What Have They Done To The Rain?

If anybody out there (and I know some do) still have their doubts about the validity of the hosepipe ban that was introduced to North West England last month, please read on...


Last week I posted a couple of shots I had taken last year at the Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District and I apologies now for reposting them, but I feel they are relevant.
On Sunday, I visited my favorite spot on Ladybower for the first time in a couple of months and I was shocked at what I saw.


Here is the scene taken last year of Ladybower towards Castleton...

Here is the same viewpoint taken on Sunday...

A scene of Ladybower towards Howden Dam taken last year...

The same viewpoint taken on Sunday...

I've been visiting Ladybower for many years and I've never seen it so low.
The story is the same at the majority of the regions reservoirs and even after the rains we had last week, there seems to be little or no impact on water levels.
I suggest it may be many months before there are any real signs of recovery.


So if you meet any 'Doubting Thomas' (and I have met a few recently) who question United Utilities decision to introduce the ban, please direct them to this post, or better still tell them to visit their local reservoir...I'm sure they will find it an eye opener.

Postcards From The Peaks (2)

I've not been out much in the last few days, so if you don't mind I'd thought I'd share a few more shots of the Dark Peak area of Derbyshire.

First Light At Ladybower...
An early morning shot using a ND Filter of the Ladybower Reservoir from Derwent Valley.
Sunrise At Cave Dale...
Another early morning effort, this time the location is the spectacular Cave Dale near the village of Castleton.
I used a red Skylight Filter on this shot to give the scene an eerie feel...Which is the feeling I always get at this place when alone early in the morning!

Castleton...

A vista from the beautiful village of Castleton, featuring the lovely limestone cottages which are a feature of this part of Derbyshire.

Winnats Pass At Dawn...

The other day I posted a view of the Hope Valley from Winnats Pass, so I'd thought I'd show you a shot of Winnats itself.

After a climb to the top of one of the peaks, I set up my camera and took this shot just as the sun was beginning to creep over the hills...Providing some interesting light and shadow effects.

Postcards From The Peaks

Following on from yesterday and after some very nice comments, I'd thought I'd share a few more images from the Peak District.
I do count myself very lucky to live only a few short miles from what I regard as one of the most beautiful places on earth and while I wouldn't regard myself as a landscape photographer, I do like to try and capture the scenery from time to time.

The first two images are of the Ladybower Reservoir in the heart of Derwent Valley.
The interesting thing about these shots is the first was taken in April and the second in May...All be it April 2009 and May 2008.
What I think is interesting is the huge difference in colour as the last throws of winter transform into early summer...

A few miles from Derwent Valley is the village of Castleton and nearby is the spectacular Winnats Pass.
I climbed to the top of Winnats early one spring morning a few years back and captured the view overlooking the Hope Valley just as the sun was rising.
On the hill in the distance you might be able to make out the chimney of the cement works...

Although the heart of the Peak District is firmly in Derbyshire, it does touch the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cheshire.

This image is of that famous tree I told you about a while back and was taken one early winter morning in Lyme Park in Cheshire on the edge of the Peaks...