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 Exploring Britain
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Shrouded in mist, a winter warning: Britain gets first taste of the harsh season ahead
Trees and a church tower are outlined in deepest blue as a wintry run begins to rise over the Somerset hills.
Like much of the country,
these hills were shrouded in a lingering fog early yesterday. Similar
conditions and low temperatures are predicted for this morning by the
Met Office.
In fact, this could be the
first taste of a harsh winter. In Glastonbury, where this stunning
image was taken, temperatures dropped as low as -3C.
Moisture in the air combined with the long, cold night to create the fog.
Quite a sight: Fog lingers over the Somerset countryside
As if to confirm the
forecasters' worst fears for the months ahead, holly bushes are laden
with an unusually large crop of berries.
Tradition says such
abundance is a harbinger of a tough winter. Mere folklore it may be, but
the last time there were so many berries around was last autumn - which
was followed by the coldest winter in three decades.The
autumn mist was a result of a combination of freezing calm conditions
as well as moisture in the air, according to the Met Office's Barry
Gromett.
He said: 'The reason for
freezing mist is the length of the night. You can get mist at any time
of year but in the summertime the sun is up way before we are that heats
the air and the mist disappears. 'With temperatures dipping below zero
in many parts of the country last night together with calm conditions
it was perfect for the formation of mist and fog.'
Poor visibility: Trees appear out of the dense mist near the Somerset Levels in Glastonbury
In holly bushes around the country, a sea of red berries has added colour to gardens suggesting a big freeze is on the way.
'It has been a bumper year
for all soft fruit and some holly bushes are really laden down with a
huge amount of berries this winter,' said Dominic Price, of Plantlife.
'We had good warm weather in the spring when the flowers were bring
pollinated, then the sunny September weather helped the berries to
ripen, so we have a really spectacular crop.
'The berries are lovely and plump this year and there are large quantities of them.'
Last year was also a spectacular year for holly berries and as predicted Britain experienced its coldest winter for 31 years.
Most of the country suffered freezing temperatures and snow in December and January.
'The berries got it right
last year, but I don't think there is actually any scientific logic
behind the folklore,' Mr Price added.
Easing: The Tor is more visible as the sun comes out 
Stunning: The flat Somerset countryside this morning 'We'll have to see if they are right again this time.'
Britain's huge berry crop,
including rowan and hawthorn, has also helped to attract the biggest
number of Waxwings to Britain in over a decade.
Usually only a few hundred
of the brightly coloured birds with 'punk' hairstyles fly to the UK
from Scandinavia and Russia in search of food each winter.
But in the last few weeks more than 2,500 have landed in Britain.
Autumn delight: The mist rises • The photographs were taken by Matt Cardy
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1329680/Stunning-pictures-misty-autumn-morning-holly-crop-hints-harsh-winter.html#ixzz15RJBdDnsBreathtaking Britain: Nature's beauty from dusk til dawn
Using a panoramic film
camera in the magic hours of sunrise and sunset, Mark Denton has
captured England’s greatest landscapes for his new book England: The
Panoramas.
Green green grass of
home: View from the Cat's Back Ridge in rural Herefordshire, with Wales
on the right, where the Black Mountains ridge looms out of the morning
mists 
Blackpool
illumination: The Lancashire seaside resort is bathed in pink at
twilight as the tide recedes, leaving the famous Tower and North Pier
reflected in the miles of muddy sand 
Red sky at night: The
summit of Roseberry Topping commands the northern fringe of the North
Yorkshire Moors, a lonely sentinel witnessing the going down of the sun 
Touching the void:
Dale Head in the Lake District reaches up towards the clouds on a
winter's evening, with Scafell Pike, England's tallest mountain,
looming in the distance 
Over hill and dale:
The imposing bulk of Blencathra, seen from neighbouring Lake District
peak Low Rigg, reflects the setting sun as shadows fall over the
surrounding fields 
Morning has broken:
The tall pines of Tarn Hows in Cumbria shimmer with all the hues of
spring, as the heights of Langdale and Helvellyn soar in the distance 
Dawn of aquarius:
Salcombe, from Snapes Point in Devon, glitters in the morning light
while small craft lie at anchor in an estuary that perfectly reflects
the deep blue sky 
Only the lonely: A
solitary figure basks in the golden glow of sunset at Burton Bradstock
in West Dorset, where iconic cliffs and sweeping beaches mark the
gateway to the Jurassic Coast
Fragrant Hills - Beijing click the link |
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Reflections of a vintage display of Autumn colour. 2010.10.18.
