Photographer on why Swinsty Reservoir saved his life after addiction

Dave Lobley says his love of photographing the sunrise at Swinsty Reservoir saved his life as he recovered from alcohol addiction.

The serene reservoir in the Washburn Valley has been a favourite sanctuary of Harrogate district residents for decades.

Mr Lobley, who was born and bred in Harrogate, quit drinking seven years ago after he ended up in hospital.

He said:

“It was a near-death job.

“But I came out of hospital and had a fresh chance at life.”

One of Mr Lobley’s friends bought him an old Canon camera and it ignited a new passion.

He used to work nights in Blackpool and would walk around Swinsty early in the morning when he finished his shifts.

His spectacular landscape shots of the reservoir have found an appreciative audience on the You Know You’re a Harrogotanian Facebook group, where he regularly shares them.

Swinsty Reservoir. Credit – Dave Lobley

He jokes that photography has become “my new addiction”.

“It saved my life. I was on the road to destruction.”

Mr Lobley said the popular reservoir has become a second home to him and his trusted companion, Lilian, an 11-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

He said photography helps him to express his view of the world and to stay alcohol-free.

Read more:

Mr Lobley described what he thinks makes Swinsty such a special place.

“For me, the sunrise is amazing. It’s about the trees and the colours.

“With it being so close to Harrogate, it doesn’t cost anything to go there. Disabled access is very good and it’s great to see people there enjoying themselves. It’s a place to clear your mind.”

As well as photographing Swinsty and the nearby Fewston Reservoir, he enjoys taking his camera on walks around the Lake District, Wales and the Yorkshire Dales.

Swinsty Reservoir. Credit – Dave Lobley

In May, he will travel to Scottish Highlands with his partner to walk 96 miles in six days.

He wants to show other people that might be struggling with addiction that another life is possible.

“It’s a bit of closure from not drinking. I’ve come this far so I want to raise awareness if you’re struggling with addiction. There is another way, focus on photography or anything, you can beat it, rather than it beating you.”

Mr Lobley said Swinsty’s pull will always keep him coming back for more.

“When the sun’s comin up at Swinsty and you can feel the warmth, that’s the biggest high you can ask for.

“There’s nothing better.”

You can follow him on Instagram here.

Swinsty Reservoir. Credit – Dave Lobley