I met with a friend from my camera club one afternoon and we walked up to Ilkley Tarn. Both of us are keen to improve our photography and I'm still on a learning curve with my new camera, so we were trying out manual exposures - with limited success in my case! It was a dullish day and the light wasn't great, but we still enjoyed chatting and learning together. Coffee and cake in one of Ilkley's lovely coffee shops rounded off a very pleasant afternoon.The Tarn sits on the edge of the moor, above the town, and was created out of a bog in the 19th century, initially as a mill dam. It then became a popular place to walk - and skate when the water froze in winter - and was 'prettified' with shelters, lights and paths. It even had a fountain at one time. It has been a popular meeting spot too. Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragette leader, spoke at a rally there.
It's still popular with dog-walkers and those seeking a gentle walk along decent, mud-free paths. You can happen upon it unexpectedly if, anticipating a moorland walk, you follow the path from the town. Indeed, beyond it there is access to Ilkley Moor proper. It always seems a little odd to me to come across the old Victorian lamp-posts that line the path. A bit of Saltaire in Ilkley or even a touch of Narnia in them.
That last pic looks so pretty, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteIt does look like a marvelous spot to walk around and explore in.
ReplyDeleteoh yes, the light reminds me of Mr Tumnus of that book series.
ReplyDeleteGlad you told us how you got there, rather than through a wardrobe back as into Narnia. Now I'm looking up what a Tarn is.
ReplyDeleteA tarn is the Yorkshire expression for a small freshwater lake. Some are big enough to sail boats on. In a hard cold winter if the sheltered water freezes to a smooth surface they make an excellent skating rink. The Victorians would then set up braziers and sell roasted chestnuts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming spot! And the Narnian lamp post is a bonus,
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