I took a walk along part of the Antonine wall today, as it had stopped raining, and the sun was out. Despite it being nearly midday, the winter sun this far north hangs low in the sky, and there were some wonderful silhouettes to be seen. Along the brow of the hill, along with an old stone wall were trees which looked as though they had withstood strong winds for many years.
I thought this one was a suitable entry for Photo Friday’s ‘Rugged’ theme.
Mike Baker | Photography 
It’s beautiful to see how the light is, in different parts of the world. Love the sun star and angle of the grass.
Hi Mike – This is a cracker of a shot! Lovely tree, intricate branches and twigs, ridge of a dry stone wall and light and starburst around the trunk of the tree! Well composed, beautifully sharp and moody! Excellent!
Cheers
John
Thanks. For the first time this year, I realised I needed to look out my gloves!
Excellent processing.
Love how you’ve managed to process this to get loads of contrast, and still keep the delicacy of the twigs. Great shot too, just enough sunburst behind the trunk, and the wall just lurking behind the hillside, looks like a row of teeth, or maybe a hiding dinosaur. I’d be careful if you go back there, you never know.
I spotted some even more interesting trees a bit further on, but I couldn’t find a way to get near them in the time I had. I’ll go back on a day when I have more time. Some of them were almost horizontal with the winds.
this is so beautiful. the simplicity of the photo works so well with the detailed branches. i love love love it.
Thanks!