Sunset At Ramshaw Rocks -

After spending a couple of hours climbing over the rocks admiring so many foreign textures and views, I wandered back to the van to cook up dinner. Lamb burgers were scoffed after craving them for weeks, what better setting to indulge.

As golden hour approached I climbed back up the rocks which were now glowing in the evening light, amidst patches of cloud, it made for a dramatic scene. I spent the rest of the evening watching the sun dip below the opposite ridge from a very windswept but comfortable hollow in the rocks, almost making my very own gritstone armchair.

Day 2 -

After a peaceful sleep, a tasty breakfast and a strong coffee to start day 2, I took in the last views of Ramshaw Rocks and drove north into the Peaks, a brief stop at Solomon’s Temple in Buxton for a hit of nostalgia.

Next stop was a circular hike I’d found on AllTrails starting at Bamford Edge, through some open moorland to Stanage Edge and back again. This was a beautiful walk to properly start the trip, no massive inclines (I was still taking it easy post-covid 2 week prior), not many people and gorgeous views. I was dodging rain on the return part of the hike but that just made the views back into the valleys even more dramatic.

Buxton - Bamford & Stanage Edge - Mam Tor

Sunset at Mam Tor -

From the very beginning of planning this trip I planned to spend a sunset and sunrise at Mam Tor. With some world-class parking spots below the summit it was a no-brainer to spend the best forecasted night & morning here. The conditions didn’t disappoint, views across the Edale valley at sunset can’t be beat in my opinion.

Mam Tor

Sunrise at Mam Tor -

That familiar summer sunrise alarm was ringing, and I couldn’t of been happier to hear it. A short sharp walk up the hill from the van meant I could be at the summit in about 15 minutes, a pretty sweet backyard for a morning. I arrived before the sun broke the horizon, sat with a coffee for a while as the orange glow intensified before being blessed with more mind-blowing conditions as the mist rolled over Castleton and the Hope Valley.

Alport Castles Hike -

After a slow morning and a killer breakfast I drove about 30 minutes to start a hike thats been on my list for a long time. I’ve seen heaps of photos from Alport Castles over the years and, given the name, have always wanted to see the formations for myself. The route I chose was a decent 15km I believe, starting at the end of Ladybower Reservoir I climbed through pines into more open moorland with amazing views back across the Peak District. It was a clear day, a VERY hot day, but I got lucky and had most of the hike to myself all day.

Mam Tor - Alport Castles

Ladybower & Castleton -

Legs aching, it felt good to have bagged a decent hike after a fair few months of being stuck in London, I had a slow stroll around Ladybower Reservoir and a golden hour walk in Castleton, where I was staying for my last night.

Ladybower Reservoir - Castleton

Last Morning -

For my last morning of the trip I headed back to the shores of Ladybower Reservoir. A gentle loop along the edge of the water before ascending into the trees. I’d love to do this hike again for sunrise or sunset, I spotted a great place to camp for the night so it’s definitely on the cards. A lovely conclusion to my first few days away in far too long.

Ladybower Reservoir

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