Herb Riddle's photos

A trip to Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire is a delightful one for photographers and children alike. A giant playground of fanciful rocks that look more man carved than natures. Here we see one of my favourite subjects, a ‘lone-tree’ growing almost miraculously from a crack and soil laden shelf on/in the bare rock itself . (A photo from the other side to come.) Brimham Rocks, once known as Brimham Crags, is a 183.9-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site is known for its water- and weather-eroded rocks, which were formed over 325 million years ago and have assumed fantastic shapes. Lots of the rocks, made of sandstone, have old druid names such as Druids Alta, Druids Writing desk etc. Enjoy full screen

Fountains Hall, a Grade I listed building owned by the National Trust, is situated within the World Heritage Site at Studley Royal Park which include the impressive ruins of Fountains Abbey. The late Elizabethan house dates back to between 1598 and 1604 and was built by Stephen Proctor. Stone from Fountains Abbey ruins was used in its construction. See adjacent photo for full view. Enjoy the day.

Fountains Hall, a Grade I listed building owned by the National Trust, is situated within the World Heritage Site at Studley Royal Park which include the impressive ruins of Fountains Abbey. The late Elizabethan house dates back to between 1598 and 1604 and was built by Stephen Proctor. Stone from Fountains Abbey ruins was used in its construction. Enjoy the day.

Situated just at the corner of our holiday cottage for a week, this was a most interesting sight to see and experience. Not only does the wheel work on certain days but one can visit the inside and see the workings too. It was originally called St Fillan’s Mill and built around 1840. It had fallen into disrepair and refurbished in 1989 and then again in 2013. It is now a folklore centre. See Pips of the actual wheel Enjoy full screen

See next photo for details.

Seen outside a preserved Scottish longhouse, now a folklore centre. Have a great day.

Seen near the Scottish Perthshire village of Killin. This is a rare sight for me living much further south in England, as the much more aggressive grey squirrel dominates and have made the reds almost extinct in England. This was seen scampering under a bridge that I was stood on trying to catch images of the river. Sciurus vulgaris: Due to their overall population declines, red squirrels are classed as endangered on The Mammal Society's Red List for Britain's Mammals. Scotland supports 75% of the UK population, yet even here they are classed as near threatened.

Seen near the centre of Boston, Massachusetts. I liked the play of light on these aluminium fences. After some recent horrific high-rise fires here in Britain, I am sure the residents here would be glad of these precautions. Have a good weekend. Ps another break for me now.

As I come to the end of this series on here of Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Water Gardens I finish with a classic capture of the tower with reflections. We are nearly at the end of our walking tour here and as it is getting close to the actual closing time of the grounds there are less tourist about. The weather has remained dry but as you see, overcast. I took many more photos and no doubt, some will show up as time goes by. Hope you have enjoyed them. Please Follow the PiP for more historical information. Enjoy full screen

The old Abbey ruins hide many places like this one. “As you wander under the low roof you can easily imagine this chilly space as it once was: a food store. It's now used for events such as Carols by Candlelight at Christmas, choir performances during Fountains by Floodlight and for services throughout the year.” Enjoy full screen

An extension of the Studley Royal Water Gardens following the River Skell out of the gardens. A delightful walk by the river and over these bridges to be greeted by yet more. There were seven bridge once but now only five remain. Best full screen

The Abbey in question is Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. A rare day out to see such a place and suffice to say, it’s Springtime. Even on this cloudy day the narcissus are in full bloom around this wonderful bench spot. This taken on our exit route out of the site and park. HBM, enjoy the week.

A panoramic view of these gardens just beyond Fountains Abbey. This very wide angle view taken with my phone following the River Skell course down river and shows the Moon Pond and Temple of Piety. If you look carefully, higher in the trees towards the top right, you can also see the Temple of Fame. Just near the end of the water on the left sits the Octagon tower. 3xPiPs. See last photo for the full Temple of Piety view. Best full screen.

A dream water feature adorning the Moon Pond of Studley Water Gardens. There is in fact also a Temple of Fame set just behind this above the trees. See next photo for more details and larger view. Enjoy full screen.

Once inside this old ruin, founded in 1132, one is amazed at the size and complexity of the building and can only gasp at the stunning architecture. Left and right of the columns are long arched aisles. Best full screen.

We’re in the Studley Royal Water Gardens Park here now, next to Fountains Abbey. We have just crossed this bridge to start on our next leg of exploration up the seven bridge valley. The weir is all part of a grand scheme to dam parts of the River Skell by past owners John Messenger and William Ailsabie in order to create a number of mirror lakes as the centre point of the gardens. Have a good weekend.

This was the view from in front of our holiday cottage near Earl Sterndale. Each day this view would greet us but mainly it was dull rainy weather but on this occasion the Gods were with us. I am nearly sure that the spiked hill on the left is Chrome Hill with Parkhouse Hill on the right but don’t quote me :) Best full screen. Enjoy the day.

Abbey Mill built by the monks of Fountains Abbey , N Yorkshire restored by English Heritage and National Trust. The first mill was probable built in 1140 and became one of the largest corn mills in the country. By the 20th century a water turbine was added after gaining a new waterwheel in the 19th century for sawmill operations. PiP for water wheel. Enjoy the day.