Ayrshire – jazziBeeblog

A Back Wall

When you walk down the lane at the back of some houses in Ayrshire, you don’t expect to see something like this. And it’s a lane for general access with garages, some in poor condition, and those walls of the back gardens of the houses. And then this mural appears and certainly raises the spirits. I walk this way with my daughter’s dog on Thursdays and rain or shine, it’s a lovely thing to see.

Same reason I post these photos on this blog, just on the off-chance that they will be spotted by some passer-by who might receive a little enlightenment.

Click on following for larger image

Posted for this week’s Monochrome-Madness Challenge titled ‘Walls’ and hosted by Margaret of the ‘From Pyrenees tp Pennines’ blog

Irvine Cyclo-cross …. Jan 2026

I was lucky to be able to attend the final event for the Lloyds Cyclo-cross National Trophy Series of 2025-26.

Cyclo-cross is cycle racing over rough terrain with steep hills, twisting tracks and tough sections where the riders must dismount and carry their bikes. In this particular event there was even a section that required riders to cross a section of sand on the beach. Races are held for different classes for men, women, kids, with different age ranges.

More images

A Walk near Home

Living near the edge of town, I can walk into town or walk out to the countryside. In this case, a walk down to the river. These are converted mobile phone shots.

Includes the route down to the river. the river itself, the old bridge collecting branches blown down by the storm, the withered Japanese Knotweed stalks, the lodge at the bridge, and the river beyond. All in these wet winter conditions. It’s easy access to nature – always enjoyed.

That’s a regular walk.

Images below

Spinning Wheels

in one frame #7

Nikon D7500 + Sigma 17-50mm @50mm ; f13 ; 1/80 sec; ISO100 – taken 2 January 2026.

Taken at the final races of the Lloyds Cyclo-cross National Trophy Series of 2025-26 – Organised event was very impressive. There will be more images of the cyclo-cross riders soon on this blog.

I’m submitting this image as part of the Monochrome-Madness Challenge with this week’s topic of ‘Circles, hosted by Dawn. For more info about Monochrome Madness visit Leanne’s blog.

Snow on the Hill

in one frame #5

Nikon D7000 + Sigma 10-20mm @ 10mm ; f13; 1/200 sec; ISO200 – taken 15 January 2015.

When snow fell, I was up the River Irvine valley taking images of landscapes and skies. I think this is the first time, I’ve shown this photograph – appeals to me. Took it with a wide-angle lens to include loads of sky.

The Twa Dogs

in one frame #5

Two dog sculptures take up a position on a residential street – just a couple of streets away from Irvine Harbour. Seems an odd position, this is not a main thoroughfare. Why are they here? It’s a puzzle to me, but anyway they still bring delight.

Frying Onions

in one frame #3

Nikon D7000 + nikkor 55-200mm @ 34mm ; f5; 1/800 sec; ISO1600

In the market, frying onions to go on the hotdogs. Where was this taken? Well, I think this is a scene that could be taken at any market anywhere in the world, with a some exceptions. All around the planet, there’s folk frying onions.

I’m attaching this to the Monochrome-Madness challenge for this week, titled ‘Markets’ it’s being hosted by Sarah at the ‘Travel with Me’. To see Sarah’s amazing collection of market images click here

Fireworks

I believed that ‘ephemeral’ was a word that was something to do with ghosts – I don’t know where I picked that up from. However, Tina from the ‘Travels and Trifles’ blog, set me right with this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge around the word ‘Ephemeral’ which she explains means “lasting for a very short time”.

Kaffir Wreck

Just off the coast at Ayr, there’s this wreck that attracts photographers. It wouldn’t attract anyone else. A combination of good weather, sundown and a low tide that reveals more of the wreckage can bring them out.

Dreamy Day at the Coast

The sky is blue, the sea is calm, the air is pure. A heat mist obscures the distant shores. The temperature has risen – surprisingly so – unexpected for last April. Winter clothes are cast off. The scene sooths, uplifts. A day to be grateful.