More Chalk

On a wild and windy visit to the chalk

After getting back from Scotland and Northumberland in 2024 I decided to spend a few days trying to open up the chalk at Flamborough. I initially day-tripped. The first session at Flamborough Head at high tide was fun – a sighter session really – and I tried several ideas here and later at Thornwick Bay. The alternative image was made as I played with the waves crashing into the cliff. I had just picked up a cable release for the Phase back to make it easier to achieve this kind of image when shutter timing is crucial.

The next day I returned in the afternoon, however it was substantially windier. I headed over to Thornwick to try out a cliff picture – one I had scouted out earlier that summer but although there was light, its northern orientation meant it was limited to skimming the land above the cliff. I did notice a couple walking out on to the ridge on the nab – which looked like madness to me in that wind. It was really windy.

What I did see was the foam thrown up by the heavy sea and I walked down on to the beach. It was more sheltered here but it was still wild and I set up with my 40mm on the rocks covered in foam feeling very cold and exposed. I made the main image as the clouds lit up behind.

As I was walking back to the car, I heard the sound of a helicopter. When I reached the top I could see the coastguard rescue helicopter hovering over the nab in the high wind with a rope dangling down. I assumed one of the people I saw earlier had fallen. Before long I was joined by a number of people watching the skill and bravery of the rescue teams. I headed back, tired and cold and resolved to stay over next time rather than day-trip.