I was beginning to think I would never get any frost or snow photos of Ludlow. The last time I saw a really hard hoar-frost was several years ago. Then on Wednesday I awoke to a beautiful softly coloured sunrise – and frost!
Not only was there a hard frost, but also fog diffusing light. An ideal time to grab the camera and wander down by the river.
Date: January 20 2016
Weather: cold, freezing fog, but sunny
Temperature: Cold (0°C)
Time: 13:20 – 14:25 PM
Excited by the thought that I might find some rime ice on leaves and trees I first went down to the river by the Mill Weir, where I hoped to get a view of the river and the trees along the Breadwalk. Because the sun was coming from my left, the trees were in darkness with just a glimmer of gold on my side of the river.
The frozen spiders’ webs were beautiful in their intricacy. Of the spiders there was no sight. Leaves looked as though they had been dipped in sparkling castor sugar.
I made my way down Camp’s Lane to the river at Dinham bridge. The low-slung sun and the fog created a softly focused golden light. Everything in the shade was cold and dark, whereas in the sunlight everything was warm looking. Don’t be fooled by that deep blue sky and warm red brick. It. was. cold.
The trees, dusted with icing-sugar, sparkle as the sun’s rays reach them.
As the weather had been very wet in recent weeks I did not want to walk around the common or the river and it was too late now to capture the view of Ludlow in the frost. I went to see the ducks who were busy arguing down by the Millennium Green, shoving and pecking each other to get to the bread being distributed by one hardy family out in the cold.
I decided to walk back to the town via the castle which was now bathed in sunlight. Despite it being only early afternoon, the long shadows made it feel much later. Frost still clung to those places untouched by the sun.
The castle garden, with its benches and lime trees, was empty apart from the young couple (seen above) who were cuddled up together on one of the benches – I don’t expect the seat was very warm!
Where the sun had reached the whippy branches of the linden trees the frost was thawing and sparkling diamonds of water dripped to the ground. My lips were blue, my fingers numb. Time to head for home and a mug of hot chocolate with a large tot of brandy.
The Cardinal is continuing his photo project throughout 2016 – a blogging event, a monthly photo challenge. Read his blog for the new rules this year (he is running two versions) and to view his interpretation and those of other participants.
And because I haven’t quite finished my next post about Shrewsbury I shall link this to Jo’s Walks. I’m sure the Cardinal and Jo don’t mind sharing 🙂
If you enjoy a walk, long or short, then have a look at Jo’s site where you are welcome to join in.
TRAVEL WORDS 
Wow, beautiful images Jude.
Thank you 🙂
These frosty pictures are exceptional, Jude. Well done you for braving the cold and persevering with your blue fingers!
I was happy to get outdoors Jenny!
I love what ice and frost do to trees and any living plants caught at the time. Your photos are stunning. The frost enhanced greenery, and fence and everything else, are center stage for today.
❤ ❤ ❤
Aw, thank you Tess, that’s a lovely thing to say 🙂
You are welcome, Jude. ❤
I love your enthusiasm for frost Jude. If only we might share. The cob web is amazing. I don’t think I have ever seen a frosted web. Wow!
If you had suffered all the grey skies and dull says we have Sue, you’d welcome the frost too! The webs were a delight to find – glad you enjoyed them 🙂
I love the pictures of the frosty leaves and berries. They look like some Christmas cards we got. If only winter could be like this all the time! Chucking it down here again today.
They do look lovely with the coating of ice don’t they. Much more Christmassy than all that rain.
You have some stunning photos here Jude! I’m glad you ventured out into the cold foggy frost.
It was a pleasure to get outdoors I can tell you, I can only stand so much of being cooped up!
Jeez, I know that feeling! I’ve injured my right heel and am trying to do nothing for two weeks to rest it. I’m going stir crazy at home! 😦
And I know THAT feeling. Hope your foot improves soon. I have found that insoles (Australian ones actually – FootActive) have helped enormously with my achilles tendonitis problem.
This is odd — Footactive may be Australian, but the insoles don’t seem to be available here! Online searches all direct to UK sites, and to buy them I’d have to have them shipped from the UK.
I was just about to reply that maybe they use a different name when I noticed your next comment! Doesn’t surprise me in the least, though why companies do this baffles me.
I am wearing them right now. They feel weird! If they don’t improve things, I will hold you responsible. 😉
They take a bit of getting used to, but they have really helped me.
Aha! here they are called “FootLogic”. Same packaging, different names. Go figure.
All these photos are stunning Jude I particularly like the rimed leaves and of course the icy spiders web. But then the understated bridge just peeping through the fog is a lovely composition, and those long shadows are so peaceful. An excellent post …
Thank you PP. The leaves were what I wanted to find so I was very happy to see them and the light was so unusual it made everything very soft focus. We are supposed to have another cold day tomorrow, so I may go for another wander 🙂
Wrap up warm then Jude. I’ll look forward to seeing what you find.
I can imagine your hurry out to catch the Wintry frost details and misty softlight here Jude ! Really lovely pictures 🙂
Thanks Poppy 🙂
Some wonderfully atmospheric photos .