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  • Bright red bench atthe end of the pier in Beaumaris, Anglesey, with stormy winter weather over the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia and tje wind swept Menai Strait in the middle & far distance. The pier has been altered since this image to take a floating pontoon
    GD000557.jpg
  • A surprisingly rocky, surprisingly ridgy, edgy walk around the Marchlyn Mawr reservoir which feeds the Dinorwic HEP station in Llanberis. The snow was everywhere but the weather was stunning, blue skies and bright crisp sunlight bouncing off brilliant clean white surface. In the distance huge snow clouds raced across the lowland island of Anglesey.
    GD001046.jpg
  • Rough surf from the Irish Sea in stormy weather forces it's way into the narrow cove of Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay) West Anglesey, Wales. On the windswept headland, Sea Pink (Thrift) blows amongst long grass covering the burial mound of Barclodiad Y Gawres,
    GD000723.jpg
  • A Boxing day walk, alone, in the weather and the howling winds. Amazing, elemental, the antithesis to Christmas, natural, wild, empty, unpackaged. I stood three times in the middle of a semi-drowned estuary, sheltering behind my huge (braced) umbrella whilst squalls pounded the nylon and winds flipped the edges of the material like a machine gun. So noisy was the wind that it was hard to tell whether the rain had stopped! I headed for the dunes and a brief few moments of sunshine trying to break through the cloud cover, but soon it was dark, and I had to meander my way back across the dunes to the car park, tripping frequently over rabbit holes and clumps of thick grass.
    GD001359.jpg
  • Three glorious days of freak weather at the end of February, thanks to global warming. Although worrying in the extreme for the planet, most of us can’t deny that the sudden summer weather amidst the gloom of winter, was nevertheless uplifting in other ways. Back to heavy rain today.
    GD002389.jpg
  • As Storm Imogen makes her first appearance, and dark clouds build on the the horizon, I find myself fascinated by the sheer variety of beautiful coloured stones lying just beneath the surface of the sand pools before an incoming tide. The weather created dreary conditions but every so often gentle glimmers of light illuminated this wet world, a world that has seen rain for almost three months solid. It was so lovely to find such intriguing beauty in such inclement weather
    GD001994.jpg
  • A thin strip of bright sunlight illuminates the Irish Sea in otherwise ominous heavy weather at Caernarfon Bay, on the Northern coast of the Llyn Peninsula. The distinctive three peaks of Yr Eifl, Tre'r Ceiri, Garn Ganol and Garn For can be seen under the dark clouds.
    GD000993.jpg
  • Rough seas from stormy weather crash against the cliffs at the headland of Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay) West Anglesey, Wales. Sea Pink (Thrift) blows amongst thr rocky cliff top as surf crashes into the cove below.
    GD000721.jpg
  • Showery weather forms dramatic skies and reflections at sunset on the wet sand of Porth Tyn Tywyn at Rhosneigr, West Anglesey.
    GD001005.jpg
  • Windswept Broad Beach at Rhosneigr, West Anglesey, Wales, in a gale and rainy weather at sunset..
    GD000672.jpg
  • From a shoot alongside the BBC's 'Weatherman Walking' series with Derek Brockway. I was acting as guide for the walk because of my book about the location.<br />
<br />
We had just come up from Tre'r onto the summit of Garn Ganol. The hill fog had been very thick, swirling in a clammy wet blanket about us which was very atmospheric but also blocked all the views. Here however, the cloud suddenly parted and revealed beautiful patches of sunlit Llyn Landscape. Even the cameramen were ecstatic about the weather phenomenon before us - stunning.
    GD000935a.jpg
  • Showery weather forms dramatic skies and reflections at sunset on the wet sand of Porth Tyn Tywyn at Rhosneigr, West Anglesey.
    GD001007.jpg
  • It was a day of mixed weather; brilliant sunshine then violent hail showers, but even when things seemed at their darkest, the burning sunshine was always just behind. The whole scene was visual metaphor for things in my life at that moment.
    GD002012.jpg
  • Successive storm waves during bad, gale driven weather, create piles of wind blown foam on the incoming tide at sunset in Winter at this West Anglesey beach near Rhosneigr
    GD001961.jpg
  • A cold afternoon on Anglesey's West Coast. The weather was cloudy and showery but from the West sunshine kept breaking through the clouds and scattering around the landscape. The tide was low and the wet sands provided a beautiful surface on which to mirror reflections from the rapidly changing skies.
    GD001904.jpg
  • A piece of driftwood jammed in the sand at Silver Bay, Anglesey get washed by incoming waves in the cove at sunset, during stormy, wet weather.
    GD001202.jpg
  • Delicate light from wet weather over pools, patterns and textures left at low tide at Llanddwyn Beach, West Anglesey, Irish Sea.
    GD001287.jpg
  • A Boxing day walk, alone, in the weather and the howling winds. Amazing, elemental, the antithesis to Christmas, natural, wild, empty, unpackaged. I stood three times in the middle of a semi-drowned estuary, sheltering behind my huge (braced) umbrella whilst squalls pounded the nylon and winds flipped the edges of the material like a machine gun. So noisy was the wind that it was hard to tell whether the rain had stopped! I headed for the dunes and a brief few moments of sunshine trying to break through the cloud cover, but soon it was dark, and I had to meander my way back across the dunes to the car park, tripping frequently over rabbit holes and clumps of thick grass.
