robzlog & robznov » Hillsborough

Birds ‘n’ fish ‘n’ flowers ‘n’ trees

robz — Sat, 14 May 2011 19:52:57 +0000

There’s so much wildlife to see around Ilfracombe, North Devon.

At the moment the foxgloves are just coming into flower up Hillsborough . . .

While conkers are already forming on the horse chestnut trees near the swimming pool . . .

While nearby a starling hopped around on the grass . . .

Over at Bicclescombe Park, a collection of goldfish and other fish have mysteriously appeared in the boating lake. From what I have been told they are not supposed to be there and may be someone’s unwanted fish from a pond . . .

Beautiful bluebells in Ilfracombe

robz — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 19:47:13 +0000

The bluebells on the north and east sides of Hillsborough, Ilfracombe, North Devon are astounding at the moment.

To see them:

walk from the harbour round to Hillsborough
go via the car park by the swimming pool
climb the cliff steps from Hele Bay

New shoots

robz — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 13:57:44 +0000

Pussy willow is bursting out again. It amazes me every year.

And other trees are producing leaves and shoots too.

Something new appears every day at this time of year.

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Opening up Ilfracombe harbour views from Hillsborough

robz — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:16:10 +0000

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.

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Crisp, snap, spray & quack

robz — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:55:46 +0000

Such a beautiful day, although the ducks in Bicclescombe Park this morning did not too lively and one stared me out . . .

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How do they manage to withstand the flow of water?

Everything seemed so sharp and the trees stood majestically in the sunlight . . .

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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 . . .

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As I went up a hill this morning . . . #ilfracombe #ndevon #travel

robz — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:17:34 +0000

. . . I saw the sunrise from Hillsborough in Ilfracombe and took some photos as it was a beautiful morning . . .

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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 . . .

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Two moody views of the sea . . .

robz — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:58:27 +0000

. . . looking east from Hillsborough in Ilfracombe . . .

. . . and looking west . . .

. . . taken on 24 September 2010 in North Devon

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Today we picked 3 3/4lb of blackberries to make jam

robz — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:56:38 +0000

The fruit has ripened later this year up Hillsborough in Ilfracombe and there are lots of lovely berries ready for jam making.

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On the whole, we’ve had a good year for fruit with good crops of apples, raspberries and blackcurrants.

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Hoping the foxgloves will last this year in North Devon

robz — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:07:55 +0000

Wild foxgloves are just coming into flower this year up Hillsborough in Ilfracombe . . .

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. . . but the paths are also starting to become overgrown.

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Last year, the foxgloves and blackberries were cut down savagely before they had finished flowering. I do hope that North Devon Council, their contractors or whoever is responsible for tending this area can apply some common sense this year by trimming long grass and weeds without butchering all the flowers. Surely, landscape professionals should be able to exhibit expertise in this area. Isn’t that what they’re paid for?

Otherwise, locals, dog-walkers, walkers and visitors won’t be able to enjoy the marvellous natural beauty at its best.

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I’ve got the blues, but they feel good . . . in Ilfracombe #ndevon

robz — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:02:45 +0000

Everywhere is blue this morning.

The sea as I looked across Larkstone Café and Leisure Gardens to the sea . . .

The sea and sky from Hillsborough . . .

Who could want anything more?

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Views from Hillsborough, Ilfracombe, North Devon

robz — Mon, 31 May 2010 07:53:23 +0000

Out with the dogs and camera this Bank Holiday morning up Hillsborough snapping away . . .

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Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr keep that camera steady

robz — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:27:08 +0000

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 . . .

Ilfracombe harbour at dawn

. . . and this one looking across to Wales . . .

Looking across from Ilfracombe to Wales at dawn

Worth getting up in the dark to see.

Ilfracombe Sunday blues

robz — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:39:42 +0000

Just take a walk and see what you will find . . . up the steps from Hele Bay climbing Hillsborough . . .

Climbing the steps from Hele Bay up Hillsborough towards Ilfracombe

. . . the view from the top northeast towards Wales and Bristol . . .

Looking out over Hele Bay from Hillsborough, Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . up above bright blue and white . . .

Clouds, blues sky and sun in Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . out in the distance . . . more blue . . .

The serenity of Ilfracombe quay on Devon summer's day

. . . and boats . . .

Boating at Ilfracombe harbour and quay, Devon

. . . and beautifully clear water . . .

Clear waters off Larkstone Beach, Ilfracombe, Devon

. . . and neverending Sunday blues in Ilfracombe.

July Sunday in Ilfracombe

robz — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:57:33 +0000

After a night of rain and storm, this morning was beautiful. The walk round the north side of Hillsborough revealed some atmospheric views as the sun struggled to break through the cloud.

Moody view east from Ilfracombe, Devon

Coming round the hill and looking towards the town, St Nicholas’s Chapel stood clearly above the harbour.

St Nicholas's Chapel, Ilfracombe, Devon

Truly a wonderful July Sunday morning, even if more rain is threatened.