Westhay Bridge

The last tree on the Blakeway - Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8223

The last tree on the Blakeway – Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8223

There is a road that runs north from of the village of Westhay in Somerset.  The OS maps call this Main Road.  While Google maps calls it Blakeway.   Before I noticed this conflict I always assumed the Blakeway was the name given to the road once it had passed the turnpike corner near to Sweats Tea Rooms.

I mention this because on the Main Road is a bridge called Westhay Bridge.  This bridge is very popular because of its distant views of Glastonbury Tor looking down the River Brue.  Add a bit of autumn morning mist and it gets even better.

Glastonbury Tor from Westhay Bridge - Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8303

Glastonbury Tor from Westhay Bridge – Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8303

Changing camera lens to my new telephoto.  Now you can appreciate the connection between the tower on top of the Tor with the tower of the church at the village of Meare.  Also in the morning light the picture came out orange!  On beautiful mornings like today there are always people visiting the top of the Tor.

Glastonbury Tor and Meare Church from Westhay Bridge - Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8315

Glastonbury Tor and Meare Church from Westhay Bridge – Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8315

The Main Road (Blakeway) leading out of Westhay was once lined with trees.  Now, not so many.  I’m sure must be a reason for the cut back, but it not a good look.  I assume many of these trees will quickly spring back?

War Zone? - Blakeway, Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8152

War Zone? – Blakeway, Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID MG_8152

One benefit from the missing trees is wide open views.  In the neighbouring field buzzards perched on piles of manure.  I guess for some free warmth.

Buzzard on a pile of manure - Westhay, Somerset Levels, UK. ID MG_8555

Buzzard on a pile of manure – Westhay, Somerset Levels, UK. ID MG_8555

This sometimes lead to a bit on fighting with the neighbours.

Buzzards on a pile of manure - Westhay, Somerset Levels, UK. ID MG_8692

Buzzards on a pile of manure – Westhay, Somerset Levels, UK. ID MG_8692

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2 Responses

  1. Rob S says:

    Some very atmospheric shots! Can I ask how far away the Tor is from the bridge – i.e. what sort of focal length lens is needed? Many thanks

    • Jeff Bevan says:

      Hi, The pictures were taken with a Canon R10 camera. This has a cropped (APS-C) size sensor. Most of the shots were taken with the standard short zoom that came with the camera. However, the close-up shot of Glastonbury Tor with Meare church was taken using a Canon 100-400mm f5.6-8 zoom level all the way out at 400mm. The image was slightly cropped, removing about a quarter of the image. If you have a full frame camera then something like a 600mm would be needed to get a similar image. It depends on how much you are prepared to crop the result. Hope this helps, and thanks for your comment. Jeff

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