Great family days out plus stunning photography: Part 2 of 2

So onto part two of our location guide for some great photography, where the family will also have plenty to keep them occupied. If you missed part one you can catch up here:

Part 1

Just as in part 1, these are in no particular order, and the parking places are named as they are listed in Google Maps, to make it easier to search for your destination. As you may have guessed by the title, this is the second of this two part feature, but there may be a BONUS article with a couple more suggestions before the summer is over so subscribe below to be notified when that comes out, or alternatively head to our Facebook Page and Like - we put notifications out on there when we publish new articles. You can click through to all of our social media channels through the icons here:

Right, so on to our next recommendation…….

Stanage Edge, Hathersage, Peak District National Park

Suitable for: Anyone with average fitness; 8-10 years+, However it is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Some moderate terrain

Parking: I recommend parking at the ‘Hooks Carr’ car park if you don’t mind a steeper walk; or the roadside parking on ‘The Dale’ road, for an easier ascent.

The Peak District has an abundance of ‘edges’ with fantastic views and Stanage Edge is a really easy way to experience one of them. With great vistas across Leam, Abney, Hope Valley, Castleton and a different view of Mam Tor, Lose Hill and more, it is easy to see why it is a popular spot for families and photographers alike. Plus it is one of the easier edges to reach. From the car parking spots mentioned above, you can reach the Trig Point within 15-20 minutes dependant on your ascent route (and general fitness of course), although it may take you longer as you take in those wonderful views.

Of course, as the name suggests, it is an edge and has a quite steep drop on one side, so do keep an eye on the young ‘uns and keep them away, but other than that, this is a great place for young and old legs to have an explore and there are lots of rocks to climb over. Be sure to check out Robin Hoods cave hidden away just under the walk - it is easy to miss and will require a bit of careful clambering as it is right on the edge, but otherwise is easy enough to reach….tales of Robin Hood and his merry men can be told from within.

There is lots to photograph including millstones, rock faces and great vistas over Hope Valley and the edge can be walked along for a good while so it really is up to you how long or short your walk is.

On weekends and especially bank holidays, this spot can become very popular so be prepared for a few fellow walkers, rock climbers, mountain bikers and photographers.

The Millstones that are synonymous with the Peak District National Park, sat just below the top of Stanage Edge.

A lovely walk but a steep drop. Stanage Edge is very popular for rock climbers and climbing classes

It is important to stress that whilst this is a very accessible and enjoyable walk, it can become dangerous if you don’t show it respect. The right type of footwear and outerwear is highly recommended. During a dry spell, this could be sturdy trainers, but please don’t attempt in open-toe shoes (or worse….flip-flops!).

It can get quite breezy on the top open edge. On the day I last did this walk (start of Aug 2020) the wind at the bottom was barely noticeable, however once I got up onto the Edge, it was fiercely strong. So a jumper in a bag may be useful even on a hot day.

The common heather that is in abundance is popular with honey bees so try to keep to the rocky paths, we do need to look after our bee population. Plus on hot days adders have been known to sunbath on the rock tops so keep a look out. And speaking about the rocks, there are gaps that nobody would want to fall into, so take care when clambering.

But…..if that passage didn’t put you off ever leaving the house again….if you take the right precautions, remain attentive and give the rough landscape your respect, it really can be quite fun and there were several youngsters up there having great fun on each occasion I have visited.

There is a good route you can follow here which will take about 2 hours: https://letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/kids-walk-stanage-edge/

You can purchase fine art prints of many of the images from this article right here:

Talacre Beach, Holywell, North Wales

Suitable for: Everyone, although some routes cannot be accessed by wheelchair/buggy

Parking: There are a couple of car parks, I would recommend ‘Gamfa Wen’ car park but ‘Talacre Beach’ car park is closer to the beach shops, amusements and eateries. Both car parks do charge and require correct change.

