Chasing Winter Light: A Sunday Stroll in Sowerby Bridge

 Date: December 1, 2019 Location: Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire Gear: Nikon D3300

There is something uniquely crisp about the first day of December. It marks the meteorological start of winter, where the light sits lower in the sky, the shadows stretch longer, and the air bites just enough to make you walk a little faster.

Back in 2019, I took my Nikon D3300 out for a Sunday wander through Sowerby Bridge. This corner of the Calder Valley is a photographer's playground, offering a perfect triad of subjects: the industrial stillness of the Rochdale Canal, the raw power of the River Calder, and the skeletal beauty of Dixon Scar Woods.

Join me on a walk through the frost and the history of West Yorkshire.

The Glassy Stillness of the Cut

The walk began on the towpath of the Rochdale Canal. One of the joys of canal photography in winter is the lack of boat traffic, which turns the water into a near-perfect mirror. The greenery of summer has faded, revealing the structural "bones" of the landscape—the stone walls and the bare branches.

The long view along the Rochdale Canal. The blue sky reflects perfectly in the water, creating a peaceful, leading line through the valley.

Moving closer to the town centre, the relationship between the waterway and the industrial heritage becomes clearer. Sowerby Bridge was built on wool and engineering, and the old mills still tower over the water.

Where industry meets leisure. A boat sits quietly moored beneath the towering stone walls of the converted mills.

Crossing the Canal

Crossing over the Rochdale Canal, I headed toward the River Calder. Unlike the man-made tranquillity of the canal, the river is untamed and energetic. To get there, you often have to traverse the old infrastructure that stitches this town together.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the "Co-Op Bridge." It isn’t pretty in the conventional sense—it’s rusted, covered in graffiti, and utilitarian—but it has character. It frames the transition from the urban streets to the wilder woods perfectly.

The texture of the city. The rusted iron lattice and stone steps of the Co-Op Bridge provide a gritty contrast to the nature that surrounds it.

The Roar of Hollins Mill

Just downstream, the sound of water dominates the air. The weir at Hollins Mill is a reminder of the power that once drove the industry here. Even on a calm day, the water rushes over the stone steps with impressive force.

A wide view of Hollins Mill Weir. You can see how the houses cling to the hillside, overlooking the tumbling water.

I spent some time here playing with the shutter speed on the Nikon D3300 to capture the movement of the water crashing over the historic stonework.

The power of the Calder. The intricate stonework of the weir breaks the water into white foam as it heads downstream.

Into Dixon Scar Woods

Crossing the river leads you into Dixon Scar Woods. This area feels ancient, especially in winter. The leaves had mostly fallen, carpeting the floor in varying shades of brown and gold, allowing the low winter sun to pierce through the canopy in spectacular fashion.

Looking back at the river from the edge of the woods. The mossy trees dip their branches into the cold, blue water.

The highlight of the walk, however, was the light in the clearing. The sun was positioned just behind the tree line on the ridge, creating a stunning "starburst" effect that illuminated the frosty mist clinging to the meadow. It was one of those moments you have to be quick to capture before the clouds shift.

The golden hour strikes at midday. A perfect sunburst through the trees illuminates the frosty grass and a dog enjoying a morning run.

The quiet meadow. The frost lingers in the shadows of the valley floor, creating a cool, textured foreground against the wooded hill.

Final Thoughts

Looking back at these photos from 2019, I'm reminded that you don't need to travel far to find beautiful landscapes. Sowerby Bridge offers a density of photographic opportunities—from gritty industrial textures to ethereal woodland light—all within a mile's walk.

If you ever find yourself in West Yorkshire on a crisp winter day, take a walk down the cut and into the woods. Just don't forget your camera.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

From Gallery Walls to Everyday Life: Reimagining Scotland’s Iconic Landscapes

 There is a specific kind of magic that happens when light, structure, and atmosphere collide. You’ve felt it—that moment a landscape makes you stop, breathe, and just look.

My latest collection takes those moments and transforms them into something you can touch. By blending high-definition photography with painterly, expressive textures, I’ve created four signature pieces that don’t just sit on a wall—they tell a story. Whether you are looking for a sweeping canvas for your lounge or a textured phone case that turns your tech into a masterpiece, the power to customize is in your hands through Zazzle.

