One of the things that was annoying (yes just one of the million things) during full lockdown was the weather. It was fabulous, hot, dry and great weather for all manner of adventures. We were stuck inside.

Since lockdown easing, I’ve tried really hard to get out and about as often as I can, and this week was less so. Having said that I did have a great walk in Delamere Forest as well as getting back onto the peaks, in particular Curber Edge. The good weather should be taken advantage of whilst it’s still here.

Delamere Forest

Considering its proximity to my home, I’ve never been to Delamere Forest, but I decided that needed to be resolved. There are so many activities that take place at Delamere Forest it needs to be remembered that it’s primary purpose is about conserving the forestry and The Forestry Commission do a great job with that. What I also think is really good is the wonderful activities that get wrapped around this conservation work. There’s all manner of things to do, walking, hiking, trekking, horse riding, cycling to name a few. There is even an outdoor concert venue, but that’s not in use at the moment for the obvious reason.

I found a 6 mile walk on Viewranger and set off walking with not really very high expectations of photographic opportunities, but there are several that I found that will be worthy of another visit with my full camera kit rather than my Sony RX100 M3.

The first image I want to share is one that shows off the primary reason for the work of the Forestry Commission and that is all to do with trees and wood etc. I hadn’t walked very far when I came across several very large piles of logs. The smell was incredible, newly cut logs, it was really lovely.

• 

In addition to all the woodland that is packed into this part of Cheshire, are a series of lakes. These are the focal point for lots of walks and trails but there is also a number of hidden lakes, more on this later. The beauty of lakes is that it helps with all manner of wildlife to thrive and live alongside man and his tendency to want the place to ourselves!!

• 

The walk that I had selected was relatively flat in comparison to some I’ve chosen recently. This trail was mainly in wooded areas and as I’d hoped it was well away from where the majority of the visitors would go, social distancing is paramount. One of the google searches that I made highlighted that there are lots of hidden lakes dotted around the forest and that some of these contained a lot of dead trees and could make for some good reflection shots. 

• 

The image here is the best of the selection I took but I didn’t really have much time to spend looking for compositions, after all this was a walk and not a photography trip. It was a fascinating place, very still and quiet and had lots of the dead trees and odd shaped logs sticking up from the still waters.

I will definitely go back to Delamere Forest and spend more time on my compositions of these dead trees.

Curber Edge in the Sunshine

It was late getting up on Friday after a busy week at work and so I decided I wanted to go to one of the easier accessed “edges” and so I decided to head to Curber Edge. As well as being in a lovely location, with the rocky edges you’d expect its relatively easy to get to and has lots of facilities to park, eat with all the other amenities not that far away.

I was keen to try to capture a few images that would build on the workshop I’d been on recently. I’ve always found the Peak District to be a lovely and gorgeous place, but sometimes these locations don’t always make for the best images. The walk up from the car park was leisurely and what struck me was how still and calm it was. No Wind, I repeat no wind. 

I searched around for compositions and came across the spot that is in the first image. The rocks look a little bit like a lizards jawline. I was determined to take my time and it was just as well. Not sure where they all appeared from but there seem to be a coach party of Japanese tourists. I’m all for people enjoying the great outdoors and take photographs as they do it, but do they have to stand in my shot ever blooming time!! Patience.

• 

The things that struck me was the colour of the heather. It was starting to bloom and there was quite a lot of purple all over the place. I decided that the heather should feature in one of the images and so I searched for some that in combination with the rocks and grand vista would make a good composition. This second image as it combines the heather, the rocks and the lovely valley all into one shot. I hope you agree.

• 

It was warm work wandering around in that sunny weather, and you do really need to be careful and wear suitable clothing and footwear as well as sunscreen. Sunstroke can get hold of you and that’s not nice. I sat for a good long period of time enjoying the surroundings and the sheer joy of just being out in the countryside on such a fine day. From where I sat I could see Baslow Edge in the distance and this final image is looking over at Baslow Edge from Curber. It was a really lovely day out that ended with a lovely ice cream. Splendid.

•