Tag Archives: Weather

15th December picture of the day…

15 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by in Calder Valley, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, West Yorkshire

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Another (wet) week begins here in Bigland Towers as the Calder valley remains sodden and often shrouded in mist and cloud. We may be getting closer to Christmas but there’s little likelihood of us having a white one. Daily temperatures have been hovering around double figures and well above what they should be by a minimum of 2-3 degrees. We even hit a ridiculous 14 degrees last Tuesday. With such unseasonably warm weather it’s hardly surprising we’re getting so much rain, which isn’t encouraging me to get out and about with the camera very much.

That said, on Saturday the sun Gods smiled, which was just as well as it was the official opening of the restored and repurposed Mytholmroyd station building. Dawn and I have been involved on the periphery of the project so it was lovely to be invited to see the finished building. I’ll write up the day in a separate blog once I’ve dug out some of the old photo’s which show what the interior used to look like. It was a lovely event and chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues from the world of community rail and the wider rail industry. Then on Sunday, it was back to normal with rain, rain, rain!

I’ve another couple of days working from home before heading down to London for a couple of days starting on Thursday. Looking at the forecast this crappy weather’s due to follow me South, but I don’t mind too much as Thursday is the Railway Carols service so most of my time will be spent indoors anyway. I was hoping to maybe catch up with the few remaining Class 455s working for SouthWest Railways but I may have to take a rain-check on that – literally!

Friday’s a more social event, after which I’ll be heading North ready for the last weekend before Christmas, although that won’t be a frenetic as previous years. We don’t have to tour farm shops as it’s going to be (mostly) a meat-free Xmas – which is easy on the wallet as well as the stomach! We’re intending to get out walking too as the weather’s looking more promising, so it may prove to be one of the healthiest festive seasons we’ve had for a while.

In the meantime, I’ve a few projects to fill the next few days with, which will keep me occupied whatever the weather. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with today’s pictures which was taken with a long-lens from our bedroom window this afternoon. Here’s how the Calder valley’s looked for much of the day.

Now you see it, now you don’t…

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If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Cheers!

9th December picture of the day…

09 Tuesday Dec 2025

Posted by in Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Weather, West Yorkshire

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Another day passes here at Bigland Towers as the year draws to a close. Whilst Dawn has been slaving away in my former office upstairs I’ve been pottering around acting as the ‘hostess with the mostess’, supplying meals and cups of coffee whilst sorting out my own work from the sanctuary of the living room – which is now graced with a Christmas tree. Not that I’m likely to see an office party. Far from it. Those days are long gone. I’ve been freelance for 25 years and we rarely fit into anyone’s equation or guest list.

Back in my home in London I used to have a newspaper cartoon above my desk. It depicted a chap in a paper hat with a glass of wine in hand standing in front of a mirror saying ‘the only problem with working from home is the office parties are crap’ – and this was 20 odd years before Covid!

I’m not complaining, it’s just the way of the world, and the world of work has changed dramatically since I joined it in 1976. Now I’m slowly leaving it.

So, today I’ve been indulging in getting the gardens (such as they are -this is no country house) ready for winter, in between dodging some very dodgy weather. I nipped out for a walk towards afternoon’s end, which co-incided with the arrival of the latest storm which co-incided with recycling day so the roads were full of bins of varioussizes skittering along as they were propelled by gust of wind. My walk was so battered by the elements that I ended up taking refuge in my local pub for a while (yeah, what a great excuse: Ed). A few of us ‘old farts’ who’d braved the weather ended up swapping stories and memories of all the black and white films we grew up with and the actors we remembered. Where memories faded Google assisted.

Now I’m back at home, listening to the rain beat upon the windows thankful I’m on their right side. In the meantime, here’s today’s picture, which was taken whilst I was out walking and stopped to admire the world. I do love a good storm…

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Cheers!

28th October picture(s) of the day…

28 Tuesday Oct 2025

Posted by in Calder Valley, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, West Yorkshire

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There’s been another quiet day here at Bigland Towers and in the Calder valley. I’ve spent most of it working from home, having had the place to myself whilst Dee’s been over at her parents to sort out the aftermath of the car accident.

