsworth Dean Beck with full load following the melting of the recent snow

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

12 November 2016

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A few spots of rain won’t dampen our spirits

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The woods in Crimsworth…

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…are still alive with colour

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And Crimsworth Dean Beck has lost none of its vivacity

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

11 November 2016

The next day we step back from winter to autumn again

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Even after the ice and snow, many of the leaves are still on the trees

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And the autumnal hues in Crimsworth Dean are undiminished

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Mill dam strewn with beech leaves in Crimsworth Dean

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A carpet of beech leaves underfoot but plenty still on the branches above

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

10 November 2016

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Suddenly, out of the blue, the first snow of the winter arrives…

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… powdering the slopes of Stoodley Pike…

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…and dusting the hills near Pecket Well

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Here today, gone tomorrow

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But we were all caught somewhat unawares

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

9 November 2016

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Merger of Graining Water and Alcomden Water to form Hebden Water at Blake Dean

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A picturesque spot in a rugged landscape

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Part of the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags

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Bracken at Blake Dean

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Where the bracken meets the woods near Blake Dean

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

8 November 2016

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Gibson Mill, Hardcastle Crags

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Gibson Mill…

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… from across the dam and the river

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Footpath at Hardcastle Crags covered with beech leaves

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Hebden Water near Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

7 November 2016

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Rowan berries…

…near Blake Dean

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… at Hardcastle Crags

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Hebden Water, just below the confluence of Graining Water and Alcomden Water at Blake Dean

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

6 November 2016

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Bracken ablaze at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags

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Autumn glory at Blake Dean

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Graining Water at Blake Dean

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Beech tree at Hardcastle Crags

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

5 November 2016

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Fabulous fungal flowers on a fallen tree trunk on Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags

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Bonfire night in Hardcastle Crags…

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Who needs fireworks with a display like this?

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

4 November 2016

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Hardcastle Crags ablaze!

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The woods at Hardcastle Crags are beautiful all year round but particularly exciting in the autumn

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Oak leaves on the turn

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Beech trees spilling over Hebden Water

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Fern-decked cliffs by the river in Hardcastle Crags

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

3 November 2016

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Autumn glory in Hardcastle Crags

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Hold on to these vibrant colours…

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…They’ll keep you warm during the winter months

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Hebden Water upstream of Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

2 November 2016

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Hebden Water in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags

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The autumn colours in Hardcastle Crags have been intoxicating this year

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I just can’t get enough!

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A small weir on Hebden Water upstream from Gibson Mill

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© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson

1 November 2016

It’s fungi season down in Hardcastle Crags

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Mycologists of the world unite!

Is it a space age dwelling? Not it’s just fungi sprouting mulitple canopies on a tree in Hardcastle Crags

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Ascent to Clough Hole from Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags

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Last gasp of the bracken on the oopen slopes near Gibson Mill

© Photos copyright Lesley Jackson