St Kevin’s Lonely View

Standing at the water's edge of the Upper Lake, Glendalough, it is easy to see why St Kevin chose this spot for solitude. The clouds were hanging low over the mountains, giving the whole valley a properly moody, ancient feel. I love days like this when the light is soft; it brings out all the subtle greys and greens in the landscape.

I used this gnarly tree trunk in the foreground to frame the shot. I think it really helps give a sense of depth and scale to the valley opening up behind it.

Did you know that high up in the cliffs overlooking this lake is "St Kevin's Bed," a tiny man-made cave where the saint supposedly slept to escape his followers? Looking up at those sheer rock faces, it seems like a terrifying place to spend the night! Down here on the pebble beach, however, it was incredibly peaceful, with just the sound of the water lapping against the stones.