Walking with the Weather

The weather on Lundy is a fascinating and integral part of daily life for its resident inhabitants. The unique weather patterns play a significant role in shaping the activities of those living on the island. For avid walkers like me, the weather is the ultimate decider. It determines where the day’s journey will take me. When strong westerly gales are blowing, avoiding the west side of the island is wise. Instead, it’s best to head towards the sheltered east. It’s during these times that I often meet wild animals. I meet ponies, highland cows, and Sika deer. They are all seeking refuge from the harsh winds. When a chilly northeasterly wind blows, I find myself heading southwestward. I go to Benjamin’s chair or just above the Lime kiln. Each type of weather has its own unique charm. It shapes the outdoor experiences and encounters that I and many others have.

Wind and Rain

The weather can be quite changeable, with rapid shifts from sunshine to rain and the reverse not uncommon. Weather systems move pretty fast. Walking around an island with few buildings lets you see weather patterns coming from all directions. Clouds can roll in and out swiftly. Jamie described a similar experience on the island of Rona in Sightlines, (2013) pg 186:

“I had the feeling I always get on Atlantic islands, in the summer. The clouds move quickly, and the sunlight sparkles on the sea. It’s a feeling that the world is creating itself moment by moment.”

Living in the landscape

Like much of the UK, the weather on Lundy is unpredictable and constantly shifting. The relentless winds and dramatic cloud formations define the island’s character. Sudden shifts between sunshine and rain add to its charm. It shapes the experiences of those who venture out to explore its rugged landscapes and coastal beauty. Lundy is defined by its location between the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. This embodies the concept of ‘living in the landscape’ as eloquently expressed by Gross (2023).

Living in the Island landscape makes you extremely tuned in to the weather. You have the unique ability to notice the weather approaching, before it actually arrives. You develop the ability to predict the weather beyond the visible horizon. The Wind at some points in the year is just unforgiving, each day can be windy for weeks on end. When out walking, the wind hits you full on. You are the only object it has come across since its journey from out in the Atlantic. It chills your face and creates a tingling sensation in your teeth. Its sheer force is potent enough to knock you off your feet. This is a constant reminder of the raw power of nature.

Cloud Formations

The Cloud Appreciation Society visit Lundy. It’s obvious why they are drawn here. It’s a remarkable location for observing the sky and cloud formations. The ever-changing weather patterns around Lundy create a dynamic sky that continuously shifts from clear blue to ominous grey. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated enthusiast, the skies above Lundy are fascinating. They offer an ever-evolving spectacle that invites a sense of awe. It’s a place where one can witness nature’s canvas. The clouds weave mesmerizing patterns against the backdrop of the wide-open sky.

The sight of the clouds creating an amazing palette with nature’s elements never fails to inspire awe and wonder. These intricate formations are the very scenes that famous artists throughout history have been drawn to capture on canvas. John Constable, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh would have been captivated by the chance to paint on Lundy. This chance would have sparked their creativity. The interplay of light and shadow provided endless inspiration. The ever-shifting shapes and hues were another boundless inspiration for these artists.

Sunrise and Sunset

First Light creates some beautiful sunrises on Lundy. With a clear view to the East, you can see the sun rise behind the mainland. The island itself starts to wake up. Once the sun has risen, it becomes covered with a warm glow as the new day breaks.

The beauty of a sunset can’t be overstated. It marks the transition from day to night. The location of the battery stands out as the perfect vantage point to watch a sunset. Sitting at the battery at the end of the day invokes a sense of reflection.

As the day transitions into twilight, the sky’s colors transform. This creates a magnificent backdrop for any observer. For artists, it is an endless source of inspiration. The vibrant colors of the sunset make it feel that the island is on fire. Artists like Caspar David Friedrich, Albert Bierstadt and my favorite painter J.M.W. Turner have all captured sunsets in their paintings. I would have loved to see what they would have made of a Lundy Sunset.

Sunset from Lower Aero-Generator Field

Rainbows

Rainbows are a common occurrence on Lundy, especially when looking to the East with the light behind you. It’s a joyous sight. Sunlight rays hit the water droplets. They create this beautiful natural phenomenon. The island of Lundy offers an ideal environment for such stunning displays. The combination of sunlight and water droplets often leads to rainbows. In times like this, you feel connected to the natural world. This feeling is especially strong when I am taking one of my regular dips in the Landing Bay.

Rainbow Arc Landing Bay

Night Sky

The nights skies here on Lundy can be breathtakingly beautiful and stargazing is a joy. With no light pollution and with no moon, the stars simply light up the island.

In early November this year, the island was treated to a show of the Northern Lights. Although not visible to the naked eye, the photos captured on my phone camera were amazing. The Northern Lights are due to intense solar activity. Charged particles in the solar wind collide with molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Experiencing the Northern Lights reminds us of the remarkable phenomena in the natural world. It serves as a poignant reminder.

So you can see why, although we talk about landscape on Lundy, we must include weatherscape. It’s the weather that often shapes the landscape. Here in the Bristol Channel on the edge of the Atlantic, we experience the weathers in all forms. The winds, the rain, the clouds, and the sun join together. They create a synergy of natural forces. This gives Lundy its unique character. Here the boundary between landscape and weatherscape blurs, revealing the intricate relationship between the two.

References

Gros, F., (2014). A Philosophy of Walking. Verso Books.

Jamie, K., (2013). Sightlines. The Experiment

For more information about Weather systems, head to https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/