Youlgreave, Derbyshire..
It was cold…very cold and even the morning sun did little to warm the day…the positive being that the arctic wind has gone (for now).
Youlgreave village sits on top of a limestone ridge in the Derbyshire White Peak District. Fortunately for the village inhabitants sitting on top hill make sure that they catch the best of the sunshine from dawn thru to dusk…..a big benefit on such a cold day.
Below the village flows the crystal clear waters of the River Bradford, a river crossed in many places by old ‘packhorse bridges’ a reminder that this was once in the heart of the Lead Mining part of the county.
To reach here the Bradford has to flow through a narrow Limestone Dale.
On a December day Bradford Dale is rather dark and forbidding, tall trees cover the slopes leading down to the river preventing all but the occasional shaft of sunshine to reach the river.
Whilst the course of the River Bradford still runs true to its original course it has over the centuries been manipulated by man. Dams have been created and for many years used as fish ponds, it was an added joy on summer days to watch the Brown Trout darting for cover….sadly the Fishing Syndicate seems to have lost interest and the Bradford could do with some love and attention.
But despite that it is still a magical Dale…. even as now on a cold winters day
Now just to illustrate the dramatic range of contrast, from shadows to sunlight, I think this image may well capture that mood for you. Believe it or not there is a footbridge hiding at the bottom of this picture…
It was cold, it was sunny in places, it was peaceful and for the start of winter (according to the Met Office) it was just another bonus day!
2nd December
(C) David Oakes 2017
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 