The Waymark Series
During the project I have been running various routes repeatedly throughout the year. Even following the same routes, every run is different according to the season, time of day and the weather. I’ve had some wonderful wildlife encounters and when I recall each run, the memories of things that I’ve seen along the routes become markers of each place visited.
Each one of these prints illustrates some of the key memories for me from a favourite time that I’ve run it. I have printed the images in the order that I saw them so that the route makes sense within my own mind. I use photographs that I took at the time to recreate some of the detail but I’ve also allowed time to pass between the experience of the route and the creation of the print. I find that this helps to sift out unwanted details, distil memories and simplify imagery to create a more coherent and striking print.
Waymark – Semerwater
Thanks to this project, I’ve come to know Semerwater pretty well and have enjoyed running, walking, bird watching, swimming and paddle-boarding there. This print is inspired by one of my first exploratory runs in May 2019. I ran from the parking area along the side of the lake to Stalling Busk. From there I took the Stake Pass road and then turned off to head on the bridleway towards Carperley Green and Addlebrough and back via the Bain.
Waymark – Birkdale
I first explored Birkdale when I was recovering from an injury that had stopped me running for a while. At 17 miles, it ended up being my longest run in six months and I almost gave up at one point but it was fabulous. I wanted to see where Ravenseat was, visit Nine Standards and find Becks Meeting all places that are described by Ella in Swaledale and that Marie has made engravings of. In the process I also discovered Wainwath Falls, where I’ve since enjoyed swimming, and Black Scar House which is the most wonderful shepherd’s bothy with a washfold and sheep pens.
Waymarks: Plover Hill and Pen-y-Ghent
I have to admit that I was delighted to see that Pen-y-Ghent is mentioned in Wharfedale because it is my local hill and my favourite. The place I’ve visited more and know better than any. From reading Ella and Marie’s books I learned that Plover Hill is a good site for cloudberries (I’d previously never heard of them) and on this run in June 2019 I set out to look for some and in the process, was delighted to also see a pair of ring ouzels!
Waymarks – The Swale
The Swale gives its name to the dale and Marie and Ella’s book Swaledale is probably my favourite of the three. I have enjoyed tracing it to the source using their writing as a guide and I particularly love the stretch of the Swale from Keld to Muker, which is dotted with the most beautiful waterfalls and is home to so many birds and animals. This print was inspired by a run that I did in May 2019.
Waymarks – Kidson
21st March 2019: a route take from Keld via the Old Corpse Road up over Kisdon and back along the Pennine Way. I have fallen in love with Kisdon, it is not the biggest or most spectacular hill in Swaledale but it stands alone like an island and has a very distinct character. I like it best in spring when it is studded with primroses and there’s a nip in the air. On this occasion, after a tough run up the stony track to the highest point of the route, I took a moment to rest and watch the lapwings and listen to the chuckling grouse.