During a winter trek across Widdop Moor in the South Pennines near Hebden Bridge, I came across a serene, snow-covered expanse surrounding the historic 17th-century Pack Horse Inn.
The quiet moorland blanketed in fresh snow inspired both this photograph and the poem below.
As I walked and walked, my legs began to tire,
I searched for a spot to rest, to quell the burning fire.
I found a farm track by a little stream,
The gentle sound of water was like a peaceful dream.
I sat down and listened to its tranquil sound,
My fatigue slowly fading, my spirit unbound.
Patchy clouds streaked the skies above,
As I sat in awe, surrounded by love.
Nature’s beauty, in all its glory —
I was lost in the moment, immersed in its story.
In front of me stood the Pack Horse Inn,
Its windows reflecting the moorland within.
A field of untouched snow, glistening bright,
As the sun shone down with all its might.
The snow shimmered like diamonds in the light —
A magical moment. Oh, what a sight.
The crisp white canvas beckoned me to play,
To leave my mark in a chaotic way.
As I sat, taking it all in,
I felt a joy stir deep within.
I closed my eyes and drew a deep breath —
In this moment, there was no fear or death.
Just the beauty of nature, its peaceful embrace —
A feeling so pure, it could never be replaced.
The tiredness in my legs began to fade,
As I basked in the beauty that nature had made.
So here I sat in this tranquil scene,
Grateful for a rest, and all I had seen.
In this moment, I found my retreat —
And in nature’s arms, I found my peace.
Capturing Winter on Widdop Moor
High above Hebden Bridge along the ancient packhorse routes and near the Pennine Way, Widdop Moor offers dramatic West Yorkshire scenery year-round.
Capturing the Pack Horse Inn in a untouched blanket of winter snow provided a rare moment of stillness in the South Pennines landscape.
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