~Wintry Wycoller~
19th December 2010
Not long since my last visit, but options a little limited with only a couple of hours to play with. Andrew said he would come along, that's unusual. I debated whether or not to take the camera, how can this walk be different from the same one in the snow two weeks ago? Well, you never know there might be something worth framing.
Wycoller Hall
Scroll down for photos and a description of the day....
Misty View
It's just after 1pm and we have parked on Keighley Road, Laneshawbridge. This is the view across the fields and it looks chilly.
Chancing on Ice
Andy takes his chances. This is the first time I've seen the river frozen in this way.
Approaching Wycoller, we climbed out of the mist and saw a clear blue sky.
Wycoller Fields
Wycoller Tearoom
Needless to say, Ratcliffe & Son went in search of food, see later.
Wycoller Bridges
Almost a timeless scene, I suppose the fingerpost (right) would not have been there when Charlotte Brontë wrote Jane Eyre and is presumed to have been inspired by Wycoller Hall in her conception of Ferndean Manor.
Aylesbury Duck
Either it's following me around, or there's more than one in this area. Last seen in Colne Water, Colne on 30th October.
The Pack Horse Bridge
An artist would remove those bloody cars!
Sunshine on Snow
The deceased hawthorn tree will soon be down and out. It's a shame. I can remember the tree in blossom, years ago. It's been dead for a year or two and will be on the floor quite soon.
Snow and Fog
Quite soon we will be back in the "freezing fog". Andy's iPhone App tells us that the local temperature is -7°C, I'm not going to disagree. How come both my sons have iPhones and I have an ageing Nokia that sometimes goes off when it gets cold?
Wish You Were Here?
Freezing Fog
Nearly Back
Always take your camera! The mist / freezing fog made quite a difference. The tearoom is now closed until Sunday 26th December when it is open for one day and open again from Tuesday 28th December.
Walkers: Andy Rat & Me
Time taken: 1hr 50 mins over a distance of about 2.5 miles, time includes dwell time in the tearoom.
Weather and conditions: Cold winter's day with a mixture of sunshine and freezing fog.
Greetings Count: A good assembly of well-wrapped walkers.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Scotch Broth for me, Pie & Peas for Andy. Very good, prompt service. Walkers should bear in mind that sometimes the tearooms get full, especially on fine summer days. Be patient, have a walk up the river and come back in 20 minutes. If still full, slash the tyres of the cyclists that have hogged all the best tables!!
John Corcoran's Paintings - click the link and have a look at his "Winter in Wycoller" - he moved the cars!
Scotch Broth & Dumplings!
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©
Take me back to the start ....