November Photography Adventures: From the High Weald to the Coast

November has been a month of contrasts, with photography journeys taking me across the High Weald’s misty woodlands and golden autumn landscapes, as well as to the dramatic seascapes of Hastings Beach and Newhaven. The shifting seasons brought a mix of subdued, moody days and vibrant golden hours, each offering unique opportunities to capture the beauty of late autumn. From stormy coastal scenes to tranquil country lanes and ancient castles, November has been a celebration of the diverse charm of this time of year.

Hastings’ wild coastline

I met up with a good friend for a walk through Hastings Country Park, making our way down to Fairlight Glen before hiking back to the Stade along the rugged, untamed coastline. The area has a raw, wild beauty that feels like stepping into another world, far from the usual crowds.

Monopod

For this outing, I was testing out a new monopod, along with my Peak Design 10L bag and a single 70-200mm lens. The monopod impressed me; it added a bit of extra stability for handheld shots, though I’d still need a tripod for slower shutter speeds. It’s a lightweight option that’s perfect for dynamic shooting on the go.

We had mostly overcast skies, but occasionally the sun would break through, casting dramatic beams of light onto the sea and rocks below. These fleeting sunbeams illuminated parts of the coastline, transforming the scene into something magical. Timing the walk with the tide was essential, and we were lucky to have the tide going out, giving us room to explore the rocky shoreline.

Back at Hastings Stade, we wrapped up the afternoon with well-deserved fish and chips and a pint at Maggie’s—highly recommended for anyone passing through. All in all, it was a great day, and I’m happy with the first few compositions I’ve captured for November 2024.

Brede High Weald

Early November has brought nothing but overcast skies and a steady gloom, with only hints of fog and mist to add atmosphere. Sunshine has been scarce, but I’ve embraced these conditions on a few autumn hikes near Brede and Powdermill Reservoir, exploring new woodlands and hidden sections of the High Weald with the help of OS Maps.

The most striking views were near the village of Brede, looking south across the rolling fields. In these subdued conditions, it’s a perfect time to experiment with different focal lengths and apertures. The soft light highlights the textures and shapes, and the autumnal trees—especially the grand beech and oak—stand out as timeless subjects, their leaves tinged with deep, rich colours that shine even without the sun.

Return to Brede

Another gloomy November day hiking near Brede in the High Weald of East Sussex—this overcast weather seems never-ending, and I find myself missing the sunshine of Thailand. Today felt colder, and although the mist was absent, there was still a muted beauty to the landscape. One benefit of this persistent calm is the lack of wind, allowing the trees to hold onto their golden leaves longer than usual, lending a rich warmth to the countryside.

This hike took me through familiar paths between Brede and Broad Oak, with a few new trails mixed in. Along one country lane, a striking composition opened up: an ancient beech tree arching over the road, forming a natural tunnel in hues of orange, green, and gold. I used my monopod and was able to capture a sharp shot even at a shutter speed just under 1/10 of a second, with an ISO of 650. It worked, though a tripod, base ISO, and a touch of mist would have elevated the scene.

Ashburnham Place: A Hidden Autumn Gem

This November, I visited the tranquil grounds of Ashburnham Place in the High Weald, East Sussex. Surrounded by vibrant autumn colours, ancient beech trees, and a serene lake, the historic estate offered a perfect setting for capturing the beauty of late autumn.

The interplay of golden leaves, mossy trunks, and quiet reflections made for some truly timeless scenes. Despite challenging light conditions, I explored compositions and refined my techniques, with plans to return under ideal conditions. Read the full story about photographing Ashburnham Place in late autumn here.

Hastings Sunsets: November’s Coastal Highlights

This November, Hastings provided the perfect backdrop for sunset photography, with golden light transforming its iconic landmarks. From the panoramic views atop East Hill, capturing the Old Town, Hastings Pier, and Beachy Head, to the serene beauty of low tide on Hastings Beach, every moment offered new inspiration. Even the unexpected sight of the November Beaver Moon rising over East Hill added a touch of magic.

For a detailed account of these sunset adventures, including tips, reflections, and photos, read the full post on Hastings sunset photography.

Northiam to Beckley Hike

While studying OS Maps online, I discovered some new footpaths to explore between Northiam and Beckley in the High Weald of East Sussex. It was a grey, chilly November morning, but the weather didn’t deter me from heading out on a long walk through this picturesque area. The hike offered a good stretch to Beckley and back, though I didn’t uncover any standout autumn woodland compositions this time.

Autumn Country Lanes in the High Weald

One of the highlights of these countryside walks is including stretches of country lanes in your route. During autumn, they can often reveal hidden gems, such as tree tunnels ablaze with golden leaves. While I didn’t come across any particularly dramatic compositions this time, the gentle curve of the lane near Beckley, framed by the warm tones of autumn, added a nice moment of beauty along the way.

