Stanage: Making Memories

The calming gentle rustle of