Photos, videos and docs of Herb Riddle

The Arisaig Canal

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:26:17 +0000

After a morning exploring Loch Morar we decided to revisit the coastal village of Arisaig and its environs. On our way to do a round walk along the small Loch nan Eala we came first across this strange canal-like channel.

The Arisaig Canal is a historic 1-kilometer (0.6-mile) water channel connecting Loch nan Eala to the sea. It was dug during the Victorian era by the estate as a Sawmill transport. Its main job was to float timber down from a steam-powered sawmill at Mains Farm to the sea. Digging the channel caused Loch nan Eala to shrink however. Years later, this revealed a well-preserved Iron Age crannog (an ancient artificial island dwelling) on the loch's south edge. Locally, the channel is also referred to as a Scottish lade (a water-supply trench).
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Durham Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:06:06 +0000

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A trip to Durham is not complete without visiting its cathedral.

Durham Cathedral is a Norman building constructed between 1093 and 1133 in the Romanesque style. It was founded as a monastic cathedral built to house the shrine of St Cuthbert, replacing an earlier church constructed in his honour. The stone vault of the nave of Durham Cathedral is considered an architectural milestone.

HBM, enjoy the day.

Durham Market Hall

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 07:35:51 +0000

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A visit to this beautiful city is not complete without a look in here. Apparently sitting in the same building as the old town hall. Established in 1851 and refurbished in the 1980’s The PiP shows the market hall circled.

The City of Durham has long had an association with markets going back to Saxon and Norman times. The Market Place became the focal point for traders to sell their wares alongside farmers, butchers, greengrocers, shoemakers, street peddlers and entertainers. The area set aside for the new Market Hall was part of the site of New Place, the former palace and gardens built in the Middle Ages for the Nevilles of Raby and Brancepeth, the Earls of Westmoreland, who had forfeited the property to the Crown after their involvement in the ill-fated Rebellion of the North in 1569.
The palace was eventually bought from King James II in 1612 by Henry Smith's Charity and was used as a factory, workhouse and charity school before being demolished to ultimately make way for the present Market Hall.

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Our depleted reservoirs.

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:26:52 +0000

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This is part of the Dove Stones chain near my home town of Oldham. Yeoman Hey Reservoir is most often full to the wall here and has mirror reflections in the right conditions. Today it is possibly lower in water than I have ever seen after a summer of dry heat. Rumour has it that next year may be worse! Our path lies along the left side today, way past the far end of this scene up the valley towards Greenfield reservoir which was also very low.
The PiP shows a winter view of this reservoir with the normal level of water.

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HFF ~ The Western Isles

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 06:18:23 +0000

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Another visit to Mallaig harbour and another boat for us too. The Western Isles was to be our transport to the tiny village of Inverie on the remote Knoydart Peninsular.

The MV Western Isles is an 81-passenger traditional wooden ferry that has operated regular passenger and ferry services our of Mallaig to Knoydart and Loch Nevis since the 1950's. It holds up to 81 passengers. It is approximately 64 feet (20 meters) in length and 4 meters wide. Originally intended for use by the Admiralty as a general supply vessel for larger naval ships before being completed as a bare hull. In 2013, it was refurbished with an oak finish.

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Durham –The River Wear and the Elvet Bridge

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:04:32 +0000

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Originally built in the 12th century under Prince-Bishop Pudsey, this medieval stone structure features pointed arches and is a designated Grade I listed building. I liked the Building on the bridge. It is in fact The ‘Tango’ restaurant with a date plaque of 1771.

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HWW ~ A Mini Wall

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:05:30 +0000

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Some short weeks ago I took a new camera into my hands. Mostly to give me lighter options whilst walking. A couple of days ago I was taking a walk in my recently re-opened Dovestones area and so decided to give this camera another try-out. Here is just one of the 60-70 taken photos that has done the job here for me. Some of the others will hopefully regale you in some future date. It is along a track that I have taken for over 55 years now, before the trees were planted. Even now the planted fir trees are being quickly replaced by natural British deciduous trees, as can be seen. Notice it is heather season here and these hills abound with pheasant at the moment.

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The blue hour at Mallaig

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 07:45:29 +0000

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Almost each evening we experienced great sunsets here. This showing the first stars was one of my favourites. We have here Rum, centre and the Isle of Skye to the right.

The first PiP, taken a few days earlier shows from the same spot slightly more to the right towards Skye with more stars and fishing boats. The second PiP taken on our first sight from our rented cottage holiday garden here.

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Evening at Mallaig

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:51:08 +0000

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See adjacent photo for more info.

