I find macro patterns the most difficult type of landscape photo to make, but they give me the greatest pleasure when they work.
Often this has to do with a composition that has an internal 'logic' or 'balance', but which has not been 'doctored' by moving stones etc. (my 'rules' for this type of work).
Lovely shot Gavin. I love this kind of work and it works so well in B&W. I often think the stones can look like planets and the skill is in the composition of your shot without moving any of the stones. I find cloudy bright days are best for this type of photography.