 A punter in Cambridge wirh reflections in the water. Photo:PA
A bridge in Monachorum, north Devon reminds me of Claude Monet's
 garden in Givency, Northern France. Photo: IRVING of EXETER
At Westonburt, South Gloucestershirre Photo: PA
Squrrels and hedgehogs prepare for the coming of winter. Photos: PA and CLARA MOLDEN
In Richmond Park Photo: PA
Berries Photo: THOMAS WARD
Early morning sunlight through the mist in a valley near Bath. Photo: PA
Leaves in Longleat, Wiltshire. Phooto: JEFF WATSON
Gardeners in Green Park, London. Photo: PA
The show is almost over, as we await the onset of Winter............. The magic of autumn: Your October Green shoots photos
We asked you to add your pictures of autumn's vibrant colours to our Flickr group. Here is a selection of the best images
Photo taken by Hoordrog Photograph: Hoordrog/Flickr
Norfolk Broads rebranded as 'Britain's Magical Waterland'
By Oliver Smith
The Norfolk Broads are to be rebranded as 'Britain’s Magical Waterland' in an attempt to attract visitors to the region.
The scheme - which is estimated to have cost £20,000 so far - was
devised by the Broads Authority and the Broads Tourism Forum, and
overseen by “brand strategy guru” Simon Middleton. Money from the
European Regional Development Fund has been used to fund it.
Mr Middleton believes it will transform The Broads into a
destination to rival can The Everglades in Florida and The Camargue in
the south of France.
However, local residents have described the move as unnecessary,
"ridiculous" and "arrogant". "The Broads’ image has become somewhat
jaded and one dimensional,” said Mr Middleton. “The solution is to
boldly describe The Broads as 'Britain’s Magical Waterland’, and it’s a
claim that is absolutely true to the place and therefore very hard to
argue with."
A new logo has been created by a Norfolk design firm, which will
be included in a "toolkit" of images and slogans, to be made available
to boat hire firms, hotels and shops, in order to "enable all Broads
businesses to unite in one clear message".
Meanwhile, businesses will also be encouraged to take part in the Broad Authority’s existing Green Tourism Business Scheme.
No residents were consulted over the re-branding, but members of
the Broads Tourism Forum were given the opportunity to offer feedback
throughout the process. “The Broads are in decline,” said Ian
Russell, chairman of the forum. “There are not enough visitors and
there’s a job to be done. We have been brave to do this, and the
feedback from businesses has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Bernice Davison, a Hickling resident, was less impressed by the
scheme. "Until something is done about connecting Norfolk with the
rest of Britain, they can call the Broads what they like," she said.
"Rail links are sporadic, there are no motorways, and the county has
been waiting for half a century to have the A11 widened further.
"The Broads could attract a lot more visitors, but the money
should be used to lobby central government about these transport
problems."
Other residents have expressed their despair on internet forums.
Some criticised the lack of consultation with residents and in addition
to better road access, suggested improving navigation on the waterways.
However, Nigel Richards, a director at Hampshire-based Waterways
Holidays, a marketing company that partners a number of Norfolk
boatyards and member of the Broads Tourism Forum, praised the
decision. He said: "The Broads was a popular destination in the past,
and is now trying to regain a distinct identity."
Mr Richards spoke positively about the new logos, but admitted
that the name 'Britain’s Magical Waterland’ could divide opinion.
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - Sutherland
Sutherland’s wild beaches are a delight to explore, says Caroline
Shearing, who opens our guide to the best of the Scottish coast.
By Caroline Shearing 20.08.2010
Sutherland's, and arguably Scotland's, best beach is Sandwood Bay
Sutherland stretches across much of Scotland's far north, but it's
the west coast that is home to its best beaches and loveliest scenery.
