Happy Valley
Posted: Monday, 26 May 2008 |
I like happy valley. There is something reassuring about the fact that somewhere like that is looked after by so many people and that it was allowed to develop without someone complaining about how they didnt like trees or something strange like that.
Little trout pootle around in the shallow cool water, darting between patches of sunlight and shade in the stillness. Trees stretch their green fingers towards the sun and swathes of bluebells carpet the woodland floor.
Anyhoo, here are my pics from the day :o)
Little trout pootle around in the shallow cool water, darting between patches of sunlight and shade in the stillness. Trees stretch their green fingers towards the sun and swathes of bluebells carpet the woodland floor.
Anyhoo, here are my pics from the day :o)
Comments
These pictures really bring Edwin Harrold's dream to life DoaD. Parental units have been there, but your pictures really capture the essence of the place. It's wonderful to think it was all the work of one man, but sad that the house is no longer inhabited, as the human presence was a part of the whole.
Flying Cat from a leafy glade
thanks for the nice snaps-there is something quiet and reposing about them
carol from over here
Very serene photos. I've not heard of Happy Valley before, why is it named so?
Carol from IBHQ
Apologies, i should have explained a little about Happy Valley. It sits unsignposted and hidden on a little road from Stenness, the only sign that something slightly special is there is the tiny car park. Somehow i feel it is a place for islanders to hide from the tourists! Edwin Harrold lived in the tiny cottage with no running water other than the stream and no electricity other than he generated from his water driven generator (the remains of which are still there). He planted the hundreds of trees and flowers which now make this place so fantastic. It feels organic, as rightly it should, not sculpted and planned - it just simply happened and it works. Lower down the stream there is a large deep pool, i am tempted to take my drysuit and the camera housing and go for a plodge to get some unusual piccies one day hehe. Edwin Harrold died only a few years ago, and the people of Orkney carried on his work with Happy Valley keeping it special and cared for. Apologies Carol, i have no idea why it is named such, but i guess it suits it :o)
Deckhand from In the wheelhouse
We have a Happy Valley in Wales too, site of the so called Bearded Lake! It takes some locating, the lake, but very pretty surroundings!
Mark Antony from Gwynedd
It is wonderful what individuals can create on their tod. I'm thinking of Calum on Raasey and Millesgården in Stockholm. Carl Milles was a wonderful sculptor and he and his wife created a superb haven of peace repleat with his sculputres and plants and running water and a splendid view from the heights of Lidingö over to Stockholm proper. Unfortunately since then a bigg industrial port has grown up on the Stockholm side. Anyone visiting Stockholm should certainly not miss out on Milesgården.
Barney from Swithiod in a cool mood
These are beautiful pictures my kind of lovely restful images .Hope you don't mind my sending them to a friend H
helen6391@btinternet.com from DEAD END PLACE SW SCOTLAND
What a gem! Often it's the little known places which are the most worthwhile seeing. Thanks for the explanation Deckhand.
Carol from IBHQ
Nice pics! Happy Valley's a top place, I agree. Its 'real' name I believe is Burnside. Many years ago a national newspaper weekend mag did a piece about Ned and the trees etc and the article was entitled The Happy Valley. Apparently the name stuck! Have a nice summer, anyway, DOAD.
Stromness Dragon from Full of useless info
Lovely article on Happy Valley in this month's (June's) Living Orkney mag. Your photos are, if anything, better than those in the article...have you thought of sending some of your pics in to them? There's a monthly competition...
Flying Cat from Living Orkney
After coming to Orkney in May 2006 for 8 months, somehow I am still here. Running the MV Valkyrie in the summer and helping on the farm in winter is now my life. 
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