Moods of the river

The River Wharfe as it flows through the Bolton Abbey estate has many aspects and moods and, even in one day, can look quite different at different points and with varying light. The sunlight and shadow caused interesting effects (though a bit of a pain to photograph effectively!) I rather like the view above, just where the water flows out from the very narrow Strid rocks. 

From higher up, you get glimpses through the trees; here the water is very much in the shade because of the steep sided gorge and low winter sunshine. 

Frost lingered in the deep valley, washing cool blue grey tones over the scene: 

In contrast, where the sun broke through, rich golden tones flooded the woodland. This is the point where the river suddenly plunges into the very narrow straits of the Strid, deep, swirling and very dangerous: 

A little further to the north, upstream from the Strid, golden light in the distance tells you that the valley broadens out. 

Climb a little higher and you reach the viewpoint known as Turner's View, painted by the artist JMW Turner in the early 1800s. (Did you know JMW stands for Joseph Mallord William?) In the distance you can see the ruined Barden Tower, easier to spot in the winter sunshine than when I last photographed the view (HERE).