A Quick Guide to Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is an iconic medieval castle located in Northumberland, England.

It is one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe and has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 11th century when it was originally built as a wooden fortification. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and renovated, resulting in its grand and imposing appearance that can be seen today.

One of the most notable features of Alnwick Castle is its stunning architecture. The castle boasts a mix of medieval and Gothic styles, with its imposing walls and towers, intricate carvings, and grand entrance gates. The interior of the castle is just as impressive, with lavish state rooms, a grand hall, and a magnificent library filled with rare books and manuscripts. It's no wonder that the castle has been featured in many films and TV shows, including the popular Harry Potter series.

Aside from its architectural beauty, Alnwick Castle also has a fascinating history. It has played a significant role in numerous historical events, including the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. The castle has also been a witness to many royal visits, with notable guests such as King Edward I and Queen Victoria gracing its halls.

The castle also has a rich collection of artwork, weapons, and artifacts that offer a glimpse into its past. One of the most impressive pieces is the Chippendale furniture in the Drawing Room, which is said to be some of the finest examples of 18th-century craftsmanship.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Alnwick Castle also offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors. The castle grounds are home to stunning gardens, including the famous Poison Garden, which features a collection of deadly plants. Visitors can also take part in medieval themed activities, such as archery and falconry, or explore the castle's dungeons and see the old torture chamber.

The castle has also been at the forefront of conservation efforts, with a focus on preserving the natural environment and wildlife in the surrounding area. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 100 different species of birds spotted on the grounds.

In recent years, Alnwick Castle has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in castles, medieval life, or simply looking for a day of adventure. Whether you're exploring its grand halls, strolling through the gardens, or taking part in one of its many activities, Alnwick Castle is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Further reading:

Lions of the North: The Percys & Alnwick Castle. A thousand years of history (aff. link).

The Use of Neutral Density (ND) Filters in Photography

Neutral density (ND) filters are an essential tool in the arsenal of any serious photographer.

These filters are designed to reduce the amount of light entering the camera, without affecting the colors or contrast of the image. This may seem counterintuitive, as photographers typically strive to capture as much light as possible in their images. However, there are several scenarios where using a neutral density filter can greatly enhance the final photograph.

One of the primary reasons for using a neutral density filter is to achieve a longer exposure time. This can be particularly useful in landscape photography, where a longer exposure can create a sense of movement in the clouds or water, resulting in a more dynamic and visually captivating image. Without a neutral density filter, the camera would struggle to capture a longer exposure without overexposing the image. By reducing the amount of light entering the camera, the filter allows the photographer to use a slower shutter speed without compromising the overall exposure.

Another situation where neutral density filters are invaluable is when working with bright light sources, such as the sun. In these situations, the camera's sensor can easily become overwhelmed and produce a blown-out, overexposed image. By using a neutral density filter, the photographer can control the amount of light entering the camera, resulting in a more balanced exposure. This is particularly useful in landscape photography, where the sun may be in the frame and the photographer wants to capture the details in both the foreground and the sky.

Moreover, neutral density filters can also be used to achieve a shallow depth of field in bright lighting conditions. Typically, a wider aperture (smaller f-stop number) is needed to create a shallow depth of field, resulting in a brighter image. By using a neutral density filter, the photographer can use a wider aperture without overexposing the image, allowing for more creative control over the depth of field.

In addition to these technical benefits, neutral density filters also offer creative possibilities. By controlling the amount of light entering the camera, the photographer can experiment with longer exposure times, resulting in unique and artistic images. They can also be used to capture motion blur in a still photograph, creating a sense of movement and adding a dynamic element to the image.

Overall, neutral density filters are a versatile and essential tool for photographers looking to push the boundaries of their creativity and capture stunning images in a variety of lighting conditions. Whether it's creating a sense of movement, controlling exposure in bright light, or experimenting with creative techniques, neutral density filters are a must-have for any photographer looking to take their craft to the next level.

Buy neutral density filters at Amazon (aff. link).

Pathfinders Railtours - The Hadrian Hoovers Railtour

GB Railfreight locomotives 50049 "Defiance" and 50007 "Hercules" were on duty for Pathfinder Railtour's The Hadrian Hoovers railtour of the north of England.

These are the only two class 50 locomotives in GBRf's fleet and both are painted in the company's standard royal blue and gold livery.

After a very early start at Tame Bridge Parkway, the outward leg, train 1Z31, travelled via Derby, Chesterfield, York and then the Durham Coast and Tyne Valley Lines to Carlisle. The return leg, train 1Z33, travelled via the iconic Settle and Carlisle Line to Leeds, then on to Doncaster and Chesterfield before retracing its steps to Tame Bridge Parkway.

