Banburyshire Rambles Photo-Journal

Paul Mobbs’ photographic record of his walks around ‘Banburyshire’ and ‘The Irondowns’, and occasionally, as part of his work around Britain, the areas beyond.


‘Last Chance (HS)To See’ – Soundscape 5:

‘Halse Water Tower’

On top of the ridge, to capture the (near rush hour) sounds from across the surrounding landscape.

11th April 2019


I’m following the ridge-route down into Brackley. Although close to my last soundscape, I decide to take another here to get the an impression of the soundscape across this area from this local high-point. Approaching evening rush-hour, more than anything, the dominant sound is larks in the surrounding arable fields.

Though the major rights of way cut across fields, the local hedgerows tell me that this is most likely the original route of this ancient track – now a minor footpath, following the ridgeline along the heads of all the local rivers and streams, eventually arriving at the crossing of the headwaters of the Great Ouse near Brackley. It’s bene along but lovely day following the as yet relatively undisturbed route of HS2; all downhill now into Brackley.

I thought, now into rush-hour, the road noise would be more oppressive here. But though I hear the trace of the A43 on the wind a couple of miles away, the birdsong hereabouts is far louder.