    GD001360.jpg
  • This was taken during a two hour outing to Anglesey's West Coast one Sundaty afternoon during serious gales and stormy weather. The seas were huge for Anglesey and were breaking over the clifs, the strong winds sending plumes of spray into the air and dousing the land with salty foam. As the sun dropped in the sky, the light became more and more intense until it created a theatrical floodlight, backlighting the spray from the crashing waves. The wind was blowing so hard I had to almost sit on the tripod to keep it steady and the lens needed wiping down every few seconds. It was fantastic to ne in these conditions alone on the cliff top because it generated an enormous sense of scale and vulnerability whilst perched there. At this time of year, when the sun setsm, the light diminishes rapidly so I had to tread careful over the wet cliff tops to get back to the van. It was an invigorating evening.
    GD000849.jpg
  • Morning light over tiny waves in showery weather at Traeth Bychan beach, East Anglesey. A cloud shaped like a jumping figure hangs in the sky.
    GD001016.jpg
  • Showery weather forms dramatic skies and reflections at sunset on the wet sands of Porth Tyn Tywyn,  Rhosneigr, West Anglesey.
    GD001006.jpg
  • Looking out at an approaching weather front over the Irish Sea at sunset, from the lush green rocky cliff top at Rhoscolyn Head, Holy Island, West Anglesey
    GD000552.jpg
  • A cold afternoon on Anglesey's West Coast. The weather was cloudy and showery but from the West sunshine kept breaking through the clouds and scattering around the landscape. The tide was low and the wet sands provided a beautiful surface on which to mirror reflections from the rapidly changing skies.
    GD001944.jpg
  • Strong winds and inclement weather sweep over the huge sand dunes at Llanddwyn, Anglesey. The sunset provided bursts of sunshine over this Marram Grass strewn landscape.
    GD001187.jpg
  • Ships waiting in bad weather in the sheleted waters in the lee of the Isle of Anglesey, awaiting pilots to help navigate the dangerous waters into Liverpool.
    GD001012.jpg
  • A Hawk training jet, based at RAF Valley, flies high above the Irish Sea off the coast of Anglesey in changeable weather and dramatic cloudscapes
    GD001754.jpg
  • A Boxing day walk, alone, in the weather and the howling winds. Amazing, elemental, the antithesis to Christmas, natural, wild, empty, unpackaged. I stood three times in the middle of a semi-drowned estuary, sheltering behind my huge (braced) umbrella whilst squalls pounded the nylon and winds flipped the edges of the material like a machine gun. So noisy was the wind that it was hard to tell whether the rain had stopped! I headed for the dunes and a brief few moments of sunshine trying to break through the cloud cover, but soon it was dark, and I had to meander my way back across the dunes to the car park, tripping frequently over rabbit holes and clumps of thick grass.
    GD001358.jpg
  • Waves on an incoming tide in bad weather at Porth Iago on the Llyn Peninsula, North West Wales.
    GD001428v2.jpg
  • From stormy weather, wind waves and surf crash over rocks into a rockpool at sunset at this rocky point at Porth Tyn Tywyn, Rhosneigr, West Anglesey.
    GD000698.jpg
  • Nominated in 10th (2017) International Colour Awards (Nature category)<br />
<br />
Deep sunset though stormy weather cloud conditions over the Irish Sea, seen from the slopes of Mynydd Mawr mountain in Snowdonia
    GD001595.jpg
  • Last day of Menai Strait regatta 2017. Beaumaris courses. These images were taken whilst being filmed for the new ITV Wales sries, 'The Strait' to be broadcast in Januray 2018.<br />
<br />
Slam Media / Cread Cyf production for ITV Wales 2017
    GD002214.jpg
  • Shot from the mountains of Tre’r Ceiri, higher than the low scudding clouds, sunlight and shadows created a thousand paintings upon the vast stretch of the Irish Sea. <br />
<br />
From here, over 2000 years ago, tribes who inhabited the Iron Age settlement behind me will have see such similar views. I have no idea what they will have seen ‘in’ those views, or whether the magical beauty I see was more ominous to them. Sitting in the warm sunlight on the summit of Garn Canol however, I’d like to think that they also saw the amazing beauty in nature’s elements.
    GD002206.jpg
  • A gentle evening light; it didn’t last long.<br />
<br />
A weather front advanced across the horizon and the brilliance of the sunshine subdued and cooled. An army of figures marched the trek from car park to lighthouse, a pilgrimage for many.<br />
<br />
For me however the sheer wonder of Llanddwyn is not the manmade structure on the island of lovers, but the incredible beauty of the natural; the huge wind-formed dunes covered in swaying marram grass, back-dropped by the skyline of wonderful Welsh mountains. <br />
<br />
The lighthouse is an objective but the dunes are true beauty.
    GD002115.jpg
  • Rough seas from stormy weather crash against the craggy cliffs at the headland of Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay) West Anglesey, Wales.
