For the second feature in this series, I take my camera to the western boundary of the Peak District National Park and Ramshaw Rocks.
Located in the Staffordshire Moorlands area of the Peak Park, Ramshaw Rocks is one of a trio of famous Gritstone outcrops in this area – the other two being The Roaches and Hen Cloud, which I will also feature later in the series.
The rocks are situated on the western side of the main Leek to Buxton Road, the A53, and are roughly eight miles from Buxton and four miles from Leek.
They rise to an altitude of 460 metres (1,509 ft) and command outstanding and extensive views southwards across the Staffordshire Moorlands encompassing Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir.
READ MORE: A walk to Ramshaw Rocks and Roaches
Ramshaw Rocks are most easily accessed from a layby on a minor road which is reached by turning off the A53 at Ramshaw Cottage. It is then a steepish walk up to the rocks where a well-marked path runs along the top of the rocks.
Given the altitude, the path offers superb views of the surrounding area. To the east the moors of Morridge can be seen which is home to a Ministry of Defence training area, to the west the rear of the Roaches and to the south the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Over many thousands of years erosion has carved the Gritstone into weird and wonderful shapes including the Winking Man (see commentary against this photograph) and others which resemble a face and other objects.
The southmost outcrop is named ‘Loaf and Cheese’ and is said to resemble a piece of bread with a bit of cheese on the top!
The climbing website ukclimbing.com lists some 275 climbs on the rocks across the nine buttresses, whose names include ‘Dangerous Crocodile’, ‘Roman Nose’ and ‘Flaky Buttress’.
The majority of these shots were taken in November and hence tie into this seasonal edition of the magazine.
As is often the case in the autumn months, mist was a feature on this day. From the top of the rocks, I watched as a vast bank of mist/low cloud was carried by strong winds across the Staffordshire Moorlands, rising as it met the high ground of Ramshaw Rocks and The Roaches.
The result was some incredible conditions for a photographer and I will leave you, the reader, to judge the photographs for yourself.
Instagram: gary.wallis.landscapes
Taken from near the top of the rocks and revealing the extensive views across the Staffordshire Moorlands. Leek can be seen in the distance along with the A53 road which runs from Buxton to the town. This shot captures the vast bank of cloud on the horizon, which was rolling towards the rocks, an impressive sight!
Many people who have travelled along the A53 will recognise this remarkable feature. It is called The Winking Man and the most famous rock feature at Ramshaw Rocks. It is so called as when you are travelling along the A53 from Leek to Buxton it appears to ‘wink’ as the eye is obscured by the rock behind momentarily.
I experimented with various angles before settling on this one. The mist creeping along the valley also adds something to this shot.
A pub which takes its name from this rock feature is located just beyond the outcrop on the right of the A53.
One of many interesting rock features that can be found on the path as it weaves in and out of Ramshaw Rocks on the crest of the crag.
A summer sunset from the rocks looking westwards towards the back of The Roaches.
As a photographer I love to take shots such as this which appear as a ‘layered’ effect. The foremost crag is Ramshaw Rocks with The Roaches the second line with the countryside stretching away towards the sunset.
This shot was taken from the Ministry of Defence training area at Morridge which you can access when it isn’t in use and providing you adhere to the warning signs.
This rock feature is another curious character at Ramshaw Rocks. As far as I know not named but I've always thought it looks happy and friendly!
I stood patiently for this shot as the mist blew in with changing intensity. At times the mist obscured everything, but I managed to obtain this shot which reminded me of a floodlight in the sky beaming down on the rock pinnacle.
Taken just before the sun dipped into the bank of cloud, I was particularly lucky to be able to capture this sunset.
