The Friday Frame {11} Reflecting

Well, this one really speaks for itself. But who am I to let a photograph do that when there’s a ready- made rambling opportunity? Onward… The breathtaking Loch Achray on a cold and clear morning in early January. We were in The Trossachs for four days over New Year. For the first three days, this mountain, and indeed the loch itself, were for the most part impossible to make out amid the slanting rain (/hail/blizzards) and low, steel grey cloud. But then, on our last morning — as if Scotland couldn’t quite let us leave again for distant London without reminding us of how perfect it can be — the clouds cleared, the sun came out, and the loch and the mountain were finally revealed. Worth the wait.

Loch Achray

All content is © Rebecca Daley and ohtogoawandering, 2015.

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A very Scottish December

Waterfall

Wreath

Autumnal colours

Horizon line

Powder blue

Stream in the woods

Green and brown

Cosy pub fireside

Rust

Snow topped mountains

Keeping the logs dry?

Layers of colour

Battered haggis

Waiting for the rain to stop

Wind, rain and stormy weather could easily have  been the main features of a blustery few days spent at Tigh Mor, just above Callander in Stirling, Scotland. But there were also piles of leaves glowing amber, water gushing in torrents down snow- frosted mountains covered in golden bracken and vibrant evergreens, and raindrops collecting in glistening pools along verges and under trees. Although the views were often lost in dense cloud and driving hail, it only made the moments when the skies cleared to reveal stunning landscapes even more breathtaking. The small town of Callander looks like most places do in the rain: grey and rather uninviting. But don’t let appearances deceive you- we were welcomed by mince pies and mulled wine in one gift shop, and the chip shop offered battered haggis, that deep- fried delicacy unique to Scottish chippies (try it before you knock it).

Stirling in December was deceptively beautiful, but jumpers, multiple pairs of socks and walking boots are a must.

All content is © Rebecca Daley and ohtogoawandering, 2013.

Winter in Oxford

Brooding deeply?

Light and leaf

Grey skies over Hertford Quad

A bicycle made for two

Seat anybody?

Britain is a place where we have had to resign ourselves to doing most things in the rain, but it’s often difficult to find the motivation to spend unnecessary time outside when the heavens open. When it comes to a toss up between a pair of wellies and a cup of tea, I think most of us are prone to choosing the latter.

These photographs are from a wintery, wet and windy few days during Michaelmas term in Oxford. During an incredibly stressful term I found taking a wander and looking for ways to capture the little things here and there incredibly relaxing. As cliched as it may sound, there really is nothing like taking the time to look for the amazing and the unexpected in the seemingly grey and uninspiring world around you to give you a sense of the bigger picture. I’m all for roaring log fires and hot soup as the wind blows a gail outside, but try not to let the wintry months limit you entirely to the living room. You might be surprised at the beauty you find.

All content is © Rebecca Daley and ohtogoawandering, 2013.