As well as uncovering its ancient historic past as a hill fort, the work clearing vegetation from Hillsborough is making it easier to appreciate different views of Ilfracombe, North Devon, especially the harbour.
We were up there this afternoon in glorious sunshine and, luckily, had my camera with me. I should have taken a tripod as a northerly wind off the sea made it difficult to hold the camera steady. Nevertheless I hope these photos give an idea . . .
It’s good to see construction of steps to make the paths easier to climb. All in all, it is making Hillsborough not only more interesting, but even more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
Later on, as the sun went down, it became chillier and greyer, but still clear enough to snap views of Ilfracombe and the fishing boats in the harbour from up Hillsborough . . .
Then I came down the hill the other side, overlooking the town, harbour and St Nicholas Chapel and lighthouse, which is the oldest working lighthouse in the UK . . .
Views of the MS Oldenburg approaching Ilfracombe Quay on an autumnal afternoon plus one of the harbour. Beautiful whatever the time of year and weather.
Yesterday afternoon we went for fish and chips at Maddie’s and strolled down to the harbour to enjoy the summer afternoon. The MV Balmoral was just coming in and people were queuing to board. It doesn’t matter how many times we walk down here, it’s always lovely a lovely sight to see.
I know it’s only down to -3°C here, but that’s cold for this part of the world. Yesterday morning I took the camera out as I walked the dogs before dawn; the harbour view was picturesque, but instead my unsteady hands produced this impressionistic image, which I quite like . . .
squiggly lights of Ilfracombe harbour before the dawn
Anyway, this morning I took out the one-legged-tripod-thingy, but still my hands shook in the cold. But I did get this . . .
As we turn back the clocks for winter, in Ilfracombe many of the boats have been lifted out of the harbour on to the quay and harbour car parks to protect them from the ferocity of the stormy weather until next spring.
Boats lifted out of the harbour on to Ilfracombe quay
It’s also a sign that most of the holiday-makers have gone and the town is back in the hands of residents, who can enjoy its beauty in the winter months.
It’s not all peace and quiet though, as it’s the only time that many of those in the tourism industry have to enjoy themselves after spending the summer season working all hours of the day.
Ilfracombe quay in October 2008
It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the town and countryside, even when the sea and sky are grey, it’s raining and the wind is howling. Certainly beats the M25.
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