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1. Ardrossan Beach: Your Daily Dose of Calm

The Vibe: Golden hour, low tides, and total stillness.

This isn’t just a coastal print; it’s a physical exhale. With its rich oranges and liquid golds, Ardrossan Beach is designed to soften the edges of a room. The painterly texture gives the image a dreamy, almost meditative quality that instantly invites calm.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: This piece glows on brushed metal prints or adds a touch of zen to a premium journal cover. It is also the perfect serene backdrop for tote bags or personalized postcards.

2. The Forth Bridge: Where Iron Meets Art

The Vibe: Scottish heritage, industrial strength, and cinematic warmth.

The Forth Bridge is an icon of engineering, but in this watercolour-style rendering, it feels like a living, breathing character. The warm illumination reflecting off the water creates a moody, sophisticated aesthetic that is perfect for a modern office or a heritage-inspired home.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: This design is a powerhouse on ceramic mugs or as a bold desk mat to anchor your workspace. Consider it for luggage tags or passport covers for the travel enthusiast in your life.

3. Sunset Through Steel: The Architect’s Dream

The Vibe: Edgy, skeletal, and modern.

If you prefer your art with a bit of "grit," this sketch-style interpretation of the cantilever bridge is for you. It is all about the interplay of rigid steel and the soft, bleeding colours of the sky. It is urban art with a soul, blending structure and softness in a way that feels both modern and timeless.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: I love this one on minimalist tote bags or as a statement wall clock. It is a conversation starter that proves industrial design can be incredibly elegant on coasters or framed art prints.

4. Kessock Bridge: Minimalist Elegance in Magenta

The Vibe: Clean lines, deep perspective, and contemporary cool.

There is something hypnotic about the symmetry of a cable-stayed bridge. This artwork, featuring the Kessock Bridge in soft magenta tones, is for the lovers of clean lines and open spaces. It is deep, airy, and looks exceptionally high-end.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: This translates beautifully onto acrylic blocks for a sleek desk accessory or oversized throw pillows that bring a designer touch to your sofa. It also makes for stunning greeting cards for design enthusiasts.

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Why Shop the Zazzle Collection?

While I offer these images as traditional canvases and posters, my Zazzle store is where you become the co-creator.

• Total Customization: Want to add a name, a date, or a favourite quote to the Forth Bridge? Zazzle’s tools let you tweak the layout, add text, and adjust the crop until it is perfect.

• Hundreds of Options: From tech skins and apparel to home décor and office supplies, your favourite landscape can live on almost any product imaginable.

• Gifts with Meaning: A personalized art piece says a lot more than a generic store-bought gift. Whether for a housewarming or a holiday, these items feel thoughtful and unique.

• Quality You Can Trust: Zazzle ensures the artwork looks vibrant and professional across all product types.

Bring the Outdoors In

Art shouldn’t be precious—it should be part of your life. It is the mug you hold on a cold morning and the notebook where you scribble your best ideas. These four pieces represent serenity, heritage, and modern beauty. How they fit into your world is entirely up to you.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Salvage Archive: A September Afternoon at Fountains Abbey, 1975

There is a unique magic to holding a 35mm slide up to the light. It’s a tiny, suspended square of time—a moment captured in silver halides that hasn't been seen, perhaps, for decades.

As a collector of vintage photography, I often stumble upon these little windows into the past. Recently, I acquired a small set labelled simply: "Fountains Abbey, September 1975."

Today, Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire is a slick, well-oiled machine of heritage tourism. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, managed by the National Trust and English Heritage. But what did it look like half a century ago, before the visitor centres and the designated World Heritage status?

Let’s load the carousel and take a trip back to the autumn of 1975.

The Gothic Giants

The first slide captures the sheer scale of the Cistercian engineering. This view, likely of the Chapel of the Nine Altars, shows the towering lancet windows reaching up to a sky that looks distinctly 1970s blue.

What strikes me most about this image is the light. Slide film from this era had a specific way of rendering contrast—deep, crushing shadows and vibrant, almost painterly greens.

Historically, 1975 is an interesting year for the Abbey. While the State had purchased the Abbey ruins in 1966, the surrounding Studley Royal estate wasn't acquired by the National Trust until 1983. In 1975, this site was managed by the Department of the Environment. You get a sense here of a site that is maintained, yet quiet. There are no crowds in the frame, just the silent, hulking skeletons of the monastic past.