    GD000697.jpg
  • Wind blown Marram grass catches the last of the sunlight as the weather changes and a gale advances over the Irish Sea here at Porth Tyn Tywyn, Rhosneigr, Anglesey, Wales.
    GD001917.jpg
  • International Color Awards 2016 - Nominee in "Nature" category<br />
<br />
A solitary house bathed in late afternoon sunlight in dramatic weather overlooks this secluded little cove on North Anglesey, where streams run down to the sea.
    GD001354.jpg
  • View from the summit of Garn Ganol (Yr Eifl) the highest point on the Llyn Peninsula, looking across the rural farmland through low lying clouds and hill fog  in showery weather
    GD000936.jpg
  • Showery weather forms dramatic skies and reflections at sunset on the wet sands of Porth Tyn Tywyn,  Rhosneigr, West Anglesey.
    GD001004.jpg
  • Almost Spielberg-like, the most incredible dark clouds built above a small cluster of beachside houses at Rhosneigr. Late afternoon sunlight burst under the weather front illuminating the coastline, increasing the drama further.
    GD002101.jpg
  • A stream cuts down the beach to reach the door, carving beautiful curves through virgin sand. Black clouds stall overhead and light levels dropped dramatically, yet, there was a sombre beauty in this endlessly fascinating stretch of coast, regardless of weather.
    GD002008.jpg
  • Strong winds and inclement weather sweep over the huge sand dunes at Llanddwyn, Anglesey. The sunset provided bursts of sunshine over this Marram Grass strewn landscape.
    GD001188.jpg
  • Wintry weather in Summer. The air was warm but the strong wind was cold. The pandemic has left popular beaches near deserted. Today just three other couples along the two mile stretch of shoreline. Sad though it is for so many loyal Anglesey visitors, I have to admit that having beaches to yourself, especially as a landscape photographer, is a rare treat, a treat that may never be repeated in my lifeline, so I relish every moment. <br />
<br />
In the emptiness so much else was happening though, all centred around the movement of sea and clouds and the rapid changes of light across shifting surfaces. The intensity of contrast between moody skies and brilliant sparkling wet sand, was just mesmerising, hard to pull away your eyes let alone move your feet.  There is so much to see in such emptiness, but then I think I’ve always felt that; that sometimes the emptiness itself helps to focus the eye on the smallest of changes and differences.
    GD002496.jpg
  • Unbelievable dusk burn of sunlight after a dreadful, rain flooded day. These conditions lasted such a short time but in that time I enjoyed such wonderful serenity. It was so quiet that I could hear the sound of the Afon Menai flowing by; I heard a lone Oystercatcher calling across the water but couldn't hear a large flock of gulls lazily winging across the Menai Strait, backdropped by a watercolour tapestry of weather.
    GD002490.jpg
  • After weeks of appalling weather, wind and rain, it was such a relief to have a dry-ish day. We headed for the coast and literally just caught the last moments of a giant hole in the clouds where we glimpsed the blue sky above. A gentle shimmering of sunlight reflected off the calm sea, but it was like the eye of a storm as banks of deeper grey cloud moved in from the West and the rain started all over again.
    GD002564.jpg
  • LOVING the moody weather - for photography at least :-)
    GD001457.jpg
  • Sitting on the reef watching an incoming tide, bathed in warm early Spring sunshine, we were filled with hope and optimism for the Summer ahead. We drank hot coffee and ate home made sugared almond cake from a lovely German friend of ours. <br />
<br />
As much as we enjoy the wild drama of the winter light and weather, we both crave the sunshine and warmth and a beach life. This was like an early injection of happiness.
    GD002173.jpg
  • A thick Spring sea fog rolled in from the Menai Strait over Beaumaris town and the lush farmland behind. Visibility changed constantly and during a clearer moment I caught a glimpse of these non-phased cattle going about their business as I just stood in awe at this incredible weather phenomenon.
    GD002079.jpg
  • Having done a picture delivery in Northern Anglesey, I was on my way back down the A55 when I decided to turn for the coast, just to get some fresh air. I found myself on the Rhosneigr road and my heart was light. Mine was the only vehicle in the sand-dune car park and pools of rainwater transformed the normally gritty rutted surface into rather beautiful patches of bright sky.The wind was bitter, still blowing in from the North West and today I only had trainers on, so no risky teetering about on wave washed rocks for me.<br />
<br />
The recent gales and big tides had deposited tonnes of dead brown seaweed over most of the shelving beach, but the outgoing tide revealed a beautiful sandy stretch at low water mark. The waves had decreased considerably today but it was still choppy in the strong cold breeze and the waves though low, were still powerful enough to launch themselves explosively up the shingle. Yesterday in the blazing late afternoon light, there was a smoothness to the foam-covered beach but today, there was sharpness, a contrast and a new brooding weather front overhead. My fingers froze whenever I removed them from my shooters-mitts and I put two hoods on to keep my head warm. I negotiated my way up onto the reef via a series of bizarre-to watch, core-stabilised ballet movements, tripod over my shoulder and rucksack swaying heavily with each leap. I found somewhere I could stand securely and just watched the wave performance below me. <br />
<br />
The sunshine remained clear and intense for quite a while, even though the cloud front appeared keen to obscure it, and the light danced on the waves in a bright avenue ahead of me. Soon though, the light subdued and the rain started so I made my way back to the van and on to the gallery to work. I really enjoy these spontaneous moments when you find yourself excited and stimulated by someone or something unexpected. I felt alive and captivated, if only for a brief hour.
