Rivers, streams and canals

There are a couple of tunnels near here, this one being the shorter of the two designed by Thomas Telford: The Whitehouse tunnel, at about 175m long, the building of which commenced in 1802. It is famed for being one of the first canal tunnels in Britain to have a towpath inside.

Not far from my home we have canals. Here at the Hudderfield canal in the Saddleworth village of Uppermill on can normally walk here in splendour. Today however, the mist has descended and its cold and wet. It doesn't stop folk from walking and exploring though.

The River Algar in Altea is very often dry, Here we see it with some water as it is Winter and the rainy season. Some days later it was to become almost flooded after several nights of torrential rain. You can see in the background part of the Sierra Bernia mountains. See pips for mono and mountain views.

Getting back to my usual landscapes here we have a view of the local little tidal river as it flows into the mighty River Seine only a few hundred metres from here. Unfortunately you don't hear the many bird calls here and then again you don't feel the midges biting either :)

Near the famous waterfalls of the River Tees (High & Low Falls) lies this smaller river ( Bow Lee beck) with a couple of delightful waterfalls. To the right here is a large cave (where 'Gibson' a robber, was reputed to hide away from the law) which in flood conditions cannot be seen at all because the falls covers it up completely. ENJOY

A spectacular view from high on the left bank of this fine river. The normal viewing area is just right of the stones on the right bank

The rock of The Loreley (Lorelei) is seen here across the river at bottom right. To the left is the Loreley campsite with Burg Katz and its attending village of St Goarhausen just below the castle at the top end of this scene, across the river again.

For a big lake fed by such snow and ice, I am amazed that this was the only river out. Not withstanding, still a splendid view point.

A sunset view of the mighty river Seine and the Pont de Normandie. - As I stroll along the riverbank side path, all is silent except for the odd chirp of a bird, buzz of an insect and lap of a wave. In the distance can be seen the port town of Le Havre. This scene, so majestic that so many elements vie for closer attention but here we have it in all its glory. Enjoy in full screen. See PiPs.

A view from the River Swale. Built in 1086 by Duke Conan of Brittany in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. It stands in a commanding position over this river with the town surrounding its other three sides. It was originally called Riche Mount, 'the strong hill'..

A colourful Autumn look at my local canal here at Greenfield near Oldham in Northern England. Its a Sunday afternoon and a time to enjoy these trees and the canal paths whilst the leaves are still there. A reminder here of the canals of Holland maybe :)

A warm day takes me on now a rare outing to this wonderful Lancashire town and its River Ribble walk. Here we are at the start of our five mile round walk along both sides of this splendid river, seen here in drought conditions with my new Tokina 11-16mm. The bridge is the very old Edisford Bridge. About Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe Edisford Bridge incorporates the structure of a five arched bridge possibly dating from 1339, when a grant of pontage was made. Today the bridge has nine spans and is considerably wider than the original. It is thought that a timber bridge had been constructed on the same spot before that date. Edisford - "the nobleman's ford" or Anglo-Saxon nobleman - was the scene of an 1139 battle, where King David of Scotland's army fought and defeated the less numerous Lancastrians. The 1339 bridge was 2.44m wide, later widened by 3.65m on the downstream side. It had pointed cutwaters. Its arches were Gothic in shape and each had three ribs. These can still be seen under the main arch. The four arches to the east (nearest Clitheroe) span the river, the others are over the meadow. The first is a squared Gothic ribbed arch made of sandstone. It spans 7.5m and rises 2.6m. The second span is the largest. It is a segmental circular arch, measuring 17.95m across and rising 4.2m. The next two arches are Gothic and ribbed, spanning 7.6m and 7.7m, and rising 2.47m and 2.56m. The following five spans are over land. Starting at the river, they measure 7.8m, 4.3m, 3m, 3m and 2.9m. Their rises are 1.85m, 1.7m, 1.4m, 1.2m and one metre. All are segmental circular arches. The bridge is located about a mile west of Clitheroe Castle and is the subject of a noted painting by Turner. www.transporttrust.com/heritage

Huddersfield canal in the Saddleworth village of Greenfield is always a pleasure to stoll along especially at the colourful time of year, my favourite.

As this 100 year old brig descends the last of the canal locks, after 'Neptune's Staircase' it slowly edges into the siding for its over-night stay. Only the sea-gate to navigate before entering the sea Loch Linnhe thus having sailed from the East coast of Scotland at Inverness to the West coast via Loch Ness here to Fort William.

On the NW coast of the Isle of Arran lies the village of Sannox to where this little mountain river flows back into the sea. This spot is just a mile away or so inland. Further inland well into the glorious Glen Sannox itself this river is much different. So stand with me on this little wooden bridge, hear the splash of water below and like me, keep an eye open for a quick flash of silver.

Looking up the glen to the curved wall at its head. A perfect example of glacial erosion. the river bed of rock shows too the many minerals present here including the element barium.

Not far from Cornish town of Liskeard. A very pleasant valley of flowing river and old trees. A great walk with the rustle of leaves and sound of rushing water to calm those nerves.

Re-built in 1847 after the great flood. This takes the road by the Mill itself which was built in the 17c complete with the old Millers house. For me, part of an Inny Valley walk in Cornwall.