Great Family Days Out And Stunning Photography Locations - Part 2
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. 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…..
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:
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:
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.
Sale Water Park at Sunrise
Chorlton Water Park on a winters day
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
Great Family Days Out And Stunning Photography Locations - Part 1
Summer is in full bloom, although looking out the window at the pouring rain and dark grey skies as I write this, you wouldn’t quite believe it. Another thing now in full bloom is the school summer holidays, this year though, you’d be forgiven for not noticing them even start. However now that we are officially in the summer holidays, and 2020 having being what it has been, it is likely that many of us will be taking day trips out, or shorter trips within the UK. So with that in mind, I’ve put together a few locations around the North West of England and North Wales which not only make for fantastic landscape photography locations, but double up as great adventures for the family.
Great family days out plus stunning photography: Part 1 of 2
Summer is in full bloom, although looking out the window at the pouring rain and dark grey skies as I write this, you wouldn’t quite believe it. Another thing now in full bloom is the school summer holidays, this year though, you’d be forgiven for not noticing them even start.
However now that we are officially in the summer holidays, and 2020 having being what it has been, it is likely that many of us will be taking day trips out, or shorter trips within the UK. So with that in mind, I’ve put together a few locations around the North West of England and North Wales which not only make for fantastic landscape photography locations, but double up as great adventures for the family.
They 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, I am not covering them all in this post as it would be far too long, so keep your eyes out, or subscribe below to be notified, for when part two is published next week.
Mam Tor & The Great Ridge, Hope Valley, Peak District National Park
Suitable for: Anyone with average or above average fitness; 7 years+, Not suitable for anyone with walking or breathing difficulties.
Parking: I recommend parking at the ‘Mam Tor National Trust Car Park’ - just off the A623 - there is a small charge or free for all National Trust Members.
One of the most popular photography spots and one of the most popular walks in the Peak District. And it is easy to see why. The views over Hope Valley are spectacular.
If you park at the National Trust car park, then the ascent up Mam Tor is right at the start of your trek. The route up is well signposted and there are paths and steps up to the summit from the car park. The initial climb is fairly taxing and very young legs will probably not enjoy this one, but there are spots you can stop to catch your breath as you head up…Be sure to check out the winding road that journeys into the village of Edale, best viewed from about half way up on your left hand side.
However long it takes you, once you hit the summit, you are rewarded immediately with fabulous 360 degree view and this may well be where you first crack your camera out, whilst the rest of the family explore.
On weekends and especially bank holidays, this spot can become very popular so be prepared for a few fellow walkers and photographers…and even the occasional paraglider. This is a popular take off spot for paragliders, and you are quite likely to spot one or two in an evening or at weekend.
The view over Hope valley towards the slate mine from Back Tor, on the Great Ridge route.
THAT GATE!….One of the most iconic gates around. Back Tor and Lose Hill visible down The Great Ridge
Once you have finished exploring and photographing the sprawling valleys from the summit of Mam Tor, The Great Ridge now lies ahead. This makes for a more relaxing walk after that climb and the first half is on a gentle downward slope, although do be careful with your footing as some of the steps are a little steep.
About a third of the way along the Great Ridge, you will find one of the Peak Districts most photographed locations. The Mam Tor Gate. Best shot at sunrise, but stunning throughout the day, this iconic photography location is not one to be passed by.
Once you have your fill of shots from this prime location, keep along the Great Ridge and you head towards a second gate, from here you can venture right and down towards the Blue John Mines if you wish. Or continue along the Great Ridge up towards Back Tor and Lose Hill.
You can venture back from wherever you make it to via the same route on return or go down into the village of Castleton and return across the ‘broken road’ and cross field. I’ve linked a route planner below.
You can take a look at some of the area in the intro and outro of this video: https://youtu.be/cJdzgASJpNY
Everywhere is well signposted, but you can find a good route guide here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinder-edale-and-the-dark-peak/trails/mam-tor-circular-walk
Wizard Walk, Nether Alderley, North West Cheshire
Suitable for: Everyone, although some routes cannot be accessed by wheelchair/buggy
Parking: I recommend parking at the ‘National Trust - Alderley Edge Car Park’ by The Wizard Tearoom - small charge or free for National Trust members
One of the views from The Edge
‘There was once a farmer who had a milk-white mare. He decided to sell it; so one day, he set off to Macclesfield Fair. As he reached Alderley Edge the horse stopped and refused to move, no matter what the farmer did. He saw an old man standing by the side of the road, holding a staff in his hand.. .. ..’