    GD001710.jpg
  • Waves wash over the reef at the long sandy Broad Beach, Rhosneigr, Anglesey during changeable and dramatic weather.
    GD001258.jpg
  • Summer 2020, week after week of dreary wet weather in North Wales, occasionally positivity injected with a day or so of sunshine. <br />
<br />
We sat on the front at Dinas Dinlle watching dozens of holiday makers desperately trying to make the most of their staycation in the gloom. As a grandfather near the shore and a young Dad near the top of the shingle beach vainly tried to make damp kites fly for their hopeful kids, a squall of heavy rain slowly moved across the mountains of Yr Eifl - curtains of rain softening the ancient hills of the Hammer Tribes behind.
    GD002515.jpg
  • The sun had actually disappeared behind a cloud front miles behind me, but the amazing colours that often come after sunset, bathed the high clouds which then reflect in the water surface.<br />
.<br />
You can’t see it in the photo but it was also drizzling when I took this and I was photographing from under a huge brolly. I love these unexpected moments after bad weather, when if you’re lucky, the light just goes wild and magical.
    GD002491.jpg
  • Nominated in 10th (2017) International Colour Awards (Nature category)<br />
<br />
Deep sunset though stormy weather cloud conditions over the Irish Sea, seen from the slopes of Mynydd Mawr mountain in Snowdonia
    GD001595.jpg
  • As is the way with my days off these days, there is no rush ever. Jan works long days and even longer nights in an intensive care department and there is NO shift pattern at all to allow a person’s body clock to plan the week. Her need for sleep catch up is vital, so I have learned not to expect a 7am leap out of bed, and instead to respect her body clock readjustment time. It doesn’t stop me getting fidgety however if the light looks amazing, and the day is going by :-)<br />
<br />
It was Sunday however, and for Jan a rare Sunday off, so whatever! The weather forecast was for brightness, light cloud, zero chance of rain and plenty of sunshine later. We could do a lazy leisurely hill walk later with no worries about the elements or timings. I didn’t really absorb the additional information I skimmed through on the mountain weather forecast though, which indicated freezing level at summits and 45mph winds. Nevertheless we threw in our Paramo’s and Rab wind proofs just in case, along with two flasks of steaming hot coffee.<br />
<br />
At about 2pm we started the one hour drive towards the distinctive pyramid shaped mountain called Cnicht. I haven’t done it for couple of years and I love the mountain (approximately 2200 feet). I have done it from the very meandrous North side and also from the shadowy East facing quarry valley of Cwm Orthin, which was today’s plan as I wanted to show Jan the old quarry workings. However, as part of her prep for some bigger mountains in the next few weeks she said she’d prefer a steep ascent, so we headed for Croesor on the brighter West side instead. This was a first for me too which was nice, making our way up the classic West ridge.<br />
<br />
We decided to have a cuppa and a sandwich in the cafe in the tiny, sleepy hamlet of Croesor but the cafe was so asleep it was closed! I was really surprised, this being the Easter break and a car park packed with walkers’ vehicles. We started up the long, bouldery woodland track before exiting right up towards
    GD001736.jpg
  • As is the way with my days off these days, there is no rush ever. Jan works long days and even longer nights in an intensive care department and there is NO shift pattern at all to allow a person’s body clock to plan the week. Her need for sleep catch up is vital, so I have learned not to expect a 7am leap out of bed, and instead to respect her body clock readjustment time. It doesn’t stop me getting fidgety however if the light looks amazing, and the day is going by :-)<br />
<br />
It was Sunday however, and for Jan a rare Sunday off, so whatever! The weather forecast was for brightness, light cloud, zero chance of rain and plenty of sunshine later. We could do a lazy leisurely hill walk later with no worries about the elements or timings. I didn’t really absorb the additional information I skimmed through on the mountain weather forecast though, which indicated freezing level at summits and 45mph winds. Nevertheless we threw in our Paramo’s and Rab wind proofs just in case, along with two flasks of steaming hot coffee.<br />
<br />
At about 2pm we started the one hour drive towards the distinctive pyramid shaped mountain called Cnicht. I haven’t done it for couple of years and I love the mountain (approximately 2200 feet). I have done it from the very meandrous North side and also from the shadowy East facing quarry valley of Cwm Orthin, which was today’s plan as I wanted to show Jan the old quarry workings. However, as part of her prep for some bigger mountains in the next few weeks she said she’d prefer a steep ascent, so we headed for Croesor on the brighter West side instead. This was a first for me too which was nice, making our way up the classic West ridge.<br />
<br />