A Wilder Ruin

This second slide offers a fascinating detail that you might not see today. Look closely at the top of the jagged masonry. You can see tufts of grass and vegetation clinging to the high stones.

In modern conservation, this is often known as "soft capping," but back in the 70s, ruins were often allowed to be a little more "romantic" and wild. Today, stonemasons and conservationists work tirelessly to keep invasive roots out of the mortar to prevent the structure from toppling.

This image captures the texture of the dissolution. When Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s, the lead was stripped from the roofs and the stone was quarried for other buildings. What we see here is the slow, centuries-long battle between the stone and the reclaiming nature of the Skell Valley.

Framing the Past

The unknown photographer who took these slides in 1975 had a keen eye for composition. This is my favourite of the set. By using the dark, heavy masonry of a doorway in the foreground, they have framed the sunlit tower in the distance perfectly.

It creates a sense of depth and mystery. It reminds us that Fountains Abbey isn't just one building, but a sprawling complex of dormitories, refectories, and cellariums.

The 1975 Context

When these photos were taken in September 1975:

• Pink Floyd had just released Wish You Were Here.

• The UK was experiencing a warm end to the summer.

• Fountains Abbey was still 11 years away from becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Viewing these places through the medium of 35mm slides adds a layer of nostalgia that digital photography simply cannot replicate. There is a grain, a texture, and a colour palette that roots these images firmly in their time.

These slides might have sat in a box in someone’s attic for forty years, but projected here on the screen, the sun shines on the Yorkshire stone just as brightly as it did on that September afternoon.

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Stepping Back in Time: A Sepia Afternoon at Hebden Bridge Station

 Date: November 21, 2013 Camera: Samsung Galaxy Tablet

There are some places that seem to resist the pull of the modern world, where the clock ticks a little slower, and the air feels heavy with history. Hebden Bridge Railway Station is one of those places.

On a crisp afternoon in November 2013, I found myself on the platform with my Samsung Galaxy tablet. Looking through the lens, the scene didn't feel like the 21st century at all. In fact, when I switched to sepia, the station transformed completely, revealing its true Victorian soul.

Join me for a walk through this historic gem of the West Riding.

The Arrival

The first thing you notice about Hebden Bridge is that it doesn't look like a modern commuter stop. It feels like a film set. As the train pulls away, you aren't left with concrete and plastic, but with iron, stone, and silence.

A train departs, leaving behind the quiet charm of the platform. Note the "Coffee Station" sign on the left—a beloved local fixture occupying the former parcels office.

The station you see today is actually the second iteration. The original Manchester & Leeds Railway station opened here in 1840, but the current buildings date back to 1891-1893, built by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR). The sepia tone of these photos captures that 1890s atmosphere perfectly; if you removed the modern train, this could easily be 1913.

Victorian Grandeur

Walking along the platform, the architecture demands your attention. In the 1990s, the station underwent a massive restoration to return it to its L&YR glory, including the installation of heritage-style signage and the preservation of the ironwork.

Looking down the platform. The sheer scale of the canopy reminds us of a time when railway travel was an occasion, not just a commute.

The intricate ironwork of the canopy. The "Way Out" signage and the gas-lamp style lights (now electric, of course) maintain the illusion of the Victorian era.

The main station building is constructed of rock-faced stone with ashlar dressings—a testament to the solid, confident engineering of the industrial north. It was built to serve the booming textile mills of the valley, and its grandeur reflects the wealth that once flowed through these hills.

The Booking Office exterior. The building originally housed first-class waiting rooms and "ladies' rooms," separating passengers by social standing—a practice long gone, thankfully.

Into the Depths

One of the most atmospheric parts of the station is the subway. Originally, passengers had to cross the tracks on foot, which was perilous. During the 1890s expansion, this subway was dug to connect the platforms safely.

The subway tunnel. The monochrome processing brings out the texture of the glazed bricks and the damp, moody lighting. It feels like a portal to another time.

The Sentinel of the Line: The Signal Box

Perhaps the crown jewel of the station's heritage is the signal box. While many mechanical signal boxes across the UK have been demolished in favour of modern digital signalling centres, the Hebden Bridge box has survived.

A view from the platform looking towards the signal box, nestled against the tree-lined valley side.

