Gateshead Attractions Were Closed

On Tuesday, I decided to go to the Quays area of Gateshead/Newcastle as I knew it well from our week there in 2012 and wanted to do some photography in the Baltic Contemporary Centre and the wonderful Sage building. Unfortunately the Sage was closed to the public and the Baltic had only one Gallery open. I had an enjoyable day photographing what I could in the area and walking into Newcastle city centre and back over the High Bridge.

Hadrian's Wall

I visited two of the areas (Birdoswald and Walltowncrags) where the wall, which was built in by the Romans in AD122 onwards, are well preserved. Amazing to think these structures have survived over two thousand years.

Lanercost Priory, Cumbria

The Augustinian Lanercost Priory lies in a beautiful Valley close to Hadrian's Wall, It suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign. The 13th-century church survives to its full height at the east end with a dramatic triple tier of arches. The  building continues as the parish church but just the north aisle has been reroofed and  used.

Lakes Evening Light

After a very enjoyable day near Carlisle with the Western area of the Northern Counties Federation talking about images, I did a short detour round a bit of the north of the Lake District and just down to Ullswater. Beautiful light. Many thanks, Jack, for a well-organised day.

Sunset M66 Cumbria

Once over the top of the M66,  I was faced by a dramatic skyscape.

Route 66 UK Style

I drove from Cambridge to Carlisle yesterday afternoon via the A1 and A66. The roads were fine until the high region of the A66 where it started to snow heavily as I stopped for a few photos and the road quickly began to cover over. I made it across slowly to the West where there was a great view of the snowy hills at sunset (to follow). I was intrigued by a large flock of starlings roosting on the ground at the top of the moors.

Mondrian at Harlow

I have been staying at Travelodge near the Queensgate Centre in Harlow to do a couple of lectures before heading North to Carlisle today. Full of colours and shapes so a fun collage of various details of the buildings etc.