We decided to have a cuppa and a sandwich in the cafe in the tiny, sleepy hamlet of Croesor but the cafe was so asleep it was closed! I was really surprised, this being the Easter break and a car park packed with walkers’ vehicles. We started up the long, bouldery woodland track before exiting right up towards
    GD001737.jpg
  • As is the way with my days off these days, there is no rush ever. Jan works long days and even longer nights in an intensive care department and there is NO shift pattern at all to allow a person’s body clock to plan the week. Her need for sleep catch up is vital, so I have learned not to expect a 7am leap out of bed, and instead to respect her body clock readjustment time. It doesn’t stop me getting fidgety however if the light looks amazing, and the day is going by :-)<br />
<br />
It was Sunday however, and for Jan a rare Sunday off, so whatever! The weather forecast was for brightness, light cloud, zero chance of rain and plenty of sunshine later. We could do a lazy leisurely hill walk later with no worries about the elements or timings. I didn’t really absorb the additional information I skimmed through on the mountain weather forecast though, which indicated freezing level at summits and 45mph winds. Nevertheless we threw in our Paramo’s and Rab wind proofs just in case, along with two flasks of steaming hot coffee.<br />
<br />
At about 2pm we started the one hour drive towards the distinctive pyramid shaped mountain called Cnicht. I haven’t done it for couple of years and I love the mountain (approximately 2200 feet). I have done it from the very meandrous North side and also from the shadowy East facing quarry valley of Cwm Orthin, which was today’s plan as I wanted to show Jan the old quarry workings. However, as part of her prep for some bigger mountains in the next few weeks she said she’d prefer a steep ascent, so we headed for Croesor on the brighter West side instead. This was a first for me too which was nice, making our way up the classic West ridge.<br />
<br />
We decided to have a cuppa and a sandwich in the cafe in the tiny, sleepy hamlet of Croesor but the cafe was so asleep it was closed! I was really surprised, this being the Easter break and a car park packed with walkers’ vehicles. We started up the long, bouldery woodland track before exiting right up towards
    GD001735.jpg
  • As is the way with my days off these days, there is no rush ever. Jan works long days and even longer nights in an intensive care department and there is NO shift pattern at all to allow a person’s body clock to plan the week. Her need for sleep catch up is vital, so I have learned not to expect a 7am leap out of bed, and instead to respect her body clock readjustment time. It doesn’t stop me getting fidgety however if the light looks amazing, and the day is going by :-)<br />
<br />
It was Sunday however, and for Jan a rare Sunday off, so whatever! The weather forecast was for brightness, light cloud, zero chance of rain and plenty of sunshine later. We could do a lazy leisurely hill walk later with no worries about the elements or timings. I didn’t really absorb the additional information I skimmed through on the mountain weather forecast though, which indicated freezing level at summits and 45mph winds. Nevertheless we threw in our Paramo’s and Rab wind proofs just in case, along with two flasks of steaming hot coffee.<br />
<br />
At about 2pm we started the one hour drive towards the distinctive pyramid shaped mountain called Cnicht. I haven’t done it for couple of years and I love the mountain (approximately 2200 feet). I have done it from the very meandrous North side and also from the shadowy East facing quarry valley of Cwm Orthin, which was today’s plan as I wanted to show Jan the old quarry workings. However, as part of her prep for some bigger mountains in the next few weeks she said she’d prefer a steep ascent, so we headed for Croesor on the brighter West side instead. This was a first for me too which was nice, making our way up the classic West ridge.<br />
<br />
We decided to have a cuppa and a sandwich in the cafe in the tiny, sleepy hamlet of Croesor but the cafe was so asleep it was closed! I was really surprised, this being the Easter break and a car park packed with walkers’ vehicles. We started up the long, bouldery woodland track before exiting right up towards
    GD001733.jpg
  • The huge & imposing massif of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Wales' highest mountain. This was taken following a last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr under inclement weather but it resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather-watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change of light being played out across the Snowdonia hills. If it were not for my friend feeling frozen I would have braved another hour or so of just sitting and watching.
    GD001343.jpg
  • An ominous looking Mynydd Mawr in low cloud and bad weather as seen from the craggy summit of Moel Tryfan above Rhostryfan, Snowdonia, Gwynedd, Wales
    GD000968.jpg
  • A last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr on a mixed weather day, resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change being played out acros the Snowdonia Range. If it were not for my friend feeling rather chilly I think I'd have braved another hpour or so of just sitting and watching.