Mind you, the weather here this morning was spectacularly awful, with high winds and driving rain, so being cocooned in the cottage was ideal. This afternoon, the weather changed. We had a spell of glorious sunshine and clear skies, so I thought I’d nip out with the camera to get shots of the railway crossing the Copley viaduct surrounded by trees in their autumnal colours. Only it didn’t quite work out that way. By the time I got down to the river the weather had changed again, with leaden skies and rain heading my way. However, I did find Network Rail contractors who’d been busy clearing trees along the embankment of the line to Greetland. This has opened up a couple of new photo locations, with more in the offing as the work is continuing.

I made my way up the other side of the valley through a lovely green tunnel which has formed over an old sunken track. Then, sheltering from a sudden downpour under some Oak trees, I surveyed the valley. Here’s the results.

The green tunnel, and old track which is slowly being reclaimed by nature.
A train bound for Halifax passes the site where contractors have denuded the embankment of trees to open up this view which has been hidden for decades. In the background is a modern housing estate which has been built between the River Calder and the canal.
The same train crossing the Copley viaduct, surrounded by trees which are slowly gaining their autumnal finery. The widest arch to the right is where the railway crosses the Calder and Hebble Navigation (canal).

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If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Cheers!

The seasons change…

03 Wednesday Sep 2025

Posted by in Climate Change, Musings, Photography, West Yorkshire

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Alas, the glorious weather we’ve enjoyed this year feels like it’s coming to an end as the seasons change. Autumn is fast approaching, although for many farmers it arrived unseasonably early, allowing them to harvest weeks earlier than normal, with some enjoying very good crop yields, despite the dry weather and heat which has meant that 2025 has been identified by the Met Office as the warmest summer on record. The worrying thing is that record is very likely to be broken next year.

Now the rain’s taken over here in West Yorkshire. We’ve had several days of heavy showers and leaden skies. I shouldn’t really complain, anyone who’s read any of my reservoir blogs will know how desperate we are for rain around here. Yorkshire Water reports that levels are down to 32.6 per cent – well below the 72.7 per cent average for this time of year. So we’re going to need a hell of a lot of steady rain to make up the deficit – and avoid floods. Still, Dawn and I are off to Portugal on Friday, so if the heavens want to open for the next couple of weeks, then don’t mind us!

I nipped out between heavy showers earlier to get shots of the signs of the seasons change. The Oak trees that make up some of the woodlands surrounding us are a mass of acorns right now. It’s difficult to walk through the woods without getting bombed by them dropping. The downside is that the local grey squirrels have gone into overdrive, collecting and stashing as many acorns as they can find as food for the winter months. The problem is these pesky rodents are seeing my flowerbeds and pots as part of their larder, destroying any plants that get in their way. Bloody things…

The persistent rain’s brought the valley sides to life again, reinvigorating grass and woodland alike. It’s also made for some interesting skies, like this. I managed to get home before this little lot dumped on me.

Looking across the Calder valley to Norland and the Ryburn valley beyond.

We’ve a thunderstorm warning for the rest of the day, which could produce some fun. Let’s see…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Another week begins…

21 Monday Jul 2025

Posted by in beer, Musings, Photography, Weather, West Yorkshire

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Sorry for the gap in blogging but the weekend didn’t quite go to plan. I was hoping to set time aside for writing but events got in the way. Some were good, others not – including the weather. Admittedly, I shouldn’t complain about the fact the weekend was a washout due to continuous showers – we desperately need it, but it did bugger up some of my plans and meant that my daily 5 mile walks went out of the window. Instead, I ended up pottering around indoors, catching up on chores and work. That said, we did manage to nip out on Saturday in order to spend a fortune at the Bolster Moor farm shop as we stocked up on various meats for batch-cooking, including Dawn’s fabulous home-made lasagne. Oh, then there’s their award-winning pork pies…

The delicious Bolster Moor pork pies get demolished in short order!

Sunday was a far less active day, but productive nonetheless, even if I was chafing about being stuck indoors and the inability to scratch my itchy feet. Still, it was chance for the two of us to spend some quality time together and recharge our batteries ready for another busy week.

