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Peter_S.

Author: Sony Europe

The Peak District is the UK's first National Park founded in 1951. Also, with close proximity to the cities of Sheffield, Manchester and Derby it is reputed that it is the second busiest national park in the world, after Mount Fuji in Japan.

Within the Peak District there are hundreds of awe inspiring viewpoints and buckets of places to visit. A local landscape photographer, James Grant has spent the last 7 years capturing the area at its best using his Sony cameras A7R and RX100M3, through the seasons and in all weathers. Below he lists 5 of the top places that you can visit, either to take photos or just take in the beauty.

Mam Tor - Mam Tor is locally known as the shivering mountain. This is because the south-east side of the hill is prone to landslips. So much so, the road below which was one of the only routes west out of Castleton became permanently closed after numerous repairs. However, from the top things are much more tranquil with exquisite views down both the Edale and Hope Valley's. Mainly from the autumn months through the early spring, the valleys are prone to filling with mist after cool clear nights and it is a sight to behold. Mam Tor boasts easy access with a car park just 15 minutes away from the summit, so is really easy for most to reach.
Parkhouse Hill - Parkhouse Hill is a small hill located in the upper Dove Valley along with it's larger brother, Chrome Hill. The Peak District is a deceptive name for the national park, with mainly moorland and flat tops. However, the limestone reefs rise sharply and shapely from the valley floor and are the two most recognisable hills in the whole of the Peak District. They also happen to be my favourite hills. Parkhouse Hill is a narrow ridge with a fantastic view over to Chrome Hill. A short scramble to its summit is well worth the effort for this view, but with a profile such as Parkhouse there are many roadside stops you can admire its beauty.
Kinder Scout - Kinder Scout is Derbyshire's highest mountain at 636m. The mountain is a large moorland plateau where the best views are seen from it's edges which have impressive views stretching to the valleys below. It's a great location all year round, but heading up in the snow can be the most rewarding as the area becomes completely transformed. Definitely a location for the intrepid hillwalker!
Ladybower - Ladybower Reservoir was constructed with controversy, flooding both villages of Ashopton and Derwent to provide water for Manchester, Sheffield and most of the East Midlands. Now days though, its a popular beauty spot for the masses and you would be forgiven for thinking the area was natural rather than man made. There's plenty to see here from the unique and surreal 'Plugholes' at the southern end of the reservoir through to the wooded areas at the northern end. Despite being close to major cities, the area is particularly dark at night due to the hillsides hiding local light pollution and is a prime spot for some star gazing.
Dovedale - Finally there's Dovedale. A true icon and honey-pot of the Peak District and somewhere anyone can truly access. It is a beautiful and stunning area as the crystal clear River Dove runs through the steep sided limestone dale. One of the most popular spots is below the impressive hill of Thorpe Cloud at the stepping stones. These stones allow walkers of all abilities to cross the River Dove by hopping across the large boulders.

James is launching his first book in July 2015 called 'Peak District Through The Lens'. The book is a guidebook to the Peak District for photographers, walkers and sight-seers.

It will include:

Over 290 viewpoints within 70+ locations. A comprehensive guide to photographing in and around the Peak District. Through the seasons and in all weather.
Over 250 high-quality photos.
Technical section to help improve your photography.
Tips and advice throughout.
Detailed, hill shaded OS styled mapping.
Detailed and clear directions, best times of year/day and accessibility information.
Key information panel to quickly provide you with the information you need to plan your trip.
Wheelchair friendly viewpoints marked.
Photographic Walks
Quick reference table to refer to so you can get out there as quick as you wish.