I visited a local area this evening – around 15 miles away are the Roaches, a prominent rocky formation in the peak district. It’s an area with dramatic rock formations that rise to over 500m resulting in stunning views. It’s a place that I really should visit more often, it’s only a half hour drive away and the photographic opportunities and fantastic. It is extremely popular with walkers and climbers and parking can often be a problem – so either an early or late visit to capture the sunrise/sunset works out fine.
I decided to head up to where the ridge ends – aptly named Roach End. There is a derelict barn surrounded by Oak trees with a stunning back drop of the Cheshire Plain.
Roach End Barn with the Cheshire Plain in the background. Kowa 8.5mm super wide angle f2.8mm and Olympus OMD EM-1
The short climb to get a good vantage point is well worth the view looking down over the barn and the fields beyond. Time it right and the sun will set on the horizon. On this particular evening, brooding storm clouds were forming which added to the dramatic sky. I opted to use the Kowa 8.5mm super wide angle as I wanted to include an old wall to give some foreground interest as well as including the vista in the background. I was really pleased with the image above.
The clouds soon began to drop intermittent rain and I had to sit and wait for dry spells to take more images – nothing like a huge rain drop on the end of your lens to ruin a good picture.
View towards Leek – you can just see Tittesworth Reservoir in the distance. Kowa 8.5mm super wide angle f2.8mm and Olympus OMD EM-1
I really enjoyed using the Kowa super wide angle 8.5mm lens today – It suited the dramatic landscape so well and I think the images reflect the scale of the landscape. This time of year is great to get out and take images. the Autumn colours are amazing and I think when the trees have lost their leaves – they add a more striking appearance to the landscape.
Old ruins with a stunning backdrop at Roach End. Kowa 8.5mm super wide angle f2.8mm and Olympus OMD EM-1
Before leaving I headed along the ridge, At the top there is a small pool called Doxey Pool that is, according to legend, inhabited by a water spirit! I used the Kowa 12mm f1.8 lens with a Hama ND filter to try along exposure. There are not too many features up at the pool so I thought a long exposure would add some interest to the water. This 15 long second shot smooths the water.
Doxey Pool Long Exposure. Kowa 12mm super wide angle f1.8mm, Olympus OMD EM-1 and Hama ND filter
The rain became more persistent and the light was fading fast, it was time to head home – but one thing is for sure, I will certainly be visiting this amazing place right on my doorstep far more often.