Padley Gorge

Following a heavy traffic journey, Barry, Dave and I arrived at Grindleford Station just in time to get a pint of coffee (really!) from the Station Café, before setting out up Padley Gorge.

Embarking on a photographic journey through Padley Gorge in the Peak District offers a wealth of natural beauty. This steep, rocky valley is adorned with native deciduous woodland, with Burbage Brook meandering through, creating numerous photographic opportunities. Twisting oaks and moss-covered rocks give the place an almost fairytale-like vibe.

We began our exploration from the lowest point of the gorge, accessible via a short walk from Grindleford Station Cafe. Barry led us along the path that follows the right-hand side of the brook, presenting a series of small cascades and tranquil pools. The interplay of light filtering through the trees illuminated the vibrant spring setting, offering captivating compositions; although there was little foliage to reduce the harsh lighting. Other than using a polariser to cut reflections, there was little that could be done to optimise the lighting and increase saturation.

Along the path, a few footbridges span the brook, providing access to both sides of the gorge. The right side is favoured for its diverse perspectives of the water, rocks and surrounding flora – a little later in the season.

A wonderful surprise was a dipper that made its close presence known numerous times, especially when Dave was concentrating elsewhere. Unfortunately none of us had a long lens to make the most of this experience. Clearly searching for food, we established its nesting area, and spend some time ‘just watching’.

The word ‘path’ is rather exaggerated – underfoot are well-worn ‘routes’ but the ground varies between muddy and tree or rock ‘hazards’ – very uneven. Progress is slow. And stepping on the rocks in the stream is precipitous as they are very slippy, as both Barry and Dave found. Perhaps long wellies would have been more appropriate than walking boots.

Les, Dave and Barry on the Footbridge

The entire gorge stretches over 1000 meters, with the path leading to its end near the Longshaw Estate. We did not walk this far, crossing over one of the bridges, about half way up, to descend back to the café, via open knarled woodland, leaving the brook far below.

Arriving back at the café just before closing time, we had rather disappointing bacon butties (very dry) and poor tea. Whether it was because they were closing up, or whether this is their ‘standard’ is difficult to assess without a return visit. Though the café is very popular and famous (maybe as ‘only one’ around).

We then drove to ‘Surprise View’ car park (effectively at the ‘top end’ of the gorge) to visit the Bolehill Quarry, famous for the numerous millstones scattered around – there are over 1000 milstones in the Peak District National Park - and also produced stone for building the nearby Howden and Derwent Dams in the 1900s.

Just by the car park is Owler Tor, a quirky rock outcrop, worthy of a visit. As well as the quarry remains the area is striking for the numerous silver birch trees that now naturally grow there.

Many climbers were utilising the vertical cliff faces here; and the low evening sun beautifully lit the birches. Walking was much more serene here, with a number of people (and dogs) using the area for their exercise.

We agreed return visits are in order, both for the landscapes (eg we did not see Padley Chapel or Gatehouse Ruins) and especially to capture the dipper (with appropriate lenses). Landscapes are likely to be better in Summer with the trees in full leaf; but a ‘good’ time to catch the dipper is early Spring (very soon) when they are feeding their young. The biggest drawback is the convoluted and longish journey (21/2 +hours). Perhaps next time parking in the layby on the B6521 by the National Trust.