Old Rusting Wire

Normally in August and September, Rambling Man takes some time off. Time to relax, unwind, and, [checks notes] spend time on beaches and water slides with the children. This year I thought I’d do something different. I thought I’d share some photos that I’ve wanted to use in my Sunday Picture feature for a long time but never seemed to find the right time. Well their time is now…

Okay, you’re probably wondering what on earth this photograph has to do with a walking website. I mean, it’s clearly a load of rusting metal. That’s not a walking photograph. It’s not a nice view. It’s not some stunning scenery. Some quirky photograph of some walkers.

Ah, but I’d say. Ah.

Your argument is why I never managed to find a home in my Sunday Picture feature for this one. It never felt right. But it’s a photograph from the Great British Outdoors. From a scenic location in fact!

Ladies and gentlemen and everyone in-between, I present one of my favourite photographs from my walk on the Old Man of Coniston! Yes, this is a Lake District scene!

There used to be copper mines up there you see. The remains are scattered around the hills. And despite being on the side of a Lakeland fell, there’s plenty of interesting industrial heritage clearly visible. Old machinery. Ruined buildings. And these metal wires that – I’m guessing – were once part of a metal cable.

I love this photograph. I love the twists and turns of the metal. The browny rust that it has become over the years. Those sharp pointy bits that will take your eye out if you get too close.

Like I said at the top, I’ve wanted to use this one for a long time, but it never felt right. Well now it does.