HBM ~ Bishop Auckland Town Hall

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:17:00 +0000

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A pleasant sight here for us of this town hall with the church of St Anne adjacent.
It is a striking French-château-style municipal building featuring a central clock turret and slate roof, which houses a theatre, cinema, gallery, and library facilities.

Have a perfect day.

Highland Cattle

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 08:13:42 +0000

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Yes it was warm up here in 2014. I am almost at the most northerly westerly part of our British Isle mainland taking part in what we later called our Scottish tour. This taken not far from Oldshoremoor Bay.

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Welcome to Rùm

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 07:51:30 +0000

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As we sail onto the slipway here in the little port of Kinloch we get our first idea of the amount of attractions available.This is the largest of the Small Isles in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, with the peak of Hallival in the foreground and Askival rising in the background. We had about six hours here.
See PiP's for docked and sea views

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HFF ~ by the Rowan tree

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:05:10 +0000

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A re-visit to our local Parkbridge country park brings us by this rowan tree. Its always a great pleasure to see these with their bright red berries and so I never tire of photographing them. The fences hide deep holes into the underground mines that abounded around here at one time. Of course it is nice to see the heather coming into bloom too.
The PiP shows the same spot from the other side taken six years ago. Spot the same tree!

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Durham’s River Wear and its cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:23:28 +0000

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As we try to navigate the walks along this splendid river, my eyes are led to numerous old bridges and buildings.

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World Photography Day 2026

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:34:15 +0000

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Oldham Aug 19, 2026. No, this is not a photo that typifies all of my home town (or my own photography) but one that shows the filth and thoughtlessness of so many of the world’s population. I have had the fortune to travel to many places across our planet and I find this sort of thing everywhere although I know that there are still rare places where this sort of human disregard is alien. Unfortunately, I live only a half a mile (800 m) from this and we have many more spots just like it. Who is at fault, the local inhabitants of these houses, the local town councils or government? It seems that pride in our community or even countryside is a side issue for others to think about. - A sight that always disappoints me but I fear that things are getting worse not better.

ps My favourite photographer, without any doubt is Ansel Adams making photos a world away from this scene.

Happy World Photography Day:)

HWW ~ Kinloch Castle, Rum

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:50:36 +0000

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After landing at Kinloch on the Small Island of Rum, we head directly to the most imposing structure on this otherwise mostly barren Island. We were allowed to walk directly past the front of this, between the fence and walls, only passing 1-3 meters from the windows and being able to climb the front steps to the door. We saw that it still looked fully furnished with old ornaments and pictures now covered in sheets and cobwebs. Such a shame.
This a Category A listed Edwardian mansion. Built between 1897 and 1900 as a luxury hunting lodge for the wealthy industrialist Sir George Bullough, it is constructed from distinctive red Rùm sandstone. It is Edwardian gothic/baronial in style and features ornate turrets, battlements, and lavish original interiors including a sprung-floor ballroom. It is now owned by the public nature agency NatureScot, the vacant building has required major structural preservation and has been put up for sale or restorative in recent years
See PiP’s for close look at the entrance and one of the corners.

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The approach to Rum

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:37:33 +0000

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As our ferry approaches the Small Island of Rum we get to see a great view of its two rugged peaks; Askival (left) and Hallival (right) . This is part of the Rum Cuillin ridge, situated within the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands.

Askival: Rising to 812 meters (2,664 ft), it is the highest peak on the Isle of Rùm and a prominent Corbett characterized by its sharp, conical profile.
Hallival: Positioned immediately adjacent to the east, recognizable by its broad, stepped ridge formed from ancient layered igneous rock intrusions.

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Take a seat in Auckland Palace park.

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:06:11 +0000

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As we start our walk around the deer park and gaze to our left here at the enclosed gardens and right to the bishops palace itself. You can see it is a good place to relax – just before the heat waves started here too.

Have a perfect day.

Sgeir Dhearg Lighthouse

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 07:05:08 +0000

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Otherwise known as Beacon Rock. It is in reality a small, active navigation light built in 1901 and is 7.5 meters high standing just outside of Mallaig harbour. In the background we see the shores of the Isle of Skye with its impressive mountains further away.

Have a good day.

Is this our future?

nobody@ipernity.com (Herb Riddle) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:52:30 +0000

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Our garden plants, trees and grasses all takes their toll of this years hot drought conditions. An early demise for many of our plants after months of little or no rain. We here in the NW of England would normally have one of the nations most persistent yearly rainfalls things are still tinderbox dry, as could be witnesses last night by the first real National Alarm that was broadcast automatically through everybodies mobile phone warning of wildfires and dangers to life.

Here we see my first attempt at close-up with my Lumix 1000. Does it do the job?

Enjoy the weekend.