Deerleap Dawn

Wells at Dawn – from Deerleap, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6937

Deerleap

This is the name of the narrow lane that runs up the southern face of the Mendip Hills from Wookey Hole.  This steep hill overlooks the valley of the River Axe and the small City of Wells.

The southern face of the Mendip Hills actually faces south west.  This makes it perfect of wide views at sunset, but tricky to do the same at sunrise.  Most of the year the sun rises too far north.

This morning, I hoped to capture the sunrise over Wells where the tower of St Cuthbert’s Church stands tall and proud.

My plan was to follow the footpath across the fields to get the best view.  But there were lots of cattle in the field.  Normally, I do not mind cattle but when you put up a tripod they crowd around you making it impossible to take pictures.

So I set up at the side of the lane which had pretty much the same view.  After this they wondered off.

Cattle – Deerleap, Above Wells, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_7887

I was hoping the sun would rise over the distant ridge of Creech Hill near Bruton.  But it was a bit late.  May be I will return close to Christmas.

The sunrise was just to the left outside the image.  Close enough for some amazing golden colours.

Creech Hill at Dawn – From Deerleap, Above Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7063

Looking towards Wells the church tower stood out through some early morning mist.  More haze than I hoped for but still good to watch the morning light develop.

Wells at Dawn – from Deerleap, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7077

And finally…

The sun was up and across the Axe Valley mist lingered in the valley floors.

St Cuthberts Paper Mill Chimney – From Deerleap, Above Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7259