Lynchcombe Steps

Tree and Clouds – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_1210

Winter Solstice

I missed my usual trip to the top of Glastonbury Tor for the winter solstice this December.  Instead, this year I went to the top of Lynchcombe.  The sunrise was worth the early wake-up time.  And you can see The Tor in the distance.

Sunrise – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_0513H

At the end of the day I watched the sun set.  In the foreground is an ash tree.  We are losing these quickly.

Sunset – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_0210H

After the sun had disappeared the distant skies turned red.

Sunset – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_0309

Mist

Mists regularly form over the Somerset Levels.  From Lynchcombe it can feel like you are in a aeroplane looking down on the tops of the clouds.

Sunset through the Mist – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSCN6620

Hills across the levels become small islands.

The Levels in Mist – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSCN6640

From Lynchcombe the views go on for miles.  The dry-stone walls catch the early morning sun.

Misty morning at Lynchcombe – Somerset, UK. ID JB3_3741

Lynchcombe

The woodland trail – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID DSCN6512

The Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve is a patchwork of trees, scrub and open grassland.  It sits on the southern slopes of the limestone Mendip Hills.

Lynchcombe – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_5190

No snow so far this winter, just the occasional frost.

Lynchcombe in Winter – Somerset, UK. ID 808_8865

Lynchcombe – Somerset, UK. ID 808_8790

And finally…

A group of crows do not give a family of buzzards a moment’s peace.

Lynchcombe Evening – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_5208