My top 10 Locations in the Peak District
for Landscape and Woodland Photography!
The hunt for a perfect shot will never stop, especially with our forever changing landscape and bizarre weather conditions. However, throughout my experience of being a landscape photographer and an avid hiker over the past seven years, these are my top 10 locations to help you find some incredible views throughout the Peak District.
No. 10 The Roaches
On the western edge of the Peak District you can find these incredible outcrops of gritstone. It takes up some lovely colour in the summer as Hen cloud, the furthest hill, gets covered in the heather and lines up perfectly to be lit by the sunrise. It’s a relatively easy walk from one side to the other, free parking on both sides making use of the lay-bys. A cheeky trig point at the top and some woodland just below, perfect for a day out. I suppose this place holds a special place for me now because it’s where I ran my first ever workshop. This is one of the photos from that morning.
No. 9 Woolpacks
You can find this area of scattered boulders on Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District. It’s more remote than other places, and quite open to the elements so definitely pack your waterproofs. A very popular wild camping spot, and hiking for that matter, but you usually see a lot less people up here which is why I like it. For those who like exploring foreground, you could really go forever in this place. I prefer it at sunrise because it’s possible to get a temperature inversion in Edale, in this image you can just about see the one in Castleton of the great ridge.
No. 8 Bamford Edge
An iconic spot in the Peak District, similar to Mam Tor it provides the best view for the least amount of work in my opinion. You can park right near the top on New Rd which is just off the A60013. There are other routes too if you wanted longer walk, however for a quick sunset, you really can’t complain. You get a great view of some more iconic Ethels like Win Hill and Derwent Edge. It also looks over the Ladybower Reservoir which looks stunning as it reflects the landscape around it. This shot made my 2025 Calendar which is now available in my store.
No. 7 Win Hill
Opposite Bamford Edge, it’s a steep, very steep ascent to the top if you want the quickest route. It takes you over Ladybower where you can get a shot of the famous plughole. Then up through some spectacular woodland which look incredible in fog if you can get there at sunrise. At the top, I prefer it at sunset in the summer looking down the other side. You get a fantastic view of the heather, usually being illuminated by the sun. But in this image I was treated with an incredible fire sky about 15 minutes after the sun was down! I have been here many times and it always takes my breath away (literally). Also free parking along the road if you get there at the right time.
No. 6 Chrome Hill
Also known as the Dragon’s Back, for this shot you actually walk up Parkhouse Hill, and look towards Chrome Hill. These two limestone knolls are most common for sunrise where you can catch some low hanging mist or cloud either side of the hill. Not far from Buxton, this can be quite a trek, however the views are definitely worth it. Be wary of the cows as you may have to pass through some farmers fields depending on the route you take. This is the most photographed angle due to the large sycamore in the foreground, and I can see exactly why. Probably best in Autumn or Winter when the temperature inversions are more common, since there aren’t any interesting flowers or wildlife around.
No. 5 Manifold Valley
Less common and quite a difficult place to find in my experience. Especially in the dark when you’re going for a sunrise. There are a few vantage points over this beautiful valley. Although, I find the Ecton Hill has the best view as you can get some low hanging mist that snakes towards Thor’s Cave. Which is another very popular place for ‘influencers’, not so much for landscape photography though. Be warned, it is a steep slippery walk up to the top because the limestones has been smoothed out over time with people walking on it. There is also a bull’s field that you cross. This is another image that made it into my 2025 Peak District Calendar.
No. 4 Mam Tor
I had to have it on the list. The most iconic location and the heart of the Peak District, Mother’s Hill, The Great Ridge, Shivering Tor. However many different names it has, it never gets old. The perfect place to catch a quick sunrise and high chance of getting a cloud inversion. I’d recommend the paid parking, not only does the money go towards conserving these beautiful places, but your car will be away from the very fast road, keeping it safe. If you wanted a quieter place with a very similar view, you can go up Rushup Edge which is just behind it, and a little bit bigger.
No. 3 The Trinnacle
My local spot in the Peak District, next to Dovestones reservoir. This is on the north-west side of the Peaks and does go a little bit unnoticed for landscape photographers. There are some amazing rock edges around this place such as Dean Rocks, Dovestone, Indian’s head, Alphin Pike… the list goes on. I have some great memories in this area of the Peaks so I might be a little bit bias towards it, but there is no doubt that this place is stunning. Also very accessible on the lower end around the reservoir for some flat walks and a wheel chair friendly route.
No. 2 Lawrence Field
The only woodland to make the list, admittedly I haven’t been to as many woodlands as I would like. But this has been my favourite so far, and always my go to for a foggy morning. My favourite tree is a silver birch, which there are plenty of here. You park at surprise view car park, cross the road and head straight into the fields. It’s quite a large area to explore and you can easily lose your bearings if you don’t know your way around. I offer my photography workshops here as a location guide, and help to find the compositions within such a chaotic environment. You must be careful as there is a sudden drop into a quarry, so please plan your route first and understand where the quarry is.
No. 1 Derwent Edge
Over 500m above sea level in the Peak District, Derwent Edge remains my favourite place. This boasts incredible vistas all around the peaks looking over two reservoirs, and being able to point out many other hills and rock formations from afar. It is especially beautiful in late summer when the heather is in its full bloom. Not forgetting the many gritstone formations like the one in the image, ‘Salt Cellar’ and others including Coach and Horses. This is particularly popular for wild campers because the rocks provide excellent cover from the wind. The sunsets you can see from this place are just unbelievable!
