Mossy Fringe

Posted on 16/12/201416/12/2014 by Alastair

Sitting by the side of the steep, slippery, wet footpath down which I walked through this mossy Carmarthenshire woodland, I found this brick built well (I assume that is what it is – the water was beautifully clear inside it). There are plenty of woodlands like this in Wales that are full of moss, but I particularly liked the fringe, sideburns and decorative foliage adorning this wayside feature.

Complementary images to my walks this week can be found directly on Instagram or via the sidebar images on the StillWalks blog. Images displayed here and on Instagram are a mixture of iPhone and Canon DSLR photography.

Travelling Back in Woodland Time

Posted on 15/12/201415/12/2014 by Alastair

I have had a couple of walks in Carmarthenshire recently in spite of wet weather. During these excursions I found this dinosaur-like mossy monster. I don’t know if this woodland should be described as ancient, but it certainly seemed like it to me, and with this “creature” lurking there it seemed even more as though I had gone back in time.

Simply Reflection and Reviewing the Week 5

Posted on 14/12/201414/12/2014 by Alastair

Reed Reflections

Posted on 09/12/201409/12/2014 by Alastair

I love the effect the moving waters of Tennant Canal has on the reflection of the reeds along its banks – painterly or impressionistic! You can see from the photos that it was a good day for a walk along this canal at Jersey Marine near Swansea.

The “brush strokes” of leaves both in the water and against the canvas of the field make these grasses some of the most attractive plants in this enclave of nature surrounded by the habitation and industry of man.

There will be another photo of reeds against the sun to be seen later today on Monochrome Madness 41 at Leanne Cole Photography.

Complementary images are posted on Instagram through the week and can also be seen on the sidebar of the StillWalks blog.

A Well Kept Secret – Exploring Tennant Canal

Posted on 08/12/201408/12/2014 by Alastair

The Tennant Canal at Jersey Marine is just a few miles from the centre of Swansea. The area is surrounded by works and roads, developments and housing, but before you reach any of those things, you would have to climb over the small hills that surround Pant-y-Sais Fen alongside which the canal flows.

This haven of (relative) peace and nature is like a well kept secret – if you didn’t know it was there, you wouldn’t think to take a look. The M4 motorway twists past at one end and there is currently a major development for Swansea University being carried out on the seaward side. But the sound of this activity is not to be heard such is the noise absorbing effect of the topography along with trees and other vegetation. The wind in the reeds and the more noticeable and pleasurable sound.

Complementary images are posted on Instagram through the week and can also be seen on the sidebar of the StillWalks blog.

Welsh Valley – Review of the Week 4

Posted on 07/12/201407/12/2014 by Alastair

The view looking north up the small welsh valley where Welsh Valleys Alpacas is situated. It is a beautiful spot in the welsh countryside and features not only the alpacas (see the review of the week gallery below), but also this lake and some great woodland.

Tangled Woods

Posted on 03/12/201403/12/2014 by Alastair

Looking deep into the damp woods of a welsh valley reveals quite a tangle of mossy branches. When walking through woodland I often get the urge to delve deeply into their interior, no matter how dense that may be. I wonder if the woods would feel this was an invasion or a connection?

Exploration like this is not such a great risk in Britain as it would be in other larger countries. However, that does not mean that the risk is not there, so don’t wander too far from the path folks!

Caption Required

Posted on 01/12/201401/12/2014 by Alastair

What might these inquisitive alpacas be saying / thinking? Suggestions in the comments please or email me at ad@stillwalks.com