Running water even in a dry spring

The hills around Sheffield are, of course, separated by numerous brooks that are well known in the area.

The Burbage bridges are popular landmarks and meeting places. After plentiful rain it can be quite a challenge to cross the stream beside the bridge, but at the moment stepping stone rocks are well exposed.

The path down Wyming Brook is fairly steep and not easy to ascend or descend. The brook tops-up Rivelin reservoir with crisp, clear water from the moors.

Intentional camera movement (ICM)

I'd read about the effects that could be made by camera movement so had a little experimentation whilst on a walk in the local woodland. My legs felt too tired for a run. These are the best.

The path is naturally ringed by trees and is enhanced by a rotation that emphasises the arches.

A simple flower picture becomes more abstract with a distinct background. Fill-in flash fixed the petals in place.

Photography while out and about

On my last few runs I've taken my LX5 camera as the images are far crisper than those from my 'mapping' iPhone SE. Some of its controls are showing signs of wear and I've been considering buying a replacement. However, despite the online hype for a plethora of cameras I haven't found one that I'd be prepared to spend on just yet. The influencer videos have encouraged me though to make an effort to find good angles to photograph rather than become trapped in GAS (although I may already have this for trail-running gear!).

My favourite route to the moors from home is via Limb Valley which starts from a semi-managed pond.

Typically the bluebells in the local woods are at their best in the first week of May. This year they arrived early but are lasting well in shaded spots.

The top of Limb Valley leads onto a very popular byway that leads into the Peak District National Park. I frequently use a section of the track, and perhaps monthly, run to its far end at Fox House.  

Houndkirk Road is littered with milestones and old gate posts. This one is on the site of the old inn. I often wish there was a cafe with toilets on the moor, although there are perfectly good pubs at each end of the byway.

The cotton grass is perfect at the moment, and with the spell of dry weather it's easy to cross directly from Oxstones to Houndkirk Road on the peat without getting wet feet.

Even in urban environments nature works hard to make an impression.

Ringing Roger

This morning I was in Edale, setting off just as the village was getting busy. I could see a stream of hikers heading up Grindsbrook Clough so decided to head east, starting with the ascent to the viewpoint of Ringing Roger.

Looping towards Lose Hill gives an excellent view of the valley which I find preferable to the Kinder plateau.

Despite making an effort, progress was relatively slow as the ascent is steep, the level paths have stones waiting to trip you up and the 'flat' route past the YHA is anything but!