Chasing the Last Light: An Atmospheric Day in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

There’s a unique, nostalgic magic that settles over the British coast as summer reluctantly gives way to autumn. On September 7th, 2024, I found it draped across the cliffs and lapping the shores of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It was a day of transition—the vibrant crowds of high summer had thinned, leaving behind a profound sense of place, perfectly captured through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300.

This wasn't about seeking out picture-postcard sunshine. It was about atmosphere, the contrast of Victorian grandeur against the raw, rugged North Sea.

---

The Headland’s Timeless Watch: Castle and Lighthouse

The journey to the heart of Scarborough always starts with the dramatic headland, where the past is literally carved into the rock. The formidable ruins of Scarborough Castle stand guard, silently surveying both the bustling South Bay and the calmer North Bay. From this vantage point, you feel the weight of over 3,000 years of history, from Roman signal stations to Civil War sieges.

Looking down towards the harbour, one of the most compelling scenes unfolds: the South Bay beach, the colourful boats, and the sturdy white and red stripe of the Scarborough Pier Lighthouse.

On a day like this, the air was thick with a salty, invigorating mist, softening the edges of the town and lending a timeless, cinematic quality to the light. The lighthouse, a beacon of safety since 1806, seemed to glow from within, a stark, steadfast pillar against the movement of the sea. Capturing this composition—the power of the ancient castle looming over the industry of the harbour—is the essence of Scarborough.

---

The Elegance of Iron: Scarborough's Spa Bridge

As you move away from the wild coastline, you encounter the architectural elegance that cemented Scarborough's status as Britain’s first seaside resort. The Cliff Bridge, often still referred to as the Spa Bridge, is an astonishing multi-span cast iron footbridge dating back to 1827.

Spanning the valley from St Nicholas Cliff to The Spa complex, the bridge is more than just a convenient shortcut; it’s an iconic piece of Georgian engineering and Grade II listed beauty. Its green iron arches cut a striking silhouette against the sky. Walking across it, high above the valley, offers a unique perspective on the town.

It was designed to transport Victorian gentry effortlessly to the natural Spa waters—a testament to the town’s luxurious heyday. The intricate ironwork, still perfectly preserved, feels like a delicate lacework against the sheer drop, contrasting the brute force of the coastline with a touch of civilised finesse.

---

In the Frame: A Photographer’s Love Letter to the D3300

As a photographer, there’s a certain satisfaction in using a workhorse like the Nikon D3300. While the latest models boast incredible features, the D3300’s 24.2-megapixel sensor and robust handling prove that you don't need the most expensive gear to capture breath taking images.

On this September day, the challenge was the atmospheric light. The D3300 excelled at rendering the deep, moody blues and greys of the overcast sky and the texture of the sea. I paid particular attention to:

1. Composition: Using the strong vertical lines of the lighthouse and the horizontal lines of the pier and bridge to anchor the images.

2. Detail: Focusing on the incredible detail in the castle stone and the rust on the fishing boats, showing the town's character.

3. Timing: The mid-morning light, diffused by the cloud cover, was perfect for capturing the muted, gentle colour palette that defines the early autumn seaside.

---

The Enduring Charm

My day in Scarborough was a reminder that the best seaside towns offer more than just a beach and a handful of arcades. They offer layered history, architectural marvels, and a constantly changing, dramatic landscape.

Whether you're visiting for the fish and chips, a walk along the Cleveland Way, or to find a quiet spot to watch the tide come in, Scarborough remains utterly captivating.

If you’re planning a trip to the North Yorkshire coast, make sure to pack your camera—you won’t regret capturing the enduring, powerful beauty of Britain’s original seaside resort.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Guardians of the Harbour: Whitby's East and West Piers

Whitby's rugged coastline is instantly recognizable, but the two stone arms that reach out to the sea are more than just part of a scenic postcard. The East and West Piers are the town's historical guardians, standing against the North Sea for centuries to protect the bustling harbour. These Grade II listed structures tell a story of engineering, maritime history, and the constant battle between man and nature.

---

A Legacy Built in Stone

While piers have protected Whitby since the medieval era, the current ones are monuments to 19th-century ingenuity. The West Pier, built in 1831, and the East Pier, constructed in 1854, are both of a sturdy sandstone build. The West Pier is the longer of the two, stretching for 1,178 feet, while its eastern counterpart measures 1,080 feet.

Originally, the harbour entrance created a dangerous whirlpool effect that made it difficult for ships to navigate. To solve this problem, a major extension project was undertaken, doubling the length of both piers. This crucial work, completed in 1912, finally tamed the turbulent waters, making the harbour entrance safer for seafarers. Both piers also have their own lighthouses, with the East Pier's being the smaller of the two.

---

A Glimpse into the Past

These pictures, taken in August 2018, capture the timeless essence of the piers. You can see the waves crashing against the stone, a constant reminder of the power they were built to withstand. The long view from the coast shows how the piers, with their lighthouses, create a striking line that separates the wild sea from the calm of the harbour.

The Whitby Piers are a testament to the town's rich maritime history and the grit of the people who built them. They are more than just landmarks; they are a living part of Whitby's story, enduring symbols of safety and resilience.

From the windswept vantage point of West Cliff, a breath taking panorama unfolds over Whitby Beach. Below, the vast expanse of golden sand curves gracefully into the distance, a ribbon of land caught between the turbulent North Sea and the rugged cliffs. In the distance, the coastline stretches towards the quiet villages of Sandsend and Kettleness, their silhouettes hazy on the horizon. The air is filled with the rhythmic sound of the ocean, as powerful North Sea waves, white with foam, crash and break onto the shore, a constant, mesmerizing display of nature's raw power. It's a view that combines a sense of vast, untamed beauty with the peaceful serenity of the coast, a classic Yorkshire scene that stays with you long after you've left.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Chasing the Light: A Coastal Hike to Far del Moscarter, Ibiza

In the summer of 2014, amidst the sun-drenched shores of Portinatx, Ibiza, I decided to trade poolside lounging for a coastal adventure. My mission? To hike to the iconic lighthouse, Far del Moscarter, a journey of approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from my hotel, Club Vista Bahia.

Let's be honest, the hotel wasn't exactly a highlight of the trip. While the sunsets were undeniably spectacular, painting the sky with fiery hues, the rest left much to be desired. Unmotivated staff, uninspired food, and a less-than-pristine environment contributed to a somewhat lackluster experience. (And, I've since heard it's closed its doors – hardly surprising!) But this isn't a hotel review; it's a tale of a rewarding walk.

Setting out along the rugged coastline, the heat was a tangible presence, but the allure of the sea breeze and the promise of panoramic views kept me going. A slight detour through a shady woodland area added an unexpected element of adventure, and after a brief navigational challenge, the stark white tower of Far del Moscarter finally came into view.

And what a view it was! Perched dramatically on the edge of the coastline, the lighthouse offered breathtaking vistas of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. It's easy to see why this spot is so beloved.

Far del Moscarter, a beacon of light since 1977, stands tall as the highest lighthouse in the Balearic Islands, with a focal plane of 52 meters. Construction of this impressive structure began in 1975, and its design is refreshingly minimalist. Unlike many traditional lighthouses, Far del Moscarter was built as a fully automated tower, lacking any residential quarters. Its sleek concrete form, devoid of unnecessary embellishments, speaks to its functional purpose.

The journey to the lighthouse, captured with my trusty Polaroid is2132 bridge camera on July 9th, 2014, was a reminder of the simple joys of exploration. Sometimes, the best experiences are found when you step away from the predictable and venture into the unknown. Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio's on Photo4Me and ClickAsnap via the links below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.