Along the Conwy Valley

Today we wake to a heavy frost and clear blue skies. Escaping from the twilight zone, we emerge into bright mid-winter sunshine. It’s simply glorious. 

We head up the Conwy Valley, unsure of our eventual destination, and arriving in Llanrwst, decide to turn right into the Carneddau. Up - far up - a narrow winding lane is Llyn Geirionedd - a beautiful lake reputedly the home of Taliesin, a 6th century Welsh poet. 

We set off around the lake - a slow journey due to my constant stopping. Everywhere there is a scene worth photographing; the lake is mirror-flat, reflecting the golds and browns and greens along its banks. It’s a gorgeous gentle walk, but for one section which I’ve conveniently forgotten. Here there is a steep scramble over a small promontory which involves negotiating rocks and tree roots, both slick with either ice or meltwater. I realise how risk-averse I have become; my progress is painfully slow, but eventually we make it to the other side. 

The opportunities for blips are endless - enough to fill my journal for a month. As well as panoramas of the lake reflections, there is sunlight filtering through the trees, or frost pockets where crystals still glisten in spite of the sun. It’s absolutely glorious. 

Eventually we leave and follow a tortuous route down to the valley floor. Driving in the direction of the coast, we see an ominous bank of fog roll in, finger-like inversions trailing up the valley floor before engulfing all in heavy mist. As this is happening, the light seems to take on other-worldly qualities, transforming the landscape with an eerie yellow glow. I manage a few shots in the brief moments before the mist takes over everything. 

The problem, of course, is trying to decide on a blip from sunny lakes or misty lowlands. It really is impossible. My only option seems to be a set of shots, and the choice of main is really rather random; it could have been any of them and my panel of ‘independent experts’ here all chose a different one as favourite! 

Our youngest son and partner have now arrived for Christmas, their departure from London brought forward as the Covid chaos looms. It’s good to have them safely home.