Red-Legged Partridge up the mountain
I’m standing bathing in the cold orange light of sunset when I spot a largish bird walking towards me. I feel like …
To be alive to see this sight is a victory
It’s beautiful at the top of Pico do Arieiro on Madeira. Apart from the huge air defence radar station, that is. There’s …
This Instagram life
It’s so beautiful here at Pico do Arieiro in Madeira that I can hardly be bothered to take photographs. I’m at 1,800m …
The view from Pico do Arieiro
It’s time to set off for Madeira’s third highest peak. I fancy seeing the sunset from the top. As I drive up …
Sunset at Mirador del Balcón
My son suggests a place he really wants to go in Gran Canaria. It’s a viewpoint over the ocean at the end …
Sunset at Bovey Heathfield
I’ve finally managed to have a trip out to Bovey Heath. It’s a tiny remnant of the heathland which would have covered …
Yellow belts
It’s the hour that the greyness comes, as the sun sets, shadows lengthen and a fading yellow band retreats below the horizon. …
Go to the edge of the land and stare at the sea as the sun sets
Get out of the house. Stop staring at a screen. Ignore the day-to-day. Take some time. Go on a trip. Immerse yourself …
Rapness Mill, a Puffin, a rainbow and the sunset
The Mill at Rapness is falling down. I’d love to help save it. Red Campion grows around it: Red Champion And Sea …
Westray from the Knowe o’ Skea
I love the walk from Mae Sands to the Knowe o’ Skea. It’s a magical place, where currents meet, the sea boils and where an Iron Age burial ground gives views out towards the island of Rousay.
Barbed wire sunset
It’s only a small climb to the top of the field at Einar, but the view is so rewarding at this time …
Evening Puffin
A Puffin at the Castle o’ Burrian as the low evening sunlight streams through the grey clouds.
It’s getting late at the Bay of Tafts
I love sunsets at the Bay of Tafts. The sun is getting lower and there’s a warm glow in the sky.
This light
The wall at the top of Einar looks beautiful in this light.
Alive
The fact that I’m alive is so incredibly unlikely. To be here now, to witness the Earth turning around the Sun, is a privilege.
The bit in-between
Winter days on Westray are very much like the short flight between Westray and Papa Westray. The flight is the shortest scheduled …
Stormy sunset on Westray
Walking down to Grobust beach from the tiny car park I’m suddenly aware of how dramatic the sky has become. There’s such …
Fulmar at sunset
The sun is already half-way down past the horizon when this Fulmar flies past, lit up with glorious low golden light.
Finally, the truth about Orkney Skies
There’s a wonderful Orkney Sky Facebook Group which I joined a little while ago. It’s got over 2,500 members and some really …
Westray Sunsets
Tonight we chased the sunset over Westray. First there was a walk along the Bay of Tafts. Then a view of high …
Catching the late ferry
It’s Sunday so it’s the late ferry from Kirkwall to Westray tonight. It’ll be dark when we get there. I walk on …
Messages from the sun
It’s sunset on Westray and the sun is sending me burning orange messages, It is speaking to me. It is writing messages …
Sun
I’ve seen the sun rise, orange and luminous over the ocean from my bedroom window and now it’s time for me to see it set behind Fitty Hill. A glorious day.
Watching the world turn
There’s just time to wander down to Taftend on my bike to watch the sun set behind Fitty Hill.
Sunset over Grobust
Grobust is one of my favourite beaches on Westray. Here it is at sunset.
Sunset over Grobust #2
Grobust is a place I could (and do) go back to again and again. Being up before dawn and going to bed …
Sunset over Grobust #4
For a grey, windy, desolate place of long winter nights Westray really knows how to do spectacular natural sights.