As I was on a Freedom of the North East Rover at the time, I was able to follow much of the railtour's progress across the north of England.

My video begins at York, where the train arrives double-headed with 50049 in the lead. A mass of enthusiasts had assembled awaiting the Hoovers' arrival, with some lying down on the platform to seize a few artistic photographs. Jets of hot clag sputtered upwards into the magnificent glass canopy that straddles much of York Station.

From there I repositioned to Haydon Bridge, which is actually in Northumberland! A Northern Sprinter was just ahead of 1Z31, which approached the station at walking pace under cautionary signals. The semaphores on the Tyne Valley Line make a nice accompaniment to any photograph. The signaller cleared the final signal on the approach to Haydon Bridge just before the train came to a stand, signifying that the next signal may well be at danger due to the slower stopper up ahead.

Finally, I travelled to Cononley Station which is on the Airedale Line in North Yorkshire. Cononley is the stop after Skipton, where train 1Z33 was booked to stop for a crew change. After a slight delay the train thundered through at quite a rate. I watched it disappear into the distance.

Filmed on 23rd July 2022.

Footage was captured using a Panasonic HC-VX1 (aff. link) fitted with a Rode VideoMic Go (aff. link).

If you like my videos please subscribe to Northumberland Snapper on YouTube.

Steam Locomotive Jennifer Debuts on the Aln Valley Railway

On a glorious summer's day I thought I'd take the short stroll to my local heritage line, the Aln Valley Railway.

The Aln Valley Railway, as you might remember from my earlier visit, is currently restoring the link between Northumberland's county town Alnwick and the East Coast Main Line at Alnmouth. The railway has been restored between Lionheart Station, on the edge of Alnwick, and Greenrigg Halt, about a mile short of Alnmouth. It operates most weekends and also mid-week during the summer months.

The day of filming was another milestone event for this fledgling project, it being the inaugural running day of Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T No. 20 "Jennifer". This colourful little tank engine is owned by the Llangollen Railway Trust and on free loan to the Aln Valley Railway for a period of 15 years.

Given it was Jennifer's first run on the railway, a few teething problems were to be expected. Around 5 minutes into the video you will see the locomotive stop so that the fireman can close a gate carelessly left open. A short while later Jennifer ground to a halt for a second time, having insufficient steam pressure to overcome the final gradient towards Lionheart Station.

The Aln Valley Railway is growing bigger all the time thanks to the hard work and dedication of its volunteers. It really is a great place to pay a visit if you're in north Northumberland.

Filmed on 16th July 2022.

Footage was captured using a Panasonic HC-VX1 (aff. link) fitted with a Rode VideoMic Go (aff. link).

If you like my videos please subscribe to Northumberland Snapper on YouTube.

Steel Slabs to Skinningrove (and Stunning Scenery)

The seven mile long freight only branch between Saltburn West Junction and Boulby Potash Mine represents some of the most scenic railway panorama anywhere in mainland Britain.

The line snakes its way along the breathtaking clifftops of North Yorkshire, running adjacent to the Cleveland Way long distance footpath. In places, as you will see in this video, the line is less than 50 yards from the cliff edge, which results in a truly stunning coastal backdrop.

Around a dozen trains a day use the single line Boulby branch, most of which are running the full seven miles to or from ICL Boulby, the potash mine. A couple of trains in each direction carry steel slabs and their empties between British Steel Skinningrove and Tees Yard.

Skinningrove is around 4.5 miles from Saltburn West Junction. The northern entrance to the Boulby branch is signalled by Longbeck Signal Box, with Crag Hall Signal Box signalling the area around Skinningrove, Carlin How and Boulby.

On the day of this video I followed the Cleveland Way a couple of miles south down the coast from Saltburn to Hunt Cliff. It was a really nice day, but there was a refreshing sea breeze. There is a derelict fanhouse set back slightly from the edge of the cliff and an interesting charm bracelet sculpture.

DB Cargo's 66152 was working the daily steel slabs from Tees Yard to Skinningrove. On this occasion it was hauling a rake of 17 BEA bogie bolster wagons, the front 16 of which were loaded with steel slabs. Around an hour later the unloaded train, 6N53, was trundling back in the opposite direction towards Tees Yard.

DB Cargo also holds the contract for the potash trains on the Boulby branch.

Filmed on 3rd June 2022.

Footage was captured using a Panasonic HC-VX1 (aff. link) fitted with a Rode VideoMic Go (aff. link).

If you like my videos please subscribe to Northumberland Snapper on YouTube.