Refreshments

One thing to keep in mind with these longer walks: if it’s not a circular route, you’ll need the energy to retrace your steps. As I made my way back to Northiam, I was glad to stop at Wills Bakery & Café. Sitting outside with some refreshments in the late autumn sunshine was the perfect way to end the hike. It’s a good tactic for staying outdoors and enjoying the day, but if you’re feeling weary, heading home to recharge is always an option too.

Bodiam Castle: An Autumnal Photography Adventure

November brought the chance to explore the stunning High Weald countryside and photograph Bodiam Castle during late autumn. Across three visits, I captured the castle’s iconic silhouette from Ewhurst Green, framed it in golden-hour light from Udiam Lane, and explored reflections in the moat under soft November skies. Each trip offered unique perspectives, from sweeping landscapes to intimate compositions, showcasing the interplay of medieval architecture and autumn’s vibrant hues.

Read the full story and see the highlights in my dedicated guide: Capturing Bodiam Castle: Autumn Photography Guide

Storm Bert at Newhaven Lighthouse: A Dawn to Remember

One of November’s photographic highlights was capturing the raw power of Storm Bert at Newhaven Lighthouse. Braving fierce winds and turbulent seas, I arrived before dawn to find the lighthouse standing resilient against the storm’s fury.

A fleeting sunrise painted the sky in dramatic hues, while crashing waves and sea spray transformed the scene into a dynamic canvas. Later, a walk along the cliffs offered unique vantage points, including the iconic Seaford Head cliffs as a backdrop and even a lifeboat navigating the rough seas. This session was a testament to the rewards of planning, patience, and embracing nature’s unpredictability.

Dallington High Weald

A few days before the month came to a close, I found myself with itchy feet on a beautiful late November afternoon. After some deliberation, I decided to return to Dallington, revisiting familiar footpaths while exploring a few new ones.

The highlight of the day was a composition I’ve captured before: Dallington Church nestled amidst the autumn woodland, bathed in the soft, golden light of late afternoon. The vibrant hues of the trees framed the church beautifully, creating a timeless scene that embodies the charm of the High Weald in autumn.

Beyond photography, it was a rewarding afternoon of exercise, covering around five miles under bright skies. The sunshine and crisp air made it a perfect escape into nature as autumn began its final descent into winter.

Nutley Windmill Ashdown Forest

Hoping to make the most of the final days of autumn in late November, I headed back to Ashdown Forest, aiming to revisit the waterfall woodland I explored on a previous trip. Using that earlier visit to plan ahead, I parked at Friends Clump—a convenient starting point, though parking is now managed by Horizon and cost £4 for 4 hours.

On the walk down to the woodland, my plans took a slight detour when Nutley Windmill caught my eye. Standing tall and proud in the late autumn sunshine, it was impossible to ignore. By following the fence around and framing carefully with my 200mm lens, I captured a strong composition of the windmill.

Polariser Pop

With the sun low in the sky this time of year and hitting the windmill at a right angle, I used my new Kase polariser to great effect. The polariser enhanced the image dramatically, cutting glare and deepening the blue of the sky while emphasizing the rich autumn tones in the trees. Without it, the image felt a bit flat—this little addition really made the shot pop and elevated it to my favourite of the day.

Woodland Wanderings

Afterward, I continued with my original plan, hiking through the woodland and following the streams that wind their way through Ashdown Forest. The scenery was serene, but apart from a few trees clinging to their golden leaves, it was clear that autumn had run its course. The bare branches and crisp air signalled the approach of winter.

Dallington: The Last Day of November

The last day of November took me on a long hike around Dallington, deep in the High Weald. The weather was gloomy and atmospheric, with a soft mist blanketing the landscape. While the mist created beautiful layers in the distant woodland, close-up scenes felt muted and subdued, reflective of the season’s end.

The distant tree in the photo above feels like a fitting image to close out November. Half of its branches still cling to autumn’s golden leaves, while the other half stand bare, a quiet reminder of the inevitable shift from autumn to winter. The surrounding mist softens the scene, lending it a peaceful, almost melancholic air.

Reflections on November: Landscapes of Change

As November comes to an end, it leaves behind a collection of memorable moments—crashing waves along the coast, golden light on Bodiam Castle, and the soft mist rolling over the High Weald. The transition from autumn to winter has been a reminder of nature’s constant rhythm, offering opportunities to embrace both its dramatic and quieter sides. With the last leaves falling and the year drawing to a close, this month has been a rewarding exploration of landscapes on the brink of change, setting the stage for winter’s arrival.