09 02 11

Seems ages since we've managed a decent sunrise on this part of Hadrian's Wall.
The best lately has been a tantalising thin glow of red below a big grey bank of cloud, as if to remind us of what we're missing.

At this time of the year the sun comes up to the south side of Hadrian's Wall, so there are limited opportunities for a good viewpoint.

Typical isn't it when you could set your alarm for 7am and still be up in time to be out for a sunrise photograph?

Late March is when it moves across to light up the crags and that means a 5am alarm.

This viewpoint from Steel Rigg is one of my favourites and not just because it's a short walk from the car park.

The mists rise from the low lying marsh land and from Crag Lough, it moves and the whole scene can change in seconds, natures own 'dance of the seven veils'.

These photographs were taken last September as the sun was heading back, and it's somehow comforting to know that no matter what goes on in the world, this view, repeated each March and September and no doubt enjoyed by the Roman soldier's guarding Hadrian's Wall, will go on until the end of time.