Today, the weather’s taken an interesting turn. We’d had a yellow warning for thunderstorms throughout the weekend, but they didn’t amount to more than a single, desultory clap of thunder. Monday made up for that! Having been busy most of the day packed everything in so that I could get out for a decent stroll around the area and pick up some shopping. Initially, the weather seemed promising (although I’d packed an umbrella – just in case). Three miles in I was up on Savile Park when I saw the rain sweeping across open ground in wall of water. Deploying my trusty Siemens folding brolly I wasn’t too concerned at first as I hid under trees at the edge of the park and watched the rain bounce off the nearby road junction.

Then the thunder arrived and the intensity of the downpour increased to monsoon quality, overwhelming me. Thankfully, there was a bus shelter to take refuge in across the road where I could watch the deluge in relative dryness – although the torrent sweeping past me was worrying.

Thankfully, most car drivers weren’t idiots and avoided the torrent so I avoided a soaking.

Fortunately, the storm passed before I needed to seek higher ground. Within minutes – as if someone had thrown a switch – blue skies and sunshine rolled in, letting me start to dry out. Well, until I got to the supermarket, which had leaked like a sieve! Parts of the fresh veg aisles were blocked off whilst staff wielded mops and buckets to contain the leaks and clear up the mess.

Shopping done, I called into our local for a swift pint and sat in the beer garden to dry out in the sunshine. Well, on the outside anyway. As always, the range of beers had changed to include this example, which takes a (not so) subtle dig at the orange felon in the American White House.

Now I’m back at home, preparing for another day. Whilst I was out Dee’s cooked industrial quantities of Lasagne, some of which we scoffed tonight. Tomorrow we’ve another busy day, preparing for Dawn’s niece arriving as she’s going to be staying with us for a couple of nights. The girls are going to see Leon Bridges play at the Piece Hall, which will be a great break for Dee who’s been having a hard time of things recently. Me? I’ll be playing host!

Right, time to go. See you all tomorrow

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Let it snow…

05 Sunday Jan 2025

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The snow that had been predicted to fall yesterday arrived with a vengeance overnight. When we opened the bedroom blinds this morning we were treated to the sight of a white-out. The whole valley had disappeared under a blanket of snow which left the world eerily quiet as hardly anything motorised could move.

Later, having fortified myself with coffee I ventured out with the camera to get a few pictures. Firstly, I checked the depth of the snow on our front garden wall.

13cm. But in many places the snow had drifted and was even deeper, getting up to 20cm.

Whilst Dawn stayed in the warm I went for a wander around where we lived before the snow dropped off the trees. We’re surrounded by woodland, which makes for lovely pictures in these conditions. Here’s a selection…

It’s a brave (or stupid) motorist who ventures out in these conditions. Our road became a reserve for walkers rather than cars. All you had to watch out for was snow bombs as the tree branches shed their loads.
Local footpaths became the reserve of foxes and badgers, the only ones who left tracks.
Looking down a cold Calder valley towards Sowerby Bridge which is hidden in the murk in the valley below.
Looking up at the Wainhouse Tower past telephone lines which have quadrupled in prominence due to the snow clinging to them. Telegraph poles and wires in the air is still very much a thing in this neck of the woods.
The walk to our local pub (The Big 6) is up this cobbled road called Wakefield Gate. Today it was reserved for walkers as it was too steep and slippery for vehicles. This featured in the opening credits for the TV series ‘Gentlemen Jack’. I’d hoped to have got some evening shots here but the snow turned to rain.

The pair of us did venture out into the valley bottom for a stroll along the canal to Sowerby Bridge in the early afternoon but by then temperatures had risen enough that we had persistent rain which was gradually turning the snow into slush. I’d half-hoped to be able to get some pictures of local trains in the snow, but conditions were so bad all rail services through the Calder Valley were suspended, so there was nothing left to do but go for a pint and a warm in the Hogshead Brew House before slipping and sliding our way uphill to home. Water was running down the roads in torrents as the rain continued to melt the snow, making it an ‘interesting’ walk to say the least. Thankfully, there were few cars on the roads, which were a far safer place to walk than the slush-covered, treacherous pavements. Even so, we were soaked by the time we got home. The forecast had been for more heavy snow, but here, the difference in height by a few meters and temperature by one degree can make all the difference – which makes predicting the weather so difficult. I wouldn’t be the least surprised to find that snow’s falling just another 100-150 meters above where we live.

