A Watchful Morning in Swaledale
Photographs from an early walk with the dog
There’s something very special about an early morning walk in Swaledale — the stillness, the golden light, and the sense that the day is just beginning to unfold. This morning, I set out with the dog, as I often do, not expecting anything more than a peaceful start to the day. But as we wandered through the meadows, it quickly became clear we weren’t alone.
Hidden among the tall grasses and blooming buttercups, a pair of watchful rabbits had their eyes on us. Perfectly camouflaged in the undergrowth, they were barely visible at first — just a twitch of an ear or a flash of movement gave them away. I paused quietly, camera ready, and managed to capture a few images of them peering out from their hiding places. Their curiosity seemed to match mine, and for a moment, we simply observed each other, neither of us in a hurry.
Not far from the meadow, a cluster of old trees caught my attention. The early sunlight poured through the branches, casting long shadows across the grass and highlighting the rich textures of the bark. It was the kind of soft, angled light that makes everything feel calm and timeless — perfect for photography.
These quiet moments are what I love most about living and working in Swaledale. Even the simplest morning walk can turn into something magical when you’re paying attention to the world around you.