Built in 1891, this is a Type 4 L&YR box. It is now Grade II listed, recognized as a structure of national historic importance. It represents a lost era of manual labour, where signalmen pulled heavy levers to guide steam giants safely through the valley.

A closer look at the Signal Box. You can clearly see the timber upper structure sitting on the brick base. It’s rare to see one in such original condition.

A Timeless Stop

Leaving the station that day in 2013, I felt like I was stepping out of a time capsule. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates a good cup of coffee in a beautiful setting, Hebden Bridge station is a destination in itself.

These photos on my tablet may be digital, but the spirit they captured is undeniably analogue.

Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

From Cooper Bridge to Brighouse on the Calder & Hebble

 The Calder & Hebble Navigation isn't just a stretch of water; it's a living timeline, carving its way through the heart of West Yorkshire's industrial landscape. My recent walk, capturing the route from Cooper Bridge towards Brighouse, offered a profound look at how centuries of industry and modern engineering coexist with the quiet, reflective beauty of a working waterway.

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Cooper Bridge: Where Industry Meets the River

The walk begins near Cooper Bridge, a historically important junction on the old road network. Here, the immediate scenery is dominated by the ghosts of industry and the hard lines of modern infrastructure.

• The Mill and the Chimney: One of the most striking initial views is the reflection of the large Victorian mill building and its towering chimney in the water . This classic image encapsulates the Industrial Revolution's legacy in the Calder Valley—textiles, coal, and transport, all powered by the river and the canal. The water, calm and dark, acts as a perfect mirror, doubling the building's impressive scale.

• The Sunlit Cut: Moving away from the heavier industrial backdrop, the canal narrows and the banks become greener, though remnants of manufacturing are still visible. The sunlight catches the water, giving a brief glimpse of the navigation’s serene side.

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The Overheads: Bridging Eras of Transport

As you progress through Kirklees, the landscape dramatically changes, showcasing the monumental clash between 18th-century canal engineering and 20th-century road building.

Kirklees Railway Bridge: A Relic of Rail

The Kirklees Railway Bridge is a magnificent, brooding structure. Its heavy wrought-iron lattice girders, now deeply rusted and framed by winter-bare branches, speak of the great age of Victorian railway expansion. The massive, weathered stone piers of the older arches below suggest the scale of the challenge faced when spanning both the river and the navigation. This bridge is a powerful reminder that once, rail was the dominant competitor to the canal for transporting goods across the Pennines.

The M62 Viaduct: The Modern Giant

Further on, the landscape is utterly dwarfed by the immense presence of Bridge 20, carrying the M62 Motorway across the valley.

• Engineering Scale: The sheer size of the concrete columns, standing like a legion of modern giants, is breath taking. Underneath the viaduct, the view is starkly different—an echoing, shadowed space that highlights the difference between human-scale canal transport and high-speed vehicular transit. The contrast is palpable: the tranquillity of the water below the thrum of thousands of cars above.

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The Workings of the Waterway: Lock 14

One of the most essential features of any navigation is its locks, and your photo of Lock 14, Kirklees Low Lock, captures the functional beauty of canal architecture. Framed by the surrounding trees and green fields, the lock is a hub of activity (or potential activity). The white-painted gates and machinery stand out against the greenery, ready to lift or lower boats. It's here that you truly appreciate the system engineered by figures like John Smeaton to make the River Calder navigable for long-distance trade.

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Approaching Brighouse

The final leg of the journey takes us into the immediate vicinity of Brighouse, where the canal again meets the modern industrial fringe.

• Blakeborough Bridge: Bridge 19, the Blakeborough Bridge, is a distinctive concrete arch structure, likely replacing an older crossing. Its smooth, utilitarian lines stand in sharp contrast to the rusty rail bridge encountered earlier.

• A Modern Mix: The final views are a blend of the wide, straight canal cut, lined by contemporary industrial units and tall power line pylons. The calm water reflecting the vast sky and the flanking hedgerows is sandwiched between the necessities of twenty-first-century life—warehouses and electricity transmission.

This stretch of the Calder & Hebble is a superb example of a working canal that has adapted and endured. It has moved from being the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution to a recreational and ecological corridor, all while serving as a silent museum of transport history.

The pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 23rd January 2016, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Capturing the Soul of Yorkshire: Transform Your Home with Unique Local Art

Yorkshire is more than just a county; it is a feeling. From the rugged coastal charm of Whitby to the industrial grandeur of Halifax and the hidden gems along the Rochdale Canal, the "God’s Own County" offers a visual feast that has inspired artists for centuries.

I am thrilled to announce that my latest collection of Yorkshire-inspired artwork is now officially available on Zazzle. This collection isn't just about capturing a view; it’s about bringing the history, the atmosphere, and the heritage of these iconic locations into your living space. Whether you are a local resident, a homesick Yorkshire expat, or a traveller who fell in love with the North, these pieces are designed to resonate with the heart.

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A Glimpse into the Collection

Each piece in this series started with a moment of inspiration—a specific play of light or a unique architectural angle. Through a careful digital watercolour and sketch process, I’ve transformed these landmarks into timeless art.

1. The Grandeur of The Piece Hall, Halifax

The Piece Hall is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture. My interpretation of this vast, open courtyard focuses on the rhythmic symmetry of the stone colonnades. It’s a piece that speaks to the industrial pride of Halifax. In its minimalist, sketched style, it fits perfectly in a modern office or a contemporary living room, offering a sense of scale and history without overwhelming the space.

2. Heritage by the Water: Sagar Richards Arch & Rochdale Canal

Sowerby Bridge holds a special place in the heart of the Calder Valley. This artwork features the iconic Sagar Richards entrance arch standing sentinel over the Rochdale Canal. The soft watercolour textures capture the reflection in the water and the lush greenery that lines the towpath. This piece is all about tranquillity—ideal for a cosey reading nook or a hallway where you want to evoke a sense of calm.

3. Coastal Magic: St Mary’s Church from Whitby Harbour

No Yorkshire collection is complete without Whitby. This view, looking up from the bustling harbour toward the ancient St Mary’s Church perched on the cliffside, captures the quintessential spirit of the coast. The warm tones of the terracotta roofs contrasted against the moody North Sea sky make this a standout piece for anyone who loves the salt air and the 199 steps.

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Why Choose Zazzle for Your Art?

I chose to host my shop on Zazzle because it offers you, the buyer, unparalleled flexibility. While I have curated specific formats, the platform’s advanced editing tools put the creative power in your hands.

Versatile Formats for Every Space

I offer these designs in several "standard" formats to get you started:

• Postcards: Perfect for short notes or for creating a "mini gallery" wall.

• 6x4 Prints: The classic photo size, easy to frame and perfect for desks or mantels.

• Large-Scale Posters: Make a statement with high-resolution prints that capture every fine line and brushstroke.

• Canvas Wall Art: For a premium, gallery-style look that adds texture and depth to your walls.

• Digital Downloads: For those who want the flexibility to print at home or use the image for personal digital projects.

The Power of Customization

The real magic happens when you use the Zazzle design interface. When you click on one of my designs, you aren't limited to what you see on the screen. You can:

• Change the Product: Love the Whitby print but want it on a throw pillow, a tote bag, or even a jigsaw puzzle? You can transfer the design to hundreds of different items with a single click.

• Resize and Re-crop: Adjust the scale of the image to fit a specific frame you already own.

• Add Personal Text: Want to commemorate a wedding date at The Piece Hall or a special holiday in Whitby? You can add your own text, names, or dates to the artwork to create a truly one-of-a-kind gift.

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Bringing Yorkshire Home

Art is a way of telling a story about who we are and where we've been. In an age of mass-produced, generic decor, choosing a piece of local heritage art adds a layer of soul to your home.

These pieces celebrate the "grit and glory" of the North. They celebrate the way the light hits the gritstone and the way the water reflects the sky. By purchasing a print, you aren't just buying paper and ink; you're supporting independent art and keeping the stories of these locations alive.

How to Shop

Getting your hands on these prints is simple. Follow the link to my Zazzle store, browse the Yorkshire Collection, and play around with the customisation tools. Whether it's a small postcard to send to a friend or a large canvas to act as the centrepiece of your lounge, you’re only a few clicks away from owning a piece of Yorkshire.