Venture here and you will find near-deserted stretches of white sand,
turquoise seas and dunes of swaying marram grass. The seas may be
bone-numbingly cold, and clothing more likely to be a woolly jumper
than a swimming costume, but there are few beaches in mainland Britain
that can rival Sutherland's for wild remoteness and stupendous natural
beauty.
Best beaches
Sutherland's, and arguably Scotland's, best beach is Sandwood Bay:
a glorious, mile-long stretch of sparkling sand that is pounded by
North Atlantic rollers and backed by undulating dunes. The beach, which
is owned and managed by the John Muir Trust, is popular with intrepid
types – it's a hike of four and a half miles from Blairmore.
Just along the coast from Blairmore is the pretty crofting village of Oldshoremore. When the tide is out, this wide beach is perfect for spotting stranded jellyfish.
Balnakeil Beach, just outside Durness on
Scotland's far north coast, is a curve of fine white sand backed by
towering dunes. The beach is popular with families and walkers en route
to Faraid Head. Couples tend to huddle on the southwesterly-facing
beach at the northern end of the bay, which is accessible only at low
tide.
East of Durness is Ceannabeinne Beach: a strip of
honey-coloured sand washed by azure waves and backed by smooth pink
cliffs. This sheltered spot attracts families and those wanting to
stretch their legs after a drive.
Where to stay
Mackay's Rooms & Restaurant (01971 511202; www.visitmackays.com),
in Durness. The hotel's Peatstacks restaurant serves exceptionally good
food – you might find Kinloch smoked venison or Loch Eriboll
langoustines on the menu – and there are seven stylish bedrooms. Double
rooms from £110 per night, including breakfast.
For self-catering options in and around Durness, try Cottages & Castles (01738 451610; www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk), Mackay's Agency (0131 550 1180; www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk) or Scotland Holiday Cottage (www.scotland-holiday-cottage.com) Visit Highlands (0845 225 5121; www.visithighlands.com) also lists details of self-catering properties.
For those on a budget, the Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse (01971 511202; www.durnesshostel.com) in Durness has sea views and a self-catering kitchen. Bunks from £14 per person per night.
Wild camping, provided it's done responsibly, is permitted in some
truly remote and spectacular spots under Scotland's Outdoor Access
Code. For more information, see: www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Where to eat
There are several options for lunch at Balnakeil Craft Village, which is less than a mile from Balnakeil beach; the best is the Loch Croispol Bookshop (01971
511777), where a toasted sandwich and a pot of tea costs £4. Don't be
put off by the somewhat bleak exterior of this village, in a former RAF
radar station.
Pack a picnic if you're heading to Sandwood Bay,
Oldshoremore or Ceannabeinne beach, but remember to take your rubbish
away with you afterwards. A shop in Durness sells basic provisions.
What to do and see
Walk to Faraid Head. In spring and summer on this
grassy peninsula at the northern end of Balnakeil Beach, you can spot
puffins raising their young. Faraid Head also offers far-reaching views
of Cape Wrath to the west and Scotland's north coast to the east.
Explore Cape Wrath. A small boat (seating 10)
makes the short trip from Keoldale across the Kyle of Durness to meet a
minibus, and from there it's a bumpy 12-mile ride down a single-track
road. The vertiginous Clo Mor cliffs, among the highest in Britain, can be seen from the cape's blustery tip. £15.50 return.
Go birdwatching on Handa Island (www.swt.org.uk)
A must for keen birdwatchers, this is an important breeding ground for
guillemots and razorbills, but the island also affords magnificent
views of the distinctive inselbergs – monolithic mountains – that make
up the Sutherland coastline. A small ferry departs from Tarbet daily
(April to September). Tickets cost £10 return for adults and £5 for
children; arrive before 10am to avoid the queues. What's on
The Blas Festival (www.blas-festival.com),
which showcases traditional Highlands music, is taking place at venues
across the Highlands from September 3-12. Phil Cunningham, the Scottish
folk musician and composer, will perform at Durness Village Hall on
Sept 6. More information Visit Highlands (0845 225 5121; www.visithighlands.com); Highland Council (www.highlandevents andfestivals.com).