The famous Talacre Lighthouse, also known as the Point of Ayr Lighthouse

The second of our beach recommendations (see part 1 for our first) and this is one that really is family friendly. A great expanse of a beach, lots of tourist type trappings such as amusements, cafes and beach shops, plus some great hideaway routes to explore amongst reeds along the beach front. Talacre itself is a village consisting of a few residents and a couple of large holiday resorts, and a full day, or even two, could easily be spent here. Of course though, once you have a break from the trappings of a beachside summer in the UK, it is time to get your camera out and snap away at Talacre’s most famous resident.

Standing tall at 18 meters (59 feet or so) and donning a red hat is the grade II listed Talacre Lighthouse, or to give it it’s real name, The Point of Ayr Lighthouse.

Built in 1776 to warn ships entering between the Dee and Mersey Estuary, and rebuilt in 1844, the lighthouse has been decommissioned since 1883 and is now a private residential property.

The lighthouse stands at almost 60 feet (18 mtrs) tall

If the beach and lighthouse look familiar then it is likely you saw the starring role this location had in a 2011 TV advert for a paint company and it’s 50 year anniversary. That’s right, the one with an Old English Sheepdog running past it at the end.

But that isn’t all it is famous for. Noted for a history of paranormal activity, including several reports of a spirit called Raymond who appeared stood on the balcony of the lighthouse itself. Mediums who attempted to make contact reported back that Raymond was once a lighthouse master who died of a severe fever.

These paranormal stories inspired a human sculpture to be installed circa 2009, which stood in the position on the balcony for three years. After new owners acquired the lighthouse the sculptures planning permission was not renewed and eventually the sculpture was removed.

Tide in, or tide out, there are great photographic opportunities with the lighthouse providing a perfect focal point, all the while the family can build their own lighthouses, castles and forts safely in the sand nearby.

You can have a quick look around the lighthouse and surrounding areas in our vlog right from the location right here: https://youtu.be/PUA0k2ZdrZU

Did you know we run workshops in many of these locations, guiding you around and teaching you how to master your camera to achieve spectacular Landscape Photography. For more info, click this banner:

Workshops

Sale & Chorlton Water Parks, Greater Manchester

Suitable for: Everyone

Parking: Either ‘Sale Water Park Main’ car park or ‘Chorlton Water Park’ - Sale is the larger of the two, both are free of charge.

Just inside the M60 Manchester ring road and along the River Mersey from each other sits these two ‘sister’ water parks and nature reserves. And the M60 motorway is an important factor, as both of these water parks were created during the building of one of the busiest motorways in the UK.

Both artificial lakes were created from gravel pits, excavated for gravel to create embankments for the M60 to sit upon. Sale Water Park was previously the site of Sale Old Hall, the remnants of which now house Sale Golf Club; whilst Chorlton Water Parks land was the site of Barlow Hall Farm.

Sale is the larger of the two sites and also houses a restaurant and the fabulous Jacksons Boat pub, perfect for a mid-walk cool beverage or light lunch, plus bike rental and a Manchester Metrolink Tram stop.

Chorlton water park has more accessible pathways, a play area and activity space for under 10’s. Plus has an RSPB site office. Both are home to various wildlife and Sale Water Park has a hide for bird spotting….or photographing.

Whichever site you mark as your destination, the other is only a 20-30 minute walk away. Even quicker if you are on your bicycle. And for the more active of you, a walk around both on an afternoon is easily accomplished.

There are some great photographic opportunities, both around the water parks, in the Ees and woodland that surround them, or along the River Mersey, plus the Bridgewater Canal is only a stones throw from the west shore of Sale Water Park, a great place on a calm summers day to get some tranquil shots of the many canal boats and barges that travel up and down.

You can see Sale Water Park and how I took the shot above in one of our vlogs here: https://youtu.be/09an2IJ84DQ

Many of the images featured in this article are available to purchase as prints via our online shop here:

So that’s our second three recommendations, hopefully you get chance to visit. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, I may pop up a bonus piece later on in August so feel free to sign up to our alerts or add our blog page to your RSS feed.

And you can check out many other great locations plus tips and tricks to help your photography to the next level on our You Tube channel which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4fUWd5TtD4YvjVbeDaAQeA

Dave

August 2020