    GD001534.jpg
  • As is the way with my days off these days, there is no rush ever. Jan works long days and even longer nights in an intensive care department and there is NO shift pattern at all to allow a person’s body clock to plan the week. Her need for sleep catch up is vital, so I have learned not to expect a 7am leap out of bed, and instead to respect her body clock readjustment time. It doesn’t stop me getting fidgety however if the light looks amazing, and the day is going by :-)<br />
<br />
It was Sunday however, and for Jan a rare Sunday off, so whatever! The weather forecast was for brightness, light cloud, zero chance of rain and plenty of sunshine later. We could do a lazy leisurely hill walk later with no worries about the elements or timings. I didn’t really absorb the additional information I skimmed through on the mountain weather forecast though, which indicated freezing level at summits and 45mph winds. Nevertheless we threw in our Paramo’s and Rab wind proofs just in case, along with two flasks of steaming hot coffee.<br />
<br />
At about 2pm we started the one hour drive towards the distinctive pyramid shaped mountain called Cnicht. I haven’t done it for couple of years and I love the mountain (approximately 2200 feet). I have done it from the very meandrous North side and also from the shadowy East facing quarry valley of Cwm Orthin, which was today’s plan as I wanted to show Jan the old quarry workings. However, as part of her prep for some bigger mountains in the next few weeks she said she’d prefer a steep ascent, so we headed for Croesor on the brighter West side instead. This was a first for me too which was nice, making our way up the classic West ridge.<br />
<br />
We decided to have a cuppa and a sandwich in the cafe in the tiny, sleepy hamlet of Croesor but the cafe was so asleep it was closed! I was really surprised, this being the Easter break and a car park packed with walkers’ vehicles. We started up the long, bouldery woodland track before exiting right up towards
    GD001734.jpg
  • SUN28 Shot Up North Awards winning entry (2016).<br />
<br />
International Color Awards 2016 - Nominee in "Nature" category<br />
<br />
The huge & imposing massif of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Wales' highest mountain. This was taken following a last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr under inclement weather but it resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather-watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change of light being played out across the Snowdonia hills.
    GD001348.jpg
  • On one of my low days, under a gloomy blanket of dull weather with a forecast of heavy drizzle, I headed mid-afternoon for the Welsh hills. <br />
<br />
It's funny really, but the dark weather, the impending gloom, the threat of a downpour, the complete lack of any people on the hills, the quiet, the isolation, the wet earth underfoot, the raven circling in and out of the swirling low cloud - all served to remind me that even the most wonderful aspects of my world, are often naturally dark, and  even inhospitable
    GD001325.jpg
  • Winner - Honourable Mention in 10th (2017) International Colour Awards (Nature category) <br />
<br />
The huge & imposing massif of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Wales' highest mountain. This was taken following a last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr under inclement weather but it resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather-watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change of light being played out across the Snowdonia hills. If it were not for my friend feeling frozen I would have braved another hour or so of just sitting and watching.
    GD001347.jpg
  • The huge & imposing massif of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Wales' highest mountain. This was taken following a last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr under inclement weather but it resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather-watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change of light being played out across the Snowdonia hills. If it were not for my friend feeling frozen I would have braved another hour or so of just sitting and watching.
    GD001344.jpg
  • The iconic and craggy peak of Tryfan, a hill walkers' mecca in the heart of Snowdonia, peaks it's irregular summit in the far distance, but to the right, deceptively looking even higher, is the huge rounded and open peak of Glyder Fawr. <br />
<br />
This was taken following a last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr under inclement weather but it resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather-watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change of light being played out across the Snowdonia hills. If it were not for my friend feeling frozen I would have braved another hour or so of just sitting and watching.
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  • The huge & imposing massif of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Wales' highest mountain. This was taken following a last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr under inclement weather but it resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather-watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change of light being played out across the Snowdonia hills. If it were not for my friend feeling frozen I would have braved another hour or so of just sitting and watching.
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  • Nominated for 11th International B&W Spider Awards<br />
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The huge & imposing massif of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Wales' highest mountain. This was taken following a last minute decision to slog up Mynydd Mawr under inclement weather but it resulted in just the most fantastic hour of weather-watching from it's summit. I was utterly gripped by the continual theatrical change of light being played out across the Snowdonia hills. If it were not for my friend feeling frozen I would have braved another hour or so of just sitting and watching.
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  • A spontaneous fast evening hike up to the summit of Elidir Fawr, grabbing the last of the sunshine before the torrential rain promised for the following day.<br />
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It was clear that the weather was already changing, dark clouds swirling around the peaks, but side-lit by striking evening sunlight. Though July, my hands were really cold in the strong gusting breeze. <br />
<br />
I didn’t see a soul anywhere on the mountain so I was able to revel in the dramatic elemental conditions surrounding me, perfect and humbling solitude that freaks me as much as it excites me.
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  • Evening sunlight catching the Cornish flag at the stern of the St Mawes Ferry having crossed the Carric Roads in windy wet weather, forming a rainbow of the St Just in Roseland headland. A sailing yacht makes it's way out past Falmouth Docks into Falmouth Bay.
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  • This was a grab shot en route to Cardiff with my Nant show, during appalling weather. At one point on a hilltop near Mid Wales, the clouds briefly parted and the sun burst through to reveal these four guilty sheep :-) The previously drab colours became vivid in the intense sunlight. Within minutes the rain started again and the sheep went back to hurdling :-)
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  • It was strange to be standing in sunshine one one side of the valley, looking towards the banks of fog rolling over the hillsides opposite. The bustling town of Llanberis looked so tiny below the crazy swirling weather above.
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  • A surprisingly rocky, surprisingly ridgy, edgy walk around the Marchlyn Mawr reservoir which feeds the Dinorwic HEP station in Llanberis. The snow was everywhere but the weather was stunning, blue skies and bright crisp sunlight bouncing off brilliant clean white surface. In the distance huge snow clouds raced across the lowland island of Anglesey.