Ready to explore the collection? C_Green_Photography: products on Zazzle

While I love the ethereal feel of my watercolour and sketched works, my creative journey always begins with the lens. If you prefer the crisp detail and raw atmosphere of the real world, I also regularly add my original photographic images to Zazzle. These photographs capture the North in its truest form—the dramatic shadows of the moors, the intricate stonework of our towns, and the ever-changing light of the coast. Just like my artistic renders, these photographs are available across Zazzle's entire product range, giving you the freedom to choose between a painterly interpretation or a striking photographic reality for your home.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Salvage Archive: The Timeless Allure of the River Usk at Llanellen

 There is a unique magic to a 35mm slide. When you hold it up to the light or hear the mechanical thunk of a carousel projector, you aren’t just looking at a photo; you are looking at a physical window into a specific second in time. This particular frame from my collection, a scan of the River Usk from Llanellen, captures that quintessentially Welsh blend of rugged natural beauty and quiet, pastoral life.

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The Subject: The Mighty River Usk

The River Usk (Welsh: Afon Wysg) is one of the most storied waterways in Wales. Rising at an altitude of 500 meters on Mynydd Ddu (the Black Mountain), it meanders over 120 kilometres through the heart of the Usk Valley before reaching the sea at the Severn Estuary. By the time it reaches the village of Llanellen, just south of Abergavenny, it has transformed from an upland stream into a wide, powerful lowland river.

This stretch of the river is particularly significant. The entire length of the Usk is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Looking at this slide, it’s easy to see why. The water flows over a bed of Old Red Sandstone, which lends the riverbanks a characteristic deep, earthy hue. The lush, riparian vegetation—thick with alder and willow—acts as a natural frame for the sparkling water.

The Setting: Llanellen and its Historic Bridge

Llanellen itself is a village built on the intersection of travel and nature. It sits at a historic crossing point where the Llanellen Bridge—a listed stone structure on the A4042—spans the river. This bridge is a landmark of the area, providing a gateway between the market town of Abergavenny and the rural stretches of Monmouthshire.

In this slide, the view captures the river corridor’s open pastoral setting. The village is nestled against a dramatic backdrop: the steep rural slopes of the Blorenge hillside. Part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, these heights act as a permanent, stoic guardian over the valley floor. The contrast between the flat, patchwork fields of the floodplain and the craggy, open hills is what gives this landscape its high scenic value.

A Haven for Wildlife

While the slide captures the stillness of the landscape, the River Usk is a hive of biological activity. It is famous for its game fish, serving as a vital migration route for Atlantic salmon and brown trout. If you were to sit by these banks at dawn or dusk, you might even spot the elusive otter, a species that has made a triumphant return to these waters.

The river also supports rare species like the twaite shad, river lampreys, and even the white-clawed crayfish. For the keen birdwatcher, the eroding earth cliffs along the Usk provide nesting sites for kingfishers and sand martins, while grey wagtails are a common sight skipping along the shingle banks.

The 35mm Aesthetic: Why Film Still Matters

Looking at this image through the lens of a 35mm slide adds a layer of nostalgia that digital photography often lacks. Slide film (or reversal film) produces a positive image on a transparent base, known for its rich, accurate colours and fine grain.

When this was shot, the photographer would have carefully considered the exposure, knowing they had only 36 frames to capture the essence of the valley. The result is an image with incredible depth. The reds of the sandstone, the deep greens of the Welsh hills, and the silvery reflections on the Usk are rendered with a "glow" that feels tactile. Digitizing these slides at 6000 x 4000 pixels allows us to preserve these details—every leaf on the bank, every ripple in the water—ensuring that the heritage of the Usk Valley is not lost to time or the natural degradation of film.

Heritage and History

Beyond its natural beauty, the area around Llanellen is steeped in history. The Usk Valley has been a strategic corridor since the Iron Age, marked by hillforts and medieval castles like those in nearby Abergavenny and Usk. Historically, the river even served as the old border between England and Wales.

Walking along the river today, you are following in the footsteps of centuries of travellers. Whether it was the Romans who established the settlement of Burrium (Usk) or the Victorians who engineered the nearby Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, the river has remained the constant pulse of the region.

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Final Thoughts

This slide of the River Usk at Llanellen is more than just a landscape; it is a testament to the enduring character of the Welsh countryside. It captures a river that is both a wild ecosystem and a cultural cornerstone. As the water flows endlessly over its red sandstone slabs, it reminds us of the importance of preserving these places—both in the real world and through the archival magic of 35mm photography.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!