alport castles photographic walk workshop

A walk to the Peak District’s largest landslip, the impressive Alport Castles. Fair Brook waterfall to start the day.


ALPORT CASTLES photographic walk

PHOTOGRAPH THE LARGEST LANDSLIP IN THE PEAK DISTRICT AT SUNSET, ALPORT CASTLES

February 1st 2025
10:00 – 18:00
4 People Max
COMPLIMENTARY Transport provided
Moderate/Hard Difficulty ( i )
Alport Castles Photography Workshop
Standing in the bowl of the landslip you look towards “The Tower” which is one of the main features of Alport Castles along with the dramatic cliffs to the right, both of which catch the light at sunset beautifully.
Meet at Cutthroat Bridge
Start: 10:00
£150
(£40 Deposit)

Join me on the 1st of February on this photographic walk for a day out to capture some of the Peak District’s lesser photographed spots including Fair Brook waterfall and Alport Castles.

This workshop is a day designed for those who want to venture further from their car to some more remote locations. You would benefit from potentially having a good working knowledge of your camera as there will be less time on camera during the day due to time spent walking, however, this is not essential. The day also requires a good level of fitness due to the amount of walking (approx. 8 miles total) and 2000ft ascent.

To start off the day, we will meet at 10:00 to do a meet and greet before heading off up Fair Brook on the north side of Kinder Scout. Up here there are numerous waterfalls flowing down the brook with the backdrop of the mighty Kinder Scout. This a great location where we can practice long exposures and have a look at your technical ability. It will also work well in a variety of conditions. Please note, that access to the main waterfall is down a steep bank and requires some confidence to descend. If this is too much for you, there are opportunities five minutes back.

Once we have done Fair Brook we will move on to the main objective of the day which is to photograph the largest landslip in the Peak District, Alport Castles. This is a walk of about 1 hour, maybe a little longer but we will choose a route where it starts easy along a road before ascending with a few photographic opportunities along the way. There is a lovely pool with views along the landslip and valley and further up there is a lovely lone tree looking back along the way we walked. Once at the castles we will choose whether to go up to the top or stay in the basin of the landslip, both are equally good! We will then stick around to photograph the sunset here before heading back down to the car. The day will finish approx. 18:00 as we will have that hour walk back in the dark, so please remember a head torch.

While there will be a short break between locations it is suggested you bring food with you. Please also remember the conditions could potentially be wintery and warm drinks, clothes etc should also be considered. I also recommend bringing some micro spikes which can help if there is any snow/ice on the ground.

Throughout the day we will look at techniques such as focusing, using a tripod, use of filters vs exposure blending, composition, working with the light and more. This is largely a photographic walk and as such, we will build techniques throughout the day and the aim is to put what we have learnt into practice for the sunset at Alport Castles.

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.

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 whole group.

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.

What if the weather is bad? Fair Brook works in most conditions unless the cloud is really low, in which case we may choose another waterfall in more cover. If Alport isn’t possible for whatever reason, I’ll discuss options with you on the day and take you to alternative, impressive locations that will suit the weather. This is only likely to happen if the cloud is really low or there is heavy rain, otherwise, we will try our luck regardless!

A £40 deposit is required to secure your space with the final balance due no later than 6 weeks before the workshop.

What’s Included?
  • Technical tuition
  • Advice
  • Complimentary transport between locations
I can also provide (group share)
  • Tripod
  • Set of Kase filters
What You Need
  • Suitable outdoor winter clothing (No jeans or trainers)
  • Camera with spare battery(s) and SD card
  • Walking boots
  • Tripod (Can also loan)
  • Head Torch
  • Food & Drink
  • Transport
  • Personal Insurance
Good to have
  • A selection of lenses
  • Remote Shutter
  • Filters
  • Camera manual
  • Micro Spikes

Difficulty Description

Below is an explanation of the difficulty for the workshop. It will also largely be dictated by your own perception and also your previous experience in this kind of environment. The rating is a rough guide and in context to the type of workshop e.g. a hill-walking workshop moderate is different to a standard day workshop moderate. I have tried to explain more about the day in the description above also.

This workshop is a photographic walk. You will be expected to be of above average fitness and preferably with previous experience in the hills. You are likely to be covering some steep ground over mixed-terrain. Some footpaths may be paved, however please also expect natural trails of a stable surface where you may encounter natural and unavoidable features such as rocks, tree roots, mud etc. We will stick to well used paths and trails where possible however at times these may include grassy paths or very uneven terrain. Once we arrive at our photography location(s) we may be off the main path and as such extra care must be taken with any potential hazards. I will advise if I can see any hazards and if you are unsure, please ask. On these workshops you may be expected to walk around 6 -8 miles in a day.