This weekend in Scotland, the clocks go back. For me, as I’m sure for many of you, this point in the year is often unaccountably difficult: a moment when I’m forced into acknowledgment of winter’s approaching dark. I’ve often made things worse for myself by recalling, as October draws to a close, the details of previous seasonal depressive episodes, and feeling a familiar terror about the potential of feeling low again in coming months. But such anticipatory anxieties really are completely pointless, and I’ve got much better at fending them off in recent years. I’ve found that the best thing I can do is to just ignore the clocks-going-back hibernating impulse, and instead to get outside as much as possible. Because, out there, at this time of year there is a lot of light and colour to enjoy.
Autumn is really one of the best times of year to enjoy the Scottish landscape. There’s no ice or snow to contend with, and the bracken is quickly dying back, making walking so much easier . . .
. . .and adding a glorious wash of bronze and russet to the hills.
The changing seasonal colours of the tree canopy are unarguably stunning.
Only in the fading months of the year can you enjoy a golden (silver) birch, lit from within . . .
. . . or appreciate how the glens open up with light and colour as their trees are stripped bare of leaves.
I enjoy the shifting forms of all trees at this time of year, from the deciduous birch, and beech, and oak . . .
. . .to the stately evergreen Scots pine . . .
. . . and even the lone, familiar snag trees, white and bare against the golden brown.
All of these photographs were taken by Tom during our Autumn trips to Wester Ross: a place that’s guaranteed to raise my seasonal spirits!
It’s going to be fun spending time again in Wester Ross in coming weeks, through all of the patterns, essays and photographic explorations we’ve created for our new project!
One of the things I enjoy so much about our clubs — and am especially looking forward to with this one — is the opportunity to share the landscapes that I love with all of you.
If you’d like to join us for Knitting Wester Ross, there’s just a few days to sign up (we need to close subscriptions at the end of the month to allow us to complete all of our behind-the-scenes admin in good time before the first pattern lands).
And returning to the positive effects of outdoor light and colour upon the moods of those of us adversely affected by the clock change, there’s lots of good research-based evidence to support this (particularly here in Scotland), as discussed in this excellent series on BBC radio 4. I’m off out to clear leaves and plant bulbs in the garden this afternoon: will you be getting outside too?
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FABULOUS photos! Thank you so much for sharing. I haven’t liked autumn much in the past as I also suffer from seasonal low mood so, like you, I find even the anticipatory terror so debilitating! But again, like you, I’m learning to find uplift in appreciating the changing colours and being outdoors as much as possible. Thanks again for this post.
November is a tough one for me, too – so many difficult times have occurred for me in November. But, you are absolutely right, Kate, the antidote is to be in the wide open and absorb it’s indifferent, perennial perfection.
That indifference is key, Bethany, isn’t it? You are so right
It seems so…
Kate, I so enjoy every post and especially when you write about mental health struggles. I admire your honesty to write about such struggles… Please know that i love all that you write and rarely comment.
And, you might be interested to know that I have joined the Wester Ross club, specifically so that i can read your essays and travel to a new place in Scotland for me… I cannot keep up with the knitting, i am a slow knitter.. Perhaps there are others like me who love your writing & Tom’s always spectacular photos
Hi Kate,
Someone kindly pointed me to your recent blog post, full of those glorious colours and the kind words shared about the Winter Well series on Radio 4. It’s really so lovely to learn that the shows are finding the listeners that we (that’s me and producer-maestro Helen) hoped that they would.
Take good care,
Hayden
The only time I really pay attention to the clock is when I have to interact with others. Otherwise, my bedtime and when I get up remains unchanged throughout the year. Which is possible because I’m retired.
Beth Douthit aka Cottonblossom
hi
what was the title of the radio 4 programme?
“Winter Well” https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002kq3c/episodes/player
thank you.
For over 30 years I lived in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (Canada) at latitude 62.45. I loved the fall – no mosquitos, the lengthening evenings, aurora borealis, and the quiet, the peace, that comes with winter. Time for crafting, stews, reading, and thinking. My favourite time of the year. I had friends who suffered from the lack of light – only remedy was lots of exercise and making orange juice from oranges. And satisfaction from finishing projects. Now I live below 60 degrees latitude on the wild north coast of British Columbia. Love the storms, the art, traditions and wisdom of the First Nations here. I wish you peace in the seasons to come,.
Thank you for sharing Tom’s beautiful photography! Enjoy all that light coming through the branches! I love the bright greenery and color of Spring and Summer, but I find myself fascinated by the tracings of bare branches against the sky in the Autumn and Winter. And I love the crisp light in the colder months too. I am very excited for Knitting Wester Ross!
