Spring comes to the River Wye with Hereford Cathedral overlooking all.
Please Remember to ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
11th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
Tag Archives: Trivia
A Grand Interior……
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire.
To be truly accurate the above is actually called the Little Castle. So before I take you inside, let me explain.
The Little Castle is really a tower within the walls of Bolsover Castle. Bolsover Castle stands high above the north Derbyshire Countryside. Built on the site of a Medieval Fortification, Bolsover Castle was the dream of Sir Charles Cavendish. Construction started in the very early 1600’s, with work on the Little Castle commencing in 1621. Work halted and some damage done when the Castle was occupied by Parliamentarians in the English Civil Wars of 1642/51.
It should be mentioned that the Castle was never intended as a Fortification. After the Wars, it was restored and construction continued, to complete the Castle built for pleasure. So don’t be surprised at the sumptuous and lovingly restored interior of the Little Castle. So lets pop inside for a brief peak…
Pleasure was not just limited to the Little Castle. The main Castle complex is more substantial, in terms of size, rooms, terraces and galleries, all spread along the hillside. Today much of these buildings are only shells, but still convey the enormous size and complexity of the Castle.
Part of this complex was the concept of Sir William Cavendish who built a Riding School and Stables for the elegant horses he imported from as far afield as Turkey and North Africa. Today exhibitions of Cavalier Horsemanship is demonstrated for visitors. Sadly I cannot illustrate this modern and exciting aspect as photography of the Demonstrations is not permitted.
I hope you have enjoyed our Saturday Tour…two castle in one cannot be bad. Now don’t forget to shut the door when you leave 🙂
Please Remember to ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
10th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
Just Another Dream……
Evening on the Gower Coast, South Wales
Late evening walking along the sand dunes above Rhossili Bay, looking towards the magic of Worms Head. Just a touch of glow on the horizon….. maybe tomorrow will be a great day.
Worms Head is a rocky peninsula, or should that be island ? It is only accessible as the tide flows out of the bay. So if you venture out to the very head, and it is well worth it, keep an eye on the time and the tide 🙂
Please Remember to ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
9th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
A White Carpet…….
Wild Garlic….
I had a pungent reminder yesterday…. walking along our river bank there was that unmistakable aroma of Garlic. The Wild Garlic season is with us. It is the leaves that are the culinary harvest for wild food foragers. There were though just a few White Garlic Stars starting to appear……. they reminded me of a visit a few years ago to the Beech Woods on Wenlock Edge, Shropshire. A white carpet of stars across the woodland floor was unexpected and a wonderful surprise. An experience never forgotten and probably will not be repeated.
Please Remember to ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
8th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
Wordless Wednesday…… Another Favourite Place
Location:- The Isle of Skye and the Cuillin Mountains. Scotland
Regular followers will know of my love for the Isle of Skye. There are many great views of, and then on, the Island. But this view is one of my very favourite views. You have crossed “Over the Sea to Skye”. Then after you pass through Broadford and head up the A87, you suddenly turn a bend on the road. There, right in front of you, is your first real panorama of the Cuillin Mountains. The Black Cuillins are on the left whilst the Red Cuillins are to the right, reflected in the waters of Loch Ainort. On a sunny Skye morning the mountains look rather benign…… but make no mistake they can be, and often are, the complete opposite.
Care is always needed in the Mountains, but wherever you are
Please Remember to ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
7th April
(C) David Oakes 2021
