Mam Tor Sunrise and Castleton Viewpoints (December 19th 2026)

Description

Mam Tor and Castleton surroundings Photography Viewpoints: Sunrise to Sunset – 19th December

Join me for a full day of photography through the heart of the Peak District on December 19th. We’ll explore the stunning landscapes surrounding the charming village of Castleton, capturing dramatic winter views, unique geological formations, and the beautiful, low-angled light of the season.

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Why Castleton?

Castleton is a photographer’s dream, offering remarkably easy access to some of the Peak District’s most iconic and diverse locations. From the dramatic heights of the Great Ridge to deep limestone gorges and hidden valleys, this area provides a wealth of subjects that truly shine in the crisp winter air.

Our Photographic Journey

We will follow the light from the first break of dawn until the final glow of sunset, adapting our route to the day’s conditions.

• Sunrise at Mam Tor:
  • We’ll begin our day at this classic Peak District viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the Great Ridge, Edale, and Castleton.
  • Focus: Capturing the early morning light as it hits the valley floor and the winding roads below.
• Winnats Pass:
  • Next, we explore this dramatic limestone gorge. We’ll capture the unique geological formations and the contrasting textures of the steep cliffs.
• Pindale and Cave Dale:
  • We’ll venture to these picturesque valleys for unique perspectives. Pindale offers a different angle on the Hope Valley, while Cave Dale provides a dramatic view dominated by the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle.
• Waterfalls and Woodlands (Weather Contingency):
  • If the winter weather is too overcast for high-level vistas, we’ll move to lower ground to capture the intimate beauty of the Peak District’s waterfalls and mossy woodlands.
• Sunset at Stanage Edge or Higger Tor:
  • As the day draws to a close, we’ll head to the gritstone edges of the Dark Peak. Both Stanage Edge and Higger Tor offer world-class sunset views over the Hope Valley.

Learning and Skill Development

Throughout the day, I’ll provide hands-on instruction and guidance on essential photography techniques:

• Technical Foundations:
  • Focusing: Ensuring your images are tack-sharp, from the limestone foregrounds to the distant hills.
  • Tripod Usage: Mastering stability in potentially windy winter conditions to maximise image quality.
  • Filters vs. Exposure Blending: Exploring how to control high-contrast winter light and enhance dynamic range.
• Creative Vision:
  • Composition: Learning the art of arranging elements within the frame to create visually compelling and harmonious photographs.
  • Working with Light: Understanding how to utilise the unique, soft qualities of winter light to evoke mood and depth.
• Advanced Techniques: I am always happy to discuss more advanced techniques on a 1-2-1 basis or with the group, depending on your interests.

Itinerary

• Sunrise: Meet at Mam Tor for our first shoot of the day.
• Daytime: Explore Winnats Pass, Pindale, and Cave Dale, capturing the unique beauty of each location.
• Lunch Break: Enjoy a relaxed break. If time allows, we will look at post-processing in Adobe Lightroom on a laptop.
• Afternoon: Continue our exploration, moving toward the gritstone edges for the late light.
• Sunset: Capture a stunning finale at either Stanage Edge or Higger Tor.

What’s Included

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from my extensive experience and intimate knowledge of the Castleton area.
• Small Group Size: Maximum of 4 participants for personalised attention and a more intimate learning experience.
• I have four sets of Maven Filters available for the group to use (a set per person). This is ideal for testing or upgrading your filter system.
• I will also have spare tripods available for use.
• Pre-workshop Information: Upon booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with meeting details, a kit list, and a questionnaire.
• Post-workshop Support: Access to my private Facebook client area for ongoing support and image sharing.

Additional Information

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. Involves moderate walking on varied terrain, with some ascents and descents. Most locations are a short distance from the car, but we will cover a fair amount of ground over the day.
• Weather Adaptability: The Peak District weather is unpredictable, but we will be prepared! I’ll share my knowledge of weather forecasting tools and we will adapt the plan to ensure we make the most of the conditions.

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Booking Information

• A £40 deposit is required to secure your place.
• The full balance is due no later than 6 weeks before the workshop date.

Ready to embark on a winter photographic adventure through the stunning landscapes of Castleton?