Weirdly, your post describes exactly how I feel about the clocks going forward in March. Thank you for putting my anxiety into words. Even if it’s for the opposite seasons. Yes, I will be spending lots of outdoor time over winter, gazing in adoration at the colours around me.
I find comfort in the short days of Winter, and sigh heavily when we spring forward in March. Having said that, I love being outside almost all year (except when it is hot!).
If I could sign a global petition to ban the unnecessary daylight shifting practice, I would sign it immediately. The sun rises when it rises and sets when it sets. Life is to be enjoyed in all moments – and not by what your clock says. Looking forward to the Wester Ross journey.
I enjoyed reading an anecdote the other day about some elderly folk in Wester Ross who, during WWII, refused to accept the 2 hour “daylight savings” shift imposed on wartime Britain, and continued to keep their clocks (and appointments) two hours later than everyone else.
Amazing light you captured
As a fellow SAD sufferer, I feel your pain Kate! I’ve been using my Lightbox mornings for 2 or 3 weeks now, and will do so for ever longer periods until New Year. Then, depending on the type of winter – cold, crisp & clear, or grey & murky, maybe for shorter periods until going on Easter.
But today we went to inspect the progress of the Autumnal Tints at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens & Arboretum near Romsey, Hants. Beautiful. Even after Storm Benjamin crashed through last Thursday. Some of the evergreens really took a battering.
Looking forward to planting the collection of Tulip bulbs over November, and maybe knitting one or two of your Wester Ross Club patterns
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I have not been to those gardens, Sharon, they sound wonderful. I’ve put some alliums and species tulips in the ground already – many more to come!
What beautiful photos, and yes the colours take my breath away too. (in a good way!)
I too dread this time of year, but being in southern Australia it’s about coming into summer and the risk of fires. I live in a bush area and after 15 years of no fires near here, last summer was something of a shock. I had to evacuate as the fire was very close. Thankfully the wind changed at a key point and the fire was blown back onto itself and there was no damage here. It was a terrifying experience!
All the best for your winter time!
Your bush fires sound very frightening, Kerry – I’m so glad you were ok and hope all is well this summer
what beautiful photos. Driving from Edinburgh to Stirling today was stunning as was the drive back in the late afternoon. Not looking forward to the dark afternoons and need to deal with my late rising/late to bed habit so that I can make more of the morning light. Sound advice. Bulb planting happened two days ago here!
Absolutely GORGEOUS pictures! Breath-taking actually. I look forward to participating in Knitting Wester Ross!
I am curious, will any of the patterns (or any of your current patterns in your portfolio) capture the colors depicted in thes pictures? I am curious, as I just returned (to Southern California) from a trip to Canada and have been searching for a knitting pattern that reflects the fall colors that I witnessed.
Again, these pictures and your writing are beautiful. Thank you!!!
Wonderful photographs.
Crickey, what Gorgeous colours and photos. Yes, get out and muck about with your bulbs! I like the time change, feels all cozy in the dark of an evening. Must be my Scottish genes coming out haha
Sorry I cannot get onto the comment section…………..keep changing my passwords and nothing works. It’s just me.
Thistle be a beautiful day!
While there is tea there is hope!
What beautiful photos! Outside and creative activities are how I combat short daylight, but I sure prefer lots of sunshine and long daylight days. At least we have plenty of sunshine year round here in Colorado. I’m looking forward to the club!
My favourite time of year and Tom’s photographs are a wonderful bonus. I hope this winter will be easier. My sister finds it hard too – her two Labradors ensure she is out all the time! Love Susan x
Hi Kate,
I tried to leave a comment on the post but my brain can’t figure out how today. I know you will understand. I wanted to say that I too struggle with the onset of winter months. I have a lovely new journal arriving today and I plan to use it for uplifting quotes most probably about colour. I think it might be one little thing to help me along with creating and using my own handspun yarn. I have spun using a wheel for 45 plus years and love it. Lately I have been teaching myself to use a spindle and find it very meditative and absorbing.
Thank you for expressing your honesty through your blog and for sharing Tom’s wonderful photography.
Kindest regards, Tracey
Your colour journal sounds wonderful, Tracey, and I’m sure it will generate lots of inspiration for your handspun
Yes I will definitely be out this afternoon with my granddaughters … I am not a fan of the darker months either, I could happily go from Halloween to Jan 1st ( at least then there’s a sign of the light returning).
However I’m really looking forward to the club! :)