- Chris Nowell
Bamford Edge
The Peak District National Park has always been a special place for me and my landscape photography. That area to escape the woes of society large crowds and embrace myself into nature. Continuing on from our blog last month regarding Derwent edge I thought this time we will discuss the glorious Bamford edge and why it's one of my absolute favourite locations to visit.
Looking down towards the village of Bamford on one side and the very popular Ladybower Reservoir towards the other side this location has some fantastic views and lots of tourism to offer all visitors. Whether you are just out for a walk or looking for a bit more adventure you can easily achieve this in this area. Similar to Derwent edge this location also offers lots of opportunities for photographers looking to snap some imagery of nature. Along this edge many birds of prey often hover along the rocks or perch lower down out of the way from people. Alternatively out hiding in the heather you can often find that familiar sound of the Grouse birds hiding in the bushes.
For me this became one of my favourite landscape photography locations at the very beginning. This is due to the fairly easy access compared to slightly more difficult locations and those glorious hills to enjoy. Although it can still be a little bit tiring most people should be able to make their way and enjoy these views looking down towards some of those peak district hotspots. Looking back on some of my imagery it would seem I first started visiting this location around 2015. It wasn't long before I saw the potential and knew that this would easily be one of my favourite locations to photograph in the Peak District National Park. Over the years I have enjoyed some fantastic sunsets as well as the odd occasion of wild camping always being respectful and taking all rubbish Home with us.
One of my first ever successful trips to this location was with fellow Peak District landscape photographer Mark Henson. During a quiet September evening we enjoyed these incredible views and highlights of fantastic light. As I remember it was after a slightly stormy day when the light broke through and gifted us these pleasant conditions.
You can check out the imagery of Mark Henson by clicking on the photo above.
Another rememberable occasion was with another peak district-based landscape photographer James pictures. James pictures is also a veteran although we never served together however we became good friends due to our love of the Peak District National Park and the fact that we both received support from military charity Blesma.
These days however we just meet up for some landscape photography and a few hours of talking rubbish as well as a few camping trips every now and again.
This photo was captured during my first ever camping trip to the Peak District with James pictures at Bamford edge. Unfortunately this was the last moment of light due to the very heavy dark clouds and rainfall coming from the left of the photograph. Unfortunately the following morning was also a complete washout although it didn't technically rain you just couldn't see anything due to the cloud being so low. However these are just good memories and great experiences as long as you get one photo that's all that really matters for me these days the rest of it is all memories.
Again feel free to check out the imagery of James pictures by clicking on the photo above.
Although I've been a few times more recently one of the last times before the pandemic really kicked off I visited this location I was gifted this very pleasant portrait orientated photograph. With a small handful of local friends I enjoyed a very quiet evening with Dronfield-based landscape photographer Andy Evers Photography. Little did we know after taking this photograph that we would soon be thrown into lockdown however it is not necessarily the lockdown I remember about this photograph in fact is the peace and quiet and perfect sidelight looking down on Bamford.
For the final time you can check out the imagery of Andy Evers Photography by clicking on the photo above.
How to get here.
Hopefully this imagery has inspired you to get out with the camera or just get the boots muddy with a nice gentle walk. So in case you don't know how to get here here is a few details to help you on your way.
Making your way up the road from the turning point next to the Yorkshire Bridge inn you then drive up the hill on New road before arriving at a set of man-made layby is. Alternatively walk up from the pub however that is a lot further and steeper. From here you will find a wooden style to climb over before choosing two pathways both leading to the same place. My personal favourite on the right is the steeper of the two before levelling off and continuing on before you reach the obvious viewpoint of Ladybower Reservoir. The path to the left again takes you to the same place however avoids that steep climb at the beginning I believe both are the same distance so there's not much in it really. Overall I believe it's just over 1 mile to walk before arriving at the edge and should take you no more than half an hour/40 minutes quicker if you're motivated.
The image below will take you to the parking spot on the map however it really is quite easy to work out.
Hopefully this short blog will give you a few ideas of how to enjoy your own adventure here at Bamford edge. Or if you've been before encourage you to get back up there and enjoy those wonderful views.