Derwent Edge Photographic Walk in Winter (December 14th 2025)

Description

Join me on the 14th December for a workshop that is a little different to most others out there, a photographic walk up Derwent Edge.

Derwent Edge is a fantastic gritstone edge stretching along the skyline of Ladybower Reservoir. It offers many incredible gritstone formations along the way such as Whinstone Lee Tor, White Tor, the Salt Cellar, Back Tor and much more.

This workshop is designed for those who are perhaps more comfortable with their camera but want to get higher up and capture different viewpoints. The route itself while long and high up is well pathed and gradual so it has been rated as a medium difficulty. Do bear in mind though hill walking experience is preferred as being a winter workshop, the weather can quickly turn and can get cold quickly. There may also be a requirement to walk part way back in the dark.

The aim is to walk along the edge, taking in as many viewpoints as possible, before returning to the direction we came. Our ultimate goal will be Back Tor, the highest point of the edge. It isn’t the highlight of the edge though, the Salt Cellar arguably is and this will be my main focus to get us there for sunset while covering the other viewpoints mentioned.

In the gallery below you can see some of the locations we will visit. Some photos are taken outside of winter but will give you an idea of the viewpoints – the last time I ran this workshop we had amazing inversion conditions all the way until sunset, so any photos taken above the cloud was from then. Obviously this is a rare phenomenon but you get an idea of what walking high can reward while below all you would have seen was fog.

We will meet at 10:00 to do a meet and greet with myself and the other photographers. We will break for lunch around 13:30 (please bring packed lunch). During this time of year, the light can be good throughout the day and great images will be able to be taken all day. Sunset is at around 16:00 with around an hour’s walking back.

This workshop is suited for all levels of photography but is especially great for those who want to explore some of our higher areas with a good working knowledge of their camera and have potentially previously been on one of my more traditional day workshops. This is a workshop about experiencing higher up places, the walking that comes with it and enjoying the scenery as much as the photography.

Please note, a good level of fitness is required as this is a hill walking day. The pace will be relaxed, but the whole route could be up to 8 miles (ca. 13 km) and in winter could prove trickier for some. We will likely have to walk some of the walk back in the dark. It is advisable you have some previous hill walking experience to understand the terrain and fitness required. If there is any snow on the forecast in the week leading up, microspikes are advisable. If you have any concerns please feel free to get in touch.

Upon booking, you will be sent an order confirmation email which includes meeting details, kit-list, discount codes and a questionnaire for you to fill out. This questionnaire just allows me to get information about you, so I can plan the day appropriately for the entire group.

Throughout the day we will look at techniques such as focusing, use of filters vs exposure blending, composition, working with the light and more.

I am more than happy to discuss other more advanced techniques on 1-2-1 basis as well as to the group, depending on what is beneficial.

The day is tailored around you as much as possible, and I strive to give each of you on the course for that day the best day possible. At the end of the day, you will have hopefully learnt new techniques and taken away some imagery you will be proud of. I am a friendly and relaxed tutor, and I welcome you to keep in touch with me after the course to ask me any questions you may have looked over on the day. I have also created a Facebook client area where you can keep in touch, share your photos and keep in touch with other attendees from the day.

There will be a maximum group size of 4 meaning there will be plenty of 1-2-1 time. I will be on hand throughout the day for any questions, and my focus will be on ensuring you have the best day possible.