A lone fisherman enjoying the last light of the day whilst fishing off the floating dock at Ladybower Reservoir. Ladybower Reservoir is a the lowest of 3 reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley. The waters of the River Derwent flow through Howden Reservoir, then Derwent, and eventually into Ladybower. Built between 1935 and 1943 to bolster the water supply to the East Midlands, the reservoir took two years to fill. Beneath the waters of Ladybower is the site of the village of Ashopton. The buildings, with the exception of the church, were demolished during the construction phase of the reservoir. The clock tower of the church was visible above the water line until it was eventually demolished due to safety fears. The area is an amazing place to visit, with walking, cycling and fishing chief amongst the visitor activities. If you do visit the reservoirs I would recommend getting into the area early and taking advantage of the many free parking locations. There is also a very good visitors centre at Fairholmes with toilet facilities and a café (open all year round except Christmas day!).
The famous arches of Fountains Abbey Cellarium provide a wonderful, spider-like focal point to a room so full of detail and light. The arched windows light the vaulted ceiling, casting a lattice work of shadow. The architecture in this room is simply incredible. Fountains Abbey is near to Ripon, in Yorkshire. Jointly owned and managed by the National Trustand English Heritage<, this site is easily a full day to explore. With the ruins of the abbey, a working water mill, the old manor house, Studley Church, the river side walk, deer park, the photographic options are endless.
Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland. This English Heritage site is home to the amazing castle, built around the 1300's, as well as the impressive rugged coastline. This is one of the rare East Coast sunset locations in the area, so is well worth checking out.
