Another tour gets underway.

Underground reflections beneath Ingleborough.

A visit to  Ingleborough Cave made a fascinating afternoon’s outing recently and a photographic challenge! Taking quick photos during a guided tour was very tricky, owing to the lack of time, people getting in the way, but most of all, the lighting, or lack of it.

More like underwater than underground, perhaps.

Using the flash would have  been a mistake as it would ‘flatten’ the formations, create ugly shadows and  spoil the natural colours created by the  floodlights. So, without the luxury of a tripod, I upped the camera’s sensitivity (ASA in old  money), pressed myself against a rock, held my breath and gave it a long exposure.

Back above ground and a short walk up the valley brings you to the stunning Trow Gill limestone gorge , where trees cling precariously to the edges of vertical walls of rock. This is Yorkshire Dales scenery at it’s most dramatic. In a day of striking contrasts, on the way back to the car, I was delighted to stumble across a nearby meadow busy with butterflies. This stunning silvery blue butterfly caught my eye. I think it’s a Chalkill Blue, which took several attempts and a lot of patience to successfully snap. I was really pleased with this shot, as I felt the contrasting coloured background made this  a lovely photo.

Trow Gill

Chalkhill Blue