Nigel's Photo Blog

This afternoon, I am posting information on Ireland family history as sourced from a memorial at Eastwood New Cemetery, #Glasgow, Scotland. This records the deaths of: Peter Ireland on May 28th 1940, age 40 yrs. Peter Ireland on June 29th 1943, age 74 yrs. Margaret Ireland on July 8th 1969, age 91 yrs.  

 Introduction Tonight, I am reprising a mid-winter ascent of Beinn Dubh, a horseshoe ridge route commencing Luss on the western side of Loch Lomond, about one hour from Glasgow. Images and Information on the trip  View of Argyll Mountains from summit of Beinn Dubh, Scotland The weather was characterised by sunshine and blue skies Beinn Dubh translates from Gaelic as ‘Black Mountain’ and rises to a height of 657 metres or 2155 feet. The climb proved quite stimulating, traversing a snow-covered route which became increasingly challenging approaching the top due to the sow cover and strong winds. However, the effort was rewarded with superb/stunning views of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond (mountain on opposite side of Loch Lomond), mountains of Argyll to the west and Ben Dubhchraig to the north. The hike took about three and a half hours and proved very rewarding, especially in terms of photography. View from windswept summit of Beinn Dubh, Scotland   Video clip of Be...

Introduction By special request I am posting information on the charming (English) Cotswold village of Cherington. Information on Cherington A quiet, rural village with population of about 214. Name is probably of Saxon origin and means 'village with a church'. This suggests a community established sometime in the second half of the first millennium. Not usually associated with tourism although there are hiking trails and a relatively new whisky distillery at nearby Stourton. No shops or school. The River Stour runs through the valley in which the village is situated. Located about 16 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon , and 5 miles from Shipston-on-Stour . Images below span a period of nearly 50 years.Should anyone wish to add other relevant images then please email same to: n.cole67@ntlworld.com Cherington Mill  Inside St John the Baptist Church Inside St John the Baptist Church Ancient effigy inside Church Exterior of Church (taken 2018) Cherrington Arms (pub) c. 1965. Form...

 Alice in Wonderland with the Mad Hatter   Introduction Earlier today my wife and myself undertook a short trip to the heritage site of Greenbank House near Glasgow , Scotland. Key object was to view the daffodils and other Spring flowers for which the garden is famous.  Easter Egg Hunt  Our visit coincided with a well organised egg hunt for children seemingly themed on Alice in Wonderland. As the images below illustrate, we had a successful visit although we may have to return next week to capture the daffodils in their glory. Colourful flower display  Key to the door, a rusty one at that. Pond with sculpture Once upon a time! Daffodils A varied collection of trees More daffoldils An interesting blue background display Queen of Hearts Weeping tree, possibly a willow Colourful tree blossom Treasure hunt backcloth Flamingo Display (They play croquet in the story.) New seed pods Woodland grove with daffoldils Background information on Greenbank House   Gree...

Loch Lomond Landscape Introduction This evening, I am posting images taken on a 8.5 mile circular walk in the Loch Lomond National Park, Scotland. Information on Loch Lomond and Environs Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of freshwater in Great Britain. It is the centrepiece of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and is surrounded by mountainous landscapes including the mountain, Ben Lomond . Wildflowers The route commenced Balloch on the southern of the famous Loch then alongside riverside through woodlands and up Whinney Hill, a vantage point.  Marina at Balloch Woodland Trail Waterlogged Trail Water Lilies Landscape with cattle Feeding the ducks at Balloch More Information on Loch Lomond, Scotland For more information on Loch Lomond and other scenic sites in Scotland refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on a 55 mile (88km)  round trip cycle ride Glasgow-Balloch ( Loch Lomond )-Glasgow with most of the route following the Forth & Clyde Canal. Fly fishing in River Leven with Ballantines Whisky complex in background.     Information on the trip This trip provided a wide range of interests including: Industrial history: Forth & Clyde Canal (18th century) and a defunct 19th c railway line. Wildlife: Mainly swans and other water birds. Geology: The Kilpatrick Hills comprised of 340 m year old basalt lava. River Leven with its wetlands. Fishermen: Fly fishing on the Leven Historic Dumbarton Castle , itself of ancient volcanic origin. Balloch : A popular town on the southern tip of Loch Lomond. Tobias Smollett Memorial: An 18th century medical doctor and writer. Extensive whisky warehouses in Dumbarton. A selection of images are provided above and below.  Cycle track formed from defunct railway line.  R...