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  • During awful, dreary weather in Snowdonia, a break appeared in the clouds and evening sunshine flooded in an upon this soft and ancient Welsh landscape. It looks as though a theatre spot light has been turned on but the lighting is natural and just the way I saw it.
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  • Cornwall, mid February. The weather had been stunning all week but the sea was still throwing some massive waves at the coast. Even in the relative shelter of the cove itself, huge granite boulders await further attrition from the advancing Atlantic swell.
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  • The forecast was for mixed weather but thankfully we never ‘quite’ saw rain. Here on the coast of West Penwith a river tumbles down through the boulders to join the Atlantic Ocean. Brief moments of sunshine illuminated the flowing water and everything sparkled. The clouds closed in, the wind increased and the cold intensified but my mood was as bright and alive as the view I was offered.
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  • Classic Cornish winter weather. One minute we were blanketed in thick sea fog, then drizzle, then showers and then intense sunlight before repeating all over again. <br />
<br />
Wolf Rock lighthouse stands 14 miles off the Cornish Coast and is a crucial navigational mark before ships either head for America or round to port to find sheltered anchorage in Penzance or Falmouth. <br />
<br />
We sat on the cliff edge, warm but our outer clothing dripping with rainwater. At one point we were bathed in sunshine but drenched with rain at the same time. <br />
The horizon was busy with shipping and the inshore waters were dotted with tiny fishing boats.
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  • Almost a dirt track, this red dusty road cuts through dry grass covered hillsides near Figueira near the Algarve coast. Dark clouds loom on the horizon from approaching stormy weather
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  • I left the valley in beautiful warm evening sunshine but by the time I reached the summit it was shrouded in dense, fast-swirling and cold hill fog. I shivered as I sat in the lee of the summit cairn but when the sun burst through I was bathed in warmth and mesmerised by the rapidly unfurling mountain views beyond me. The conditions lasted maybe an hour before the temperatures balanced out and the cloud dispersed leaving totally clear views. I can't help but be impressed by the constantly changing ethereal qualities of the Welsh light and weather.
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  • A ship at dusk at anchor off Mount’s Bay in Cornwall. The whole landscape was dark and rather ominous looking in the heavy weather but the large ship was temporarily illuminated by a last pulse of light before the clouds closed over for the night.
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  • Fleeting patches of light caress the slopes of the ancient mountain of Cader Idris during squally winter weather. Clouds build and billow at speed above the peaks, in contrast to the dark shadows of the huge North facing cliffs.
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  • Volcanic landscape, Fuerteventura, Canaries. <br />
<br />
We rarely see any bad weather on this arid island but on this evening, black clouds rolled overhead and the first spots of rain steamed off the hot car windscreen
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  • I left the valley in beautiful warm evening sunshine but by the time I reached the summit it was shrouded in dense, fast-swirling and cold hill fog. I shivered as I sat in the lee of the summit cairn but when the sun burst through I was bathed in warmth and mesmerised by the rapidly unfurling mountain views beyond me. The conditions lasted maybe an hour before the temperatures balanced out and the cloud dispersed leaving totally clear views. I can't help but be impressed by the constantly changing ethereal qualities of the Welsh light and weather.
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  • Summit of Tryfan in atrocious weather, photographed from Y Braich
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  • Retreating off the summit as huge sheets of rain swept across the peninsula, a most beautiful rounded granite boulder stood proud against the dark stunted vegetation all round. The wind ruffled the grasses as drops of rain started spitting in my face and then the stone sphere glistened under a torrential downpour, just one of millions in it's own process of shaping and growing older.
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  • I found it peculiar to see several allotments right on a Cornish cliff edge. The plastic containers were a colourful contrast to the dreary weather of the afternoon.
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  • Ever since a kid I have loved Cape Cornwall and the vast sense of space you experience from the hill-top. Waves that would swamp a small fishing boat seem relatively harmless from this height but the fact they have traveled hundreds of miles of ocean is still quite intimidating.
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  • The rain was relentless, coming down in sheets across the sombre Welsh hillsides, soaking the landscape and everything upon it. I’d just walked for hours on the deserted gale-blown mountaintops, alone but strangely happy in my solitude. The river in the valley was swollen, fed by the downpour but tumbled excitedly towards the sea beyond.<br />
<br />
The steadfast skeletal trees transfixed me. Their bare branches were almost still in the breeze and their water-drop laden twigs stretched out like a delta. These skeletal figures were in a sort of suspended animation, hidden life pulsing through the outstretched limbs but waiting to burst out in the spring, months from now.<br />
<br />
I didn’t really want to leave but my waterproofs were now beginning to fail after almost four hours of penetrating bad weather. I could hear the rain on my jacket hood and tiny beads of water now ran down my skin. It seemed that if I moved I’d ruin the silent connection between me and the trees, but I did, and it didn’t.
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  • There is something truly spiritual and liberating about being completely alone in the mountains. I only saw one person all day and apart from him I was completely undisturbed. I was able to watch cloud shadows scudding across the landscape, blown by bitter Easterly winds. I bathed in beams of sunlight that were lucky enough to break beneath the dark skies. The hills felt like they were mine. The grasses waved at me and the weather offered itself as a theatrical performance for me alone. Every step I took and every breath I made in the clean air connected me more fully with the planet; every downhill slope made me smile and even the tiredness of my leg muscles was a welcome reminder that I was alive and that the world still has beautiful things to offer. Living so close to the mountains, and equally so close to the sea, is almost like living in paradise.
