WINN HILL

The summit in the distance

My folks popped up to the Peaks for a couple of nights to say hi, after a long working session I decided to have a morning off and do a short hike with them, un-prepared and setup for a flat walk along Ladybower reservoir I was certainly not prepared for a hike to one of the highest points in the Peak District.

It was kind of one of them things that just happened, started off and just kept going. Amazing views and fine weather, it was a great day!

Come on slow coach!

Never far from his camera

A few more steps to the summit

What goes up must come down

Achieving 1500ft in a pair of pumps and with only minor mess - 9/10 for mud dodging

Ha ha, love that pose

Beautiful tall trees

Looking out over the Hope Valley to Mam Tor in the distance. 

NEW FLY FISHING BROCHURE

The new Wychwood Fly Fishing Brochure dropped on my mat this afternoon. A fine looking brochure filled with my location photography from New York State and the Peak District National Park, a huge and exciting range of new products from Paul Richardson, artwork from Charles Jardine and a sharp design from the Wychwood graphic designers. A fine example of skills and efforts to accomplish this awesome new brochure. Check out www.wychwood-game.co.uk to grab a copy.

Lets see what images I can rustle up this season for Wychwood!

THEN AND NOW

Keeping a watchful eye on my Dad's photography skills from a good vantage point.

A picture shot of us in 2012, roughly 28 years later!

My Dad recently showed me this photograph of us both from when I was a mere ankle biter.

I wanted to upload it and share an early influence of the outdoors and photography adventures.

Did my Dad set my fashion sense also? (See 7 pics down on the blog), nice shirt!

COUNTRY COTTAGE

Just returned from a great couple of nights stay in a gorgeous old country cottage near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.

A true country cottage in a remote countryside location and fully equipped with all the essential country cottage features, including open log fire, wood store and axe, exposed beam structure, charming old furniture, plenty of surrounding mud and a whopping 9Ibs trophy catch rainbow trout sitting pride of place!

Weather was mixed ranging from the usual wind and rain of our Winters, was pleasantly surprised to awake to an early blanket of snow on Saturday morning accompanied by a high pressure that created a ghostly still, zero wind atmosphere that resulted in a morning of exploring around the local area.

With the true character of the building I could not resist taking some great pictures of the cottage and also shot some brilliant strobist shots within the wood store that I knew would look great when lit with a simple wireless off camera strobe and diffuser.

I will let the following images share the look of this wonderful retreat better than I can explain them, a big thank you must go to the member of Anne's family who kindly let us stay in the cottage, so thank you very much!

www.clockworkcloud.com

I could not resist a contemplating self portrait pose of myself with the coolest churchwarden smokers pipe that was sat on the side.

9Ib Monster rainbow!