Location: Light Hazzles Reservoir Date: 27th May 2025 Camera: Nikon d3300
Today, we look west towards the high ground that forms the backbone of England: the Pennines. This dramatic photograph features Light Hazzles Reservoir, an integral part of the network of water storage that dominates the landscape near Blackstone Edge.
This isn't a scene of gentle valleys; it's a raw, exposed environment where water and weather are the dominant forces.
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| Light Hazzles Reservoir |
A Landscape of Extremes
Light Hazzles sits high on the moorland, subjected to the full force of the Yorkshire weather. The photo perfectly conveys this ruggedness:
Vast Skies: The enormous, sweeping cloudscape dominates the upper third of the frame, hinting at the ever-changing and often moody conditions experienced up here.
Low Water: The reservoir appears to be at a relatively low level, exposing wide expanses of sandy, rocky shoreline and the original contours of the valley floor before it was flooded. This provides a stark visual representation of the reservoir’s function.
The Path and Wall: The concrete path and the low, dark stone wall provide a crucial contrast to the wildness, showing the engineering efforts made to contain the water and make the site accessible.
The Sentinels of Power
What makes this image truly striking are the pylons marching across the distant moor. They are the undeniable markers of the modern industrial landscape, carrying electricity across the difficult terrain of the Pennines.
They stand like metallic sentinels against the horizon, linking the past (harnessing water for power) with the present (transmitting electrical power). The lines of pylons draw the eye deep into the distance, emphasising the vast, empty scale of the surrounding moorland.
The Pennine Isolation
Light Hazzles, being so close to the famous Blackstone Edge crossing, feels remote and isolated. It's a place for quiet reflection, for serious hiking, and for appreciating the sheer scale of the British uplands. It is where you truly feel the raw elements.
The reservoir is a testament to the ambition of the Victorians to capture and manage every available drop of water, turning the harsh moorland environment into a source of life and power for the thriving towns below.