Enjoy life more, travel, experience.
As some might already know, I have an obsession with the British Isles. I studied English, lived in Dublin ages ago, travel to the UK on holidays or whenever I get invited to do a talk or workshop or other photography job. That’s why I didn’t have to think twice when I got an invitation for a business trip to Derbyshire, which was a welcome opportunity for me to combine this trip with a short break in the Peak District. Cameras packed, off to make and take some memories.
For the equipment fans, here’s a list of the cameras, lenses and filters I had with me:
Cameras:
– Fujifilm X-Pro2
– Fujifilm X-H1
My X-T3 is my work camera and stays at home. My X-Pro2 is my fun camera and I love the X-H1 for the occasional video, but somehow ended up using it most of the time here.
Lenses:
– Fujinon XF 16-55mm f2.8 (most of the pictures where shot with this versatile lens)
– Fujinon XF 90mm f2 (more compact than the large zoom)
-7Artisans 25mm f1.8 (manual focussing lens, which I love for street photography)
Filters:
– Kase Wolverine magnetic circular filters -circular polarizing filter and gradual neutral density 0.9 (bought this right before setting of to the UK and absolutely love it. You have the filters in a handy case, take them out, pop them on, shoot – so easy and hassle-free)
After one day of business matters, I had three days to explore the Peak District.
I had booked a room in Castleton, which is a too-romantic-for-words village in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire. A great starting point to venture out into the beautiful Peak District.
The car hire company talked me into renting a posh German car, which was way too fancy and too fast for me and the streets. But due to its bright blue colour it was easily recognizable on the busy car parks.
Tried hard to find the bullterriers mentioned here, but it seems that this sign was a tourist trap – no bullterriers. I want my money back!
Apropos “Money”…
I got up early in the mornings to experience some morning light and wonderful misty landscapes. Here I was all on my own, wandering around the misty fields of Castleton. It was epic.
Thanks to the wonderful Verity Milligan (award-winning landscape photographer), who showed me some of here favourite places in the Peak District, I witnessed this beautiful cloud inversion from Surprise View.
Afterwards, we spent some time in a mythical forest, called Padley Gorge near Grindleford – nothing to do with Grindelwald from Harry Potter. But it looks like straight from the forbidden forest. There are public footpaths, though, which makes it the opposite of forbidden.
From Mam Tor you have a fabulous view over the Peak District.
Hidden behind a balustrade I found this shy greeting (left):
On Bamford Edge (right above). I dozed off on a rock in the sun. Woke up to the mocking cries of a red grouse. Sheep looking at me in their pleasantly daft way:
A last cuppa and I was on my way back home again.
It was a wonderful trip to a beautiful region. Made friends along the way. Here’s to many happy returns.
