My Peak District Hotspots
Being based in Sheffield has its perks. Although famous for its stainless steel cutlery production, it also boasts a number of art galleries, music venues, and has been described as the greenest city in Europe. In fact, one third of the city lies within the Peak District National Park. As such, I have been lucky enough to be able to visit the upland area as often as I like. That is why today I thought it’d be fun to share seven of my favourite places to explore when visiting the Peaks.
Winnats Pass
This limestone valley, once under a tropical sea and populated with underwater creatures, is now a functioning road entrancing Castleton and Hope Valley. There are a number of ways to get to the top, I usually just scale the slope from the side as it’s the quickest way up. There are a number of compositions to play with, so give yourself some time to find the angle that works best for you. If you’re lucky enough and the conditions are just right, you might be able to see a cloud inversion which makes for a really spectacular photo. Time your visit for golden hour and you’ll more than likely bump into other photographers set up with their tripods. For many, including me, Winnats Pass is a must visit whilst in the Peaks.
2. Mam tor
Only a quick car ride away from Winnats Pass is the equally impressive Mam Tor. Meaning ‘Mother Hill’, Mam Tor is a 517 meter high hill that is frequented by many. Park at the Mam Tor car park for a small fee, or, if you prefer to save your money like me, pull up in a lay by. Walk straight up, look right and you will see a sign for Mam Tor with some stone steps leading up the hill. A brief but steep walk to the top will reward you with some great views of Edale. Whilst up there, if you look down you may notice the perfect letter ‘S’ road which can make a great subject for your photographs. The best time of the year to capture this place is arguably during the latter half of autumn. If you arrive in the morning late October/early November, you may just find yourself on top of blankets of cloud.
3. Ladybower Reservoir
Although initially I wasn’t drawn to Ladybower, I’ve as of recent began to really appreciate it. It’s easily accessible, makes for a nice walk and at the end you can nip into the pub for a pint. I’d say this place is best for its reflection shots, so either bring a tripod and ND filter or time your visit for a nice, still day. Winter sunrises perhaps make the best photos for this place as the sun rises behind the bridge. If the conditions are correct, layers of mist will also rise from the water and surround the bridge, which coupled with the morning glow of the sun, makes a spectacle to behold.
4. Bamford Edge
If you fancy a higher up view of Ladybower Reservoir but don’t own a drone, why not head up to Bamford Edge! A quick, steep walk from the lay by will lead you to a path. Follow the path along the top and the views will begin to open up as you get closer to the edge. There’s many overhanging rocks that people sit and relax on, or sometimes show off their acrobatic skills. I personally prefer to sit and watch the sun go down which I have done many times. If it’s far reaching views you’re after, I would certainly recommend this place.
5. Snake Woodland
Snake Woodland is without a doubt the best place to go if you are looking for a gentle forest walk. Also known as Lady Clough Woods, this place is brilliant all year round for photography. Although if I had to choose, I would say the best time to visit is Autumn as you get a beautiful variety of colours. There is a car park directly opposite the woodlands where you can park for free. The roads along this stretch of land are very beautiful, filled with overhanging trees and fallen leaves. I have pulled up a few times to get some road shots, especially when it is foggy to add some mood. Inside the forest is a number of bridges and streams that make for some nice subjects, and sometimes you’ll even find people camping here.
6. Chrome Hill
Located in the upper Dove Valley, Chrome Hill is perhaps one of the more hidden treasures of the Peaks. It is in a perhaps slightly more secluded area than most places, and each time I go I’ve always struggled with parking. But if you have the time, I would certainly recommend it. To get here, you have to walk down a fairly quiet road past the sheep until you see the sign for Chrome Hill. From there it is only a short but steep walk to the top, and you may bump into some of the residing cows grazing on the grass. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Dragons’ Back’, you might be able to see why! Time your visit with a good sunrise and you wont be disappointed.
7. Baslow Edge
Last but not least, Baslow Edge. This place has a certain place in my heart, it was the first area I visited after I bought my very own camera and started venturing out by myself. It is a nice walk with some brilliant views overlooking the village of Baslow, but what really steals the show are all the Highland cows! Free to roam around, you’ll more than likely bump into a small herd of them whilst out hiking. They’re extremely friendly, and as long as your dog is on the lead they’ll cause you no bother. Other points of interest include the Eagle Stone and Wellingtons Monument.
And that concludes my list of Peak District Hotspots! Despite visiting more times than I can count, I still haven’t seen all the places I’d like to yet. It just goes to show how vast of a place it really is! I hope to write a similar blog in a year or twos time with a list of updated points of interest, but until then, happy exploring!
