Win Hill & Ladybower

With Autumn well and truly upon us and a free Saturday, we packed up the car with our walking boots, rucksacks and pup and headed to one of the most beautiful places to explore in the Peak District. The Peaks were grey and drizzly when we arrived but heading in the direction of Ladybower Reservoir we were treated to views of gold, red and orange trees adding a splash of colour to the miserable day. The woodland around the reservoir is some of my favourite and I couldn’t help but stop to take lots of photos of the changing trees.  One of the perks of going very early meant there was no one else around as we crossed the dam and made our way up into the dense, soggy woodland.

I have made no secret of the fact that I love woodland walks, it was boggy underfoot and the rain fell but it was beautiful. The ground, once under the trees was bouncy and mossy underfoot and the smell of rain on the pine trees filled the air. We were lucky to see lots of toadstools dotted around, like bright jewels sparkling in the gloom and we took our time as we rambled through. We soon found ourselves heading through Win Hill plantation where the trees tower high over your head and the bird song and falling rain were the only sounds. Win Hill has been a firm favourite for a while, so decided to head up to one of our favourite peaks and check out the view.

It was incredibly windy as we made our way up and I kept stopping to look back at the beautiful view. Autumn was in full force and the light and colours made for some stunning photographs back towards the reservoir and beyond. After being blown up the hill, the views were very moody from the top but amazing nether the less. It has always been one of my favourite trigs to bag as you have 360 views of some of the best parts of the Peaks including, Mam Tor and the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout. Bagging the trig, we took a moment to let the wind blow away the cobwebs of a tough week, there’s nothing like a cold, bitter wind to do that.

Normally, we would walk on and drop down into Edale or Hope but today we had enjoyed the woodland so much, we pottered back along the way we came and finally saw our first fellow walkers of the day. The rain was much heavier descending but the views were still as beautiful. Back under the trees, a light mist made its way in making the autumn colours pop even more and we walked along with our heads upturned for most of it marvelling at the change in the season.

Both completely drenched and windswept, we jumped down to the water’s edge of the reservoir to get some shots of the iconic bridge and bright, bold trees.  Sometimes walks are grey and dull but with a little exploring you can find those special moments that make it an epic morning’s hike. We felt so lucky that we were able to get out and see some of nature’s last hurrah.