Mam Tor Sunrise

Due to a thumb injury I am waiting for surgery on, I sadly have not been able to climb or scramble this year. That has given me an opportunity to really focus on astro, and with the core not visible until August again I decided it was time for a sunrise hike.

After looking at weather apps, it looked like the conditions were favourable for a cloud inversion at Mam Tor in the Peak District. Admittedly I don’t visit the Peak District as often as I should. Mam Tor is a fairly easy hill in the peaks, there is  national trust car park and it is not even a half mile walk from the car park to the trig point at the summit. The post code doesn’t take you to the car park I believe, so you would be best using a google pin. The car park does get really busy before 9am, so best to get there early. The car park is free for National Trust members and pay by phone for non members. Sunrise was around 5am and when I arrived at 4.30am, there were fortunately plenty of spaces available.

The walk up to the 517m summit is steep, but it is mainly pathed steps. The short walk rewarded me with the prettiest views. There were quite a few at the summit already, and you could see the low cloud hugging the valleys. Insane conditions! I set up my tripod, and took some shots as the sun started to rise.

After the sun was up I packed up my tripod and walked around, taking more shots and enjoying the breathtaking views of clouds and dreamy golden sunlight. I’d usually do this circular walk but as I was going to find bluebells after, I headed back down to the car.

I did a quick google and found a bluebell woods a few miles away, details here and headed there. It was only a short walk around the woods, but I managed to get some lovely bluebell shots. I think maybe it was a bit late and could of been there earlier, but still pretty nonetheless.

All in all a lovely little morning out in nature, enjoying the sunshine.