Now it’s time for a quiet night in. Dawn’s cooking a veggie Sunday dinner whilst I’m writing this. After which, it’s time to sort out and book for our next adventure, to somewhere far more exotic – and warm. Watch this space…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Chasing the weather…

19 Tuesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Calder Valley, Photography, Railways, Travel, Weather

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Having woken up to wall-to-wall snow this morning I dropped everything to head out with the camera. After all, it’s not that often we get such conditions and the snow often disappears in the blink of an eye. Today was no different. The ideal conditions are when the snow clings to trees and bushes but the weather warmed quickly and the snow was already dropping before I left so there was no time to waste.

Having walked down to Sowerby Bridge I caught a train to Todmorden where the railway’s surrounded by high hills – ideal for photography. Here’s a small selection. I’ll add details tomorrow…

Having got the images I wanted I caught a train into Manchester with the intention of heading back via the nearby Colne valley, but Dawn had mentioned that Derbyshire had accrued a lot of snow, so my plans changed and I ended up at Edale instead. The Hope valley didn’t disappoint, although the trees were already bereft of snow.

Normally I’d be taking photos of atop Mam Tor and the ridge, but not today! It was bleedin’ Baltic out there!

Sorry for the lack of details but it’s been a long day. I’ve walked nearly 15 miles to get these pictures and I’ve another busy day tomorrow, so now it’s time to relax.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Llŷn leanings. Day 3…

16 Wednesday Oct 2024

Posted by in Food and drink, Photography, Railways, Travel, Wales

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Today’s been one dominated by the weather which has been a complete contrast to the day we arrived here in Wales. We had very heavy rain on and off throughout the night, which made sleeping just under an old barn roof interesting to say the least!

Upon waking we found the area around us was blanketed in low cloud and fog, so there there was little point in rushing out to sight-see. Instead we had a leisurely morning at ‘home’, giving me chance to catch up on some work emails and Dawn to relax.

Eventually we ventured out to head over to Pwllheli our first stop of the day. Whilst it’s the biggest town on the peninsula and the railhead for the area, it’s hardly the most attractive town. Admittedly it has some interesting buildings but the place has a shabby air redolent of so many faded seaside towns, especially at the end of the season. That wasn’t helped by the fact it was blanketed in fog! We stayed long enough to pick up some fresh hake from the excellent Llyn seafoods and for me to visit the station to see how busy the incoming train from Birmingham was, then it was time to head off to explore further.

The crew of 158830 exchange banter having arrived with 2J07, the 0808 Birmingham International to Pwllheli.

The weather cleared as we headed East, the sun almost managed to break through at one point en-route, but that didn’t last. However, we did manage to beat the same train on its return, which allowed me to get this shot of it leaving Portmadog.

Hello again! 158830 leaves Porthmadog as 2I24, the 1338 Pwllheli to Birmingham International. It will join another set from Aberystwyth at Machynlleth, working forward as a -4-car to Brum.

Porthmadog is a far nicer and more interesting town for a whole host of reasons. There’s much more going on thanks to the two narrow gauge railways which are a huge tourist draw. There’s a far better selection of shops too, including many small businesses. The air is more bohemian and arty and less traditionally touristy. Plus, there’s also the excellent Moose Head brewery, brewery tap and next door shop.

Needless to say, we couldn’t resist calling in to see activity at the Ffestiniog railway station where two of the line’s steam engines were present.

‘Linda’ waits in the sidings with the stock of the ‘Quarryman’ train to Blaenau Ffestiniog whilst ‘Palmerston’ shunts a train of coal wagons.

Sadly the rain arrived not long after we did so we decided not to hand around but risk our luck by heading into Snowdonia to visit Beddgelert. It was a lovely drive due to the changing seasons and colours that have appeared in the trees along the route. Plus, the Afon Glaslyn river which the road follows made a fine, swirling sight due to the heavy rains.