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - north coast
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - west coast
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - east coast
Scotland's beach holidays: guide to the coast and seaside - Outer Hebrides Robin Hood: where to see Britain's greatest myths and legends. 13.05.2010.
To coincide with the release of Ridley Scott's
Robin Hood, we offer a guide to visiting the attractions associated
with Britain's most legendary historical and mythical figures. Robin Hood
The legendary outlaw and his Merry Men are most commonly portrayed as residents of Sherwood Forest, near the Nottinghamshire village of Edwinstowe. The massive Major Oak tree – with a circumference of 33 feet – is said to be the shelter where Robin Hood slept, while the Church of St. Mary, in Edwinstowe, may be where he tied the knot with Maid Marian.
Great railway journeys
Great train journeys provide a return to more leisurely days, when
travel was a decorous adventure rather than an irritant endured between
home and holiday. Between them, our top 10 carve up the most
spectacular scenery on the planet.
One of the best ways to see Britain, and a wonderful treat, is to
take advantage of some of the most interesting, historic and scenic
railways in the world. Benedict le Vay lists his favourites from his
recent book, 'Britain From The Rails: A Window Gazer's Guide'.
1. West Highland Line - Glasgow Queen Street to
Mallaig: by sleeper from London, finishing off with steam trains. This
route will leave you with beautiful memories, rolling across Rannoch
Moor's bogs, with red deer looking on. A horseshoe curve tucked into
the mountains, gives way to a sloping shelf down the hillside of a
remote loch (lake). www.scotlandsforme.com/main_attraction.php?.id=79
2. East Coast Main Line - London (King's Cross)
to Aberdeen (Scotland): speed, style and scenery in abundance, plus the
double drama of the Forth and Tay Bridges, with stunning views of Holy
Island, north of Newcastle. www.northumbrian-railways.co.uk
3. The Wherry Line - Norwich to Lowestoff and
Yarmouth (East Anglia), is charm on wheels. like the waterways they
follow, the lines are eccentric. Red flags protect swing bridges.
This line is an absoloute gem. www.wherrylines.org.uk
4. The Skye Railway - Inverness to Kyle of
Localsh (west coast and terminus to transfer to the Isle of Skye).
Beautiful scenery, magnificent sea views, and incredible tales of the
Battle of Strome and the fish wars. www.railbrit.co.uk/Dimgwell_and_Skye_Railway
5. The Settle and Carlisle Line: a mad, moody
magnificent main line route - England's highest. Bureaucrats tried to
close it; people power saved it! Thank God!
6. The Looe Branch, and St Ives Branch
(Cornwall): two delightfully charming, 'story book' kind of lines that
will 'knock your socks off!' An absoloute delight, if you have the
passion, to can manage both in a day. looevalley@
7. The Cambrian Coast Line - from Aberystwyth to
Harlech and Porthmadog (Wales). Wales has a treasure-trove of scenic
railways, including the one at Snowdon. This literal cliffhanger is
the best. Made into a North Wales circuit, with the help of the
FFestiniog line, it is superlative. www.thecambrianline.co.uk
8. The Great Western - from London (Paddington)
to Bristol, Cardiff or Penzance, mighgt be well known, and is my
favourite. It offers constant pleasure, from the serene Thames Valley,
Marlborough Downs, Bath, Somerset Moors, across the viaducts, and
curving round the bays and coves of Devon and Cornwall. 'Great'...
indeed! - no info website available*
9. The Wessex Mainline - from Southampton to
Cardiff is little explored by travellers from outside the region, but I
can't think why. This line passes through a great variety of scenery,
and with its long arm to Weymouth, includes many rural stops in Thomas
Hardy country. no info website available*
10. West of England Mainline - from London
(Waterloo) to Exeter (Devon). This is the forgotten way westward.
Approaching Salisbury, with its magnificent cathedral spire, the
scenery gets better, and better and better and... wow! no info website available*
* only route-maps and ticket info - Search Wikipedia if available, for other info.
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Scenic Railway Journeys Image: Kent & East Sussex Railway. ER 'N7' Class 062. Tank No: 69621. Image by: Stephen Leek. website: 