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  • The weather was building over the hills and a strong breeze pushed the cloud shadows over the hillsides at a striking speed. Gradually the scene became darker but isolated patches of intense sunlight splashed the landscape for just a few moments at a time in this quiet Welsh valley.
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  • In the approaching dark of heavy rain clouds and a biting cold wind, the beautiful and enticing ridge-walk from Pen yr Helgi Du received an unexpected burst of sunlight along its length.<br />
<br />
We debated all the way to its steep northern ascent, but then the heavens opened and we realised we had been very wise to ignore the siren’s call as we headed down to the dark lake in torrential, skin-soaking rain. Even the Gore-Tex rainwear failed in these conditions and we still only just made the van before complete darkness.<br />
<br />
What has always struck me when looking at this photograph, is just how skin-like the hillside appears, like the hide of a huge animal. When you think of just how thin the ‘living surface’ above mountains of solid rock actually is then, effectively, it is just a ‘skin’ which will be affected by the weather and which will change appearance and colour constantly over time.
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  • Had no idea that a huge sea of cloud would be building as I summited Garnedd Elidir, but it was such an incredible surprise benefit of this last minute evening walk into the hills. <br />
<br />
Though Yr Wyddfa was packed with 1000s of visitors ever day this week, I was completely alone on my summit and was therefore able to let my mind float at cloud height with all this sumptuous vapour. It’s precious enough being alone on the hill tops, but being presented with such spectacular weather phenomenon is such a heightened privilege. <br />
<br />
Strangely, as I left my perch and headed down the scree slopes, the inversion faded, as if it was purely there for me, at a time when I needed it.
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  • View south over the misty Carneddau mountains and Mynydd Du, over to Elidir Fawr and finally the pointed summit of Snowdon in the far distance.
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  • Awarded a discretionary MERIT in the 29th SUN (Shot up North) Awards for full time professional photographers<br />
<br />
Nominee in Fine Art Category / B&W Spider Awards 2017<br />
<br />
Tiny blades of light penetrated the thick armour of black clouds over the Irish Sea. Pierced into soft dunes were short lengths of delicate fencing, resolutely standing their ground in the shifting sand, but gradually becoming eroded by the relentless attack of wind and weather.
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  • Wild-weather evening near Rhosneigr on Anglesey's West coast
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  • I’ve wanted to go to this vast, deserted coastline since I was a child. In my late teens I saw a picture in National Geographic of a lion prowling along a sandy beach, with a shipwreck in the background and it just stuck within me, always vivid. <br />
<br />
Of course those moments caught on film, are often rare and once in a lifetime, so it was perhaps no surprise that on my first visit to the incredible and weather-dramatic Skeleton Coast in January, I didn’t see my lion! However, the sheer scale of the coastline, the dense fogs that roll in from above the cold upwellings in the Atlantic Ocean, sometimes reducing visibility to a few feet, was awe-inspiring. Couple this with the numerous shipwrecks that strew this coastline and it really is surreal as well as exciting. Several of the major wrecks are within restricted diamond mining zones but a few are accessible to the visitor, such as this one here. I had to go early morning as crowds normal build up later in the day. <br />
<br />
This ship has become a permanent roost for hundreds of cormorants and seabirds.
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  • I’ve wanted to go to this vast, deserted coastline since I was a child. In my late teens I saw a picture in National Geographic of a lion prowling along a sandy beach, with a shipwreck in the background and it just stuck within me, always vivid.<br />
<br />
Of course those moments caught on film, are often rare and once in a lifetime, so it was perhaps no surprise that on my first visit to the incredible and weather-dramatic Skeleton Coast in January, I didn’t see my lion! However, the sheer scale of the coastline, the dense fogs that roll in from above the cold upwellings in the Atlantic Ocean, sometimes reducing visibility to a few feet, was awe-inspiring. Couple this with the numerous shipwrecks that strew this coastline and it really is surreal as well as exciting. Several of the major wrecks are within restricted diamond mining zones but a few are accessible to the visitor, such as this one here. I had to go early morning as crowds normal build up later in the day.<br />
This ship has become a permanent roost for hundreds of cormorants and seabirds.
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  • If I knew I was dying, this would be an ideal place to go. On a grassy terrace high above the beach, looking South West over the Irish Sea, it brought back memories from so many places I’ve lived and visited, from Cornwall to the Azores, Scotland to the Canaries. The huge cliffs, steep drops and open expanse of the ocean would be a fitting place to finally close my eyes for the last time. I can only hope the poor sheep took similar uplifting thoughts with her!<br />
<br />
A sheep skeleton lying on grass in bright afternoon Winter sunshine and rain showers over the Irish Sea and a rocky hillside on the hill top  above Nant Gwrtheyrn valley on the Northern Coast of the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales<br />
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From my book Nant Gwrtheyrn - Y Swyngyfaredd (The Enchantment)<br />
<br />
This book is available for purchase here on www.glyndavies.com
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