Beddgelert was quiet but still an enjoyable diversion despite the rain. The low clouds meant we played hide and seek when it came to views of the surrounding hills whilst fog on the river added to the climactic effects.

Whatever the weather (and there’s normally no shortage of rain in Snowdonia) the place is always worth a visit.

With the day rolling on and the weather determined to rain on our parade we made our way back West with one last stop. We had a wander around Cricceith, yet another Welsh town blessed with a castle – although I know that’s not how the Welsh saw them at the time! We didn’t stay long as the fog was really rolling in, it was atmospheric but rather wet! I’d love to see it like this at dawn with the colours of the new day illuminating the mist.

Now we’re back at home, toasting in front of the fire. The forecast for tomorrow is vastly improved and we have plans for further explorations. Let’s see…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

30th September picture of the day…

30 Monday Sep 2024

Posted by in Calder Valley, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Weather

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I’m sat in the office typing this whilst listening to the sound of the heavy rain falling outside. It’s never stopped since this morning. God knows how much has fallen, but the whole area is absolutely sodden. The only good news is that the River Calder hasn’t flooded, why I don’t know. Perhaps the recent flood remediation works around Mytholmroyd has made a difference, maybe because the rain’s been heavy but steady all day. Either way, we seem to have escaped the problems other parts of the country are experiencing – although rail services through the valley have been disrupted by events elsewhere.

September has been a pretty miserable month weather-wise, despite odd days of sunshine here and there. The amount of rain we’ve had has broken several records. Climate Change is real – and it’s here (although the denialists still pretend otherwise). I only hope things improve in October. I’ve a lot of things I want to do and I need sunny days to do them.

In the meantime I’ll be keeping myself occupied in the warm and dry – like today, where most of my time’s been spent picture editing, writing and counting raindrops! However, I’ve a press trip on Thursday which will be interesting – as you’ll see nearer the time.

For now I’ll leave you with today’s picture. I still managed to get out for my daily constitutional, but I was in full waterproofs (boots, jacket, trousers and gaiters) and with a golfing umbrella to boot! Here’s how the Calder valley looked from the Albert Promenade above where we live.

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Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

25th August picture(s) of the day…

25 Sunday Aug 2024

Posted by in Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Weather, West Yorkshire

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In true bank holiday style the weather here in West Yorkshire has been a bit crap. You’d think it was the spring bank, not August holiday – although to be fair, it’s not been as wet as the forecast predicted.

Not that it mattered much this morning as we had a lazy day here at Bigland towers, enjoying copious cups of coffee whilst we relaxed and decided what to do. There was no point in venturing far so we opted for a local stroll around woods and parks before picking up some food shopping. Supermarkets on a Sunday are quite bizarre. Because they shut at 4PM there’s always a frantic rush of people, as if they’ve not already had 6 days of the week to plan their shopping and someone’s suddenly declared Monday’s going to be the start of the Zombie apocalypse, so they need to stock up.

We picked up the few bits we needed, which was more as an excuse to get out than anything else. A quick pitstop was made at the Big 6, where the 72 pint barrel of Thornbridge Jaipur that went on last night had already been supped, only to be replaced with another ale with a kick. Roosters “Blame It On The Tetons” IPA which comes in at a healthy 6.3%! As befits a Sunday, the pub was busy, but not overly so, with a mix of regulars and people on holiday who’d heard of its attractions and ambience. Another of the changed beers on offer was this, with a delightfully daft name and pump clip.

Strolling home we took the long way round through Savile Park and Manor Heath park, where we were surprised to see a number of trees that had really suffered in the gales. One especially, which had almost been split asunder. It was part of a small group which provided shelter for a number of park benches. Thankfully, no-one was around at the time, otherwise there would have been casualties.

Now we’re back at home, relaxing and watching the grey skies close in across the valley. Whilst I’ve been pottering around catching up an a few bits Dawn’s been busy in the kitchen where she’s come up with this soul food. Home-made meat and potato pie with mushy peas and gravy. Ideal for weather like this…

Will we venture further afield tomorrow? That depends on the weather Gods…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312