The snows of the winter that lingered for so long have now gone, but despite the low rain fall, the bracing winds and sunshine, the Upper Derwent Valley still has that cold winter look about it. Browns still dominate and the greens struggle to show. Howden Moor also looks deserted, gone for the time being are the sheep, gone to lower pastures and closer to home for the lambing that is about to take up all the shepherds time. Over much of the Derbyshire Peak sheep numbers have been reduced, over grazing has added to the erosion issues on the higher ground. So it is some years since these sheep pens have seen the frantic activity they once regularly experienced.
It is only about a mile north of here, in the far distance of this image that you will find the source of the (Derbyshire) River Derwent.
Howden Moor spawns many streams that merge to form the river that winds its way through the county until it eventually joins the River Trent near Sawley.
The stream soon picks up momentum and passes below Slippery Stones Bridge before entering the impressive Ladybower Reservoir network. The bridge itself is rather impressive and seems out of keeping with its surroundings, as indeed it is. Originally much lower down stream the bridge was nearly drowned when the reservoirs were created. A splendid new location but also a reminder that a good deal more was lost under the waters of Howden, Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs.
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 