The Legend of Alderley Edge provided inspiration to author Alan Garner as he wrote ‘The Weirdstone of Brisingamen’. Some of the location focal points, including the Druids Circle and Engine Vein, are still visible for visitors to see and form part of the Wizard Walk. One of several walks well signposted in the woodland, the wizard walk is fairly easy and surrounds the folklore of wizardry, that the local area is well known for (throughout Alderley there are several nods to the wizarding world).
Sticking to the route though is only half the fun. The different walking routes all cross each other throughout the woodland and a real explore will see you taking more than just one route.
Stunning views await along the many walks of the Nether Alderley woodlands. Some stunning photography can be had alongside a great family adventure
Some photographic spots not to miss include The Edge itself, which overlooks Greater Manchester and, depending on wind direction, either the landing or take off path for runway one at Manchester Airport - spotting the planes is great entertainment for the youngsters.
The ‘Hearth of Albion’ also provides great views across North Cheshire and the Peak District and is worth having your camera on hand for.
A word of warning though whilst taking shots, don’t take your eyes off youngsters as both of these spots are on cliff edges which, whilst very secure and roomy with lots of space away from the edge, would be very dangerous for inquisitive infants if they get too close to the edges.
Back to the car park and there are the Wizard Tearooms and (usually) an ice cream van selling traditional ices - you can check the National Trust website for opening times but, of course, in 2020, these may have been altered somewhat - the walking route link below can be explored to access opening times for the car park and facilities.
Have a quick look around the place and get some photography tips here: https://youtu.be/5Rn74mfVL-g
You can find out more about the Wizard walking route here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/alderley-edge-and-cheshire-countryside/trails/wizard-walk-at-alderley-edge
Mary’s Shell, Thornton-Cleveleys, Fylde
Suitable for: Everyone
Parking: Head for ‘Jubilee Gardens Car Park’ which is a pay and display just across the road from the beach. There is a small lay by car park on the promenade itself opposite the jubilee entrance if you can grab a space, this is also pay and display.
It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the beach and so here is the first of two recommendations. And not only is it a beach perfect for the kids, but it is an iconic location for photographers.
This really is a perfect family & photography mix. Spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun, grab a fish and chips supper, enjoy all the local entertainment and then head to the shore for sunset. And you will certainly want your camera on hand for this one.
Known as the ‘Mythical Coast’ because, well….Mary’s Shell is magical, and it has a story to tell…….
That story starts in Singleton Thorpe, which was a village off the coast of Cleveleys in the mid 1500’s.
Swallowed by a tsunami in 1554/55, only three people survived and local legend states that they went on to become founders of the village now known as Singleton in Fylde, near Blackpool (speaking of which, you can clearly see Blackpool Tower from the beach at Cleveleys - another shot worth taking)
The stunning view of the sunsetting over the west coast beyond Mary’s Shell - a perfect location to marry a family day out with some stunning photography
It doesn’t finish with sunset though - watch the colours of the sky change once the sun dips below the horizon.
And that folklore is responsible for inspiring ‘The Sea Swallows’ tale, a short story based on that sunken village. In the story, the heroine is Mary, who attempts to save the village from a Sea Ogre....armed only with her magical golden shell.
The story itself is inscribed on the inside of the shell, so at low tide take a visit inside for story time……but beware, you are being watched. The Sea Ogre also occupies the same beach. See if you can spot him - he’s certainly fairly large, if well disguised (quick tip - low tide is the best time to search for him).
You can read more about the area and photographing it in one of my earlier blogs here: https://www.letsclickphotography.co.uk/blog/revisiting-a-location-marys-shell-lancashire
Plan your trip here: https://www.visitcleveleys.co.uk/about/seafront/marys-shell-on-cleveleys-beach/
All images featured in this article are available to purchase as prints via our online shop here:
So that’s our first three recommendations, hopefully you get chance to visit at least one, if not all three. Part 2 of this Blog will follow next week, you can subscribe below to make sure you don’t miss it.
Check out many other great locations as I travel around photographing the beautiful landscapes of the UK via our You Tube channel which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4fUWd5TtD4YvjVbeDaAQeA
Dave
July 2020
The Obvious Shot
…….So do photographers just going around plagiarising each others shots? Or is it just that the shot is so obvious, every photographer who walks that walk stops to take that shot?
In truth, in the age of the internet, it is likely that it is a bit of both………..
A couple of days ago I responded to a question which asked ‘how do you see compositions outside of the obvious shot? Everyone seems to take The Obvious Shot!’ This was in response to a shot I had taken on a trip to Mary’s Shell; a location well known for its long exposure eye level shots, where I had shot from a different perspective and included some pebbles in the foreground (another response told me that it must be fake as he had photographed there several times and never noticed pebbles…..which the beach is littered with! ‘Viewfinder Eye Syndrome’ I call that!).
My response to the question was simple ‘I shoot, shoot, and shoot some more, and I’m not afraid of getting bad shots - trial and error is the key.’
I then added a further comment. ‘And don’t be afraid of capturing ‘The Obvious Shot’, being obvious doesn’t make it bad.’
There are various locations out there that have been photographed thousands of times, many of which have an ‘obvious shot’. And chances are, if it is a well known, easily accessible location, that obvious shot has been photographed much more than just thousands of times.
A great example of just such a shot is on The Great Ridge from Mam Tor overlooking Hope Valley in the Peak District National Park, UK.
That ‘Bloody’ Gate! Great Ridge overlooking Hope Valley, Peak District National Park
Type ‘Mam Tor Gate’ into any search engine and look at the image results. You’ll see literally hundreds of shots of the scene above. Some slightly wider, some from a slightly different angle, some with a slightly different perspective. But all of a not too dissimilar composition and framing.
And there is a good reason for that. There is great foreground interest in the gate and fence, adding much sought-after depth, there are great leading lines (which I may have slightly cropped out!) leading towards Back Tor and Lose Hill. Hope Valley looks spectacular. The Slate Mine adds interest in the mid-ground and across the valley are great hills including Win Hill. All in all, an easy to capture image, brimming with all of the elements that Landscape Photographers crave. Which is exactly why there are so many photographers who head there to capture the scene……many of whom will have seen a version of the shot already.
So do photographers just go around plagiarising each others shots? Or is it just that the shot is so obvious, every photographer who walks that walk stops to take that shot?
In truth, in the age of the internet, it is likely that it is a bit of both. The majority of landscape photographers will do some research on a location before heading there, and be highly likely to see a shot a number of times whilst doing that research. And that isn’t restricted to the internet. As a member of the National Trust, each year, I receive a guide book to all the NT properties and locations in the UK, many of which are accompanied by a photograph, commissioned to be taken by hugely respected photographers such as Joe Cornish and Ross Hoddinott (have a search and check out some of their work - remarkable photographers) amongst others. When you come across a shot that makes you go ‘WOW!’ and you head to that location, chances are you want to try and capture that shot yourself.
Plagiarising? Or Inspired?
Gateway to the future. Trying a different angle can completely change the way you view the location.
Personally, I would go with inspired. And each shot becomes its own shot each time it is taken anyway. With ever changing weather conditions, changes in light and the direction it falls across a scene. With each changing season, and the changes in colour of the landscape that accompany seasonal change. And never forgetting man made changes - one such example being that the last time I ventured up Mam Tor and across the Great Ridge, ‘That Gate’ wasn’t there, It had been removed. I presume in light of the Covid 19 pandemic. So a scene is ever changing, with unlimited photography possibilities.
So take ‘The Obvious Shot’ because it will become your shot with all of the uniqueness of that precise moment in time. And then once you have it, try looking from a different perspective, change your angle, change your composition, see what else the location has to offer. Venture further and you may just capture something that hasn’t been shot a thousand times before. Perhaps your shot may become the inspiration for many more to come, even becoming ‘The Obvious Shot’ in itself.
‘Shoot, shoot and shoot some more…’
Dave
June 2020
Venture further and explore, you may just find something you’ve not seen before.