I’ve been wanting to explore spectacular landscapes within a short drive of our home and improve my photography skills at the same time. After a quick Google search I discovered a place called Stiperstones. So off I went on a sunrise walk around Stiperstones in the Shropshire Hills.
Conditions looks perfect
The weather was going to be cold but dry, with clear skies, so conditions looked great. It was going to be an early wake up (especially for a weekend), so I prepped everything I needed the night before. I wanted to get there during what photographers’ call the ‘Blue Hour’, to get the best photos in stunning light.
To be honest, I think we should have arrived earlier than I planned. I did have a moment of panic on the drive to the car park, as it started getting much lighter and I thought I’d missed my chance. Sometimes it’s really easy to put a lot of pressure on myself to get lots of amazing photos. The downside of that is, if things don’t go to plan, then it can ruin a nice walk in the countryside and end in frustration. On this adventure, I simply aimed to get one good photo and anything else would be a bonus.
Getting there
We aimed for the car park at the south of Stiperstones, the road was a bit windy and pretty icy, but we had the place to ourselves. So it was bliss. After wrapping up and leaving the car we headed through a wooden gate and up a well worn hill.
Changing light of sunrise
As we started to walk up, the colour and light kept dramatically changing. I can see why photographers get excited about sunrise. With every single blink of my eye, the light was changing. From cold blues to warm pinks, yellows and orange. The changing light picked out the details in the landscape, like the jagged rock edges and the heather.
The view at the top of the Stiperstones was just incredible! Highly recommended on a clear day. We could even spot the Wrekin (you can see in the photo below in the very far distance).
We didn’t know it at the time, but the photo above is actually a formation of rocks called ‘The Devil’s Chair’. Legend has it, the Devil was on a stroll from Ireland to England with some large stones in his apron (yep, you heard right), the string on his apron came loose and he dropped all the stones. Being the little rascal he is, he couldn’t be bothered to pick them up, so just left them there. There’s also a story, that he sits on his chair at midnight during the solstice to call up his followers.
My favourite photo
Below is my favourite photo from the whole walk. I just really like the colours, textures, composition and lighting.
Dog approved
Of course, Indy our Springer Spaniel had to get in on the photos! She had the best time wondering around with us. I like to think she’s actually smiling on the photo below, but maybe that’s just the crazy dog lady in me.
I hope you’ve enjoy the photos. I’d highly recommend visiting the Shropshire Hills if you live nearby or just fancy an adventure. There’s lots of recommendations on Shropshire Hills AONB website.
I’ve also started reading the Bradt Guides Slow Travel Shropshire and so far it’s proving to be very valuable and insightful.
All the best – Ashley