The glorious Peak District - Fujifilm XT5 & Leica M6
The weather looked favourable and warm days followed by colder nights looked good for misty atmospheric conditions.
I have walked in the Hathersage area of the Peak District on lots if occasions, but never visited Padley Gorge. Its honey pot location and reputation for being busy put me off!
However a mid week trip was available and I had to make the most of it. This time I wanted to focus on some landscape photography and not the stunning walks available in this area.
I stuffed my bag with my Fujifilm XT5 and it’s suite of lenses, Lee Filters, and my Leica M6 with a roll of Portra 400 for good measure. Photography head was on and trekking head off… something I learnt from my last trip!
Stay in focus.
I had never stopped overnight in The George in Hathersage, and I was not disappointed. Great location, great service and a lovely room. They did a great pint of beer as well!
So I made my plans for an early sunrise shoot on Curbar Edge and a circular walk via Froggart Edge. All new routes for myself, so an added bonus.
The weather didn’t play the game and it was hazy and windy; however it was great to focus on the photography and enjoy the craft.
I loved the changing colours and was sorry I had missed the full bloom of heather. There was still plenty of stunning views and lots of foreground interest.
The Kodak Portra 400 also captured that timeless pallet of colour and I was impressed with the Leica and Voigtlander lens being used handheld in the hazy dull morning light.
Curbar Edge Route
Route to Curbar Edge - Leica M6 - Voigtlander 35mm F3.6 - Kodak Portra 400
Last of the late summer heather - Fujilfilm XT5 - 16 - 55mm
Views over the moors from Curbar Edge - Fujifilm XT5 - 16-55mm
Views from Curbar Edge down to Baslow - Leica M6 - Voigtlander 35mm F3.6 - Kodak Portra 400
Views from Curbar Edge - Fujifilm XT5 - 16-55mm
Late morning I headed back to the hotel and grabbed a lovely full English breakfast and recharged my flask and headed to Padley Gorge. My plans were to hope for some of the haze and mist to still be around and the sun to be breaking through the still very green foliage.
Breakfast at The George… delicious
Padley Gorge - Fujifilm XT5 - 16-55mm
Padley Gorge - Fujifilm XT5 - 16-55mm
Overall a great couple of days in a glorious location. The weather was not perfect, the light did not play, but I really did enjoy the simple pleasures and process of getting my cameras out and shooting what I could see.
Padley Gorge is stunning and offers so much opportunity for woodland shots, especially come the autumn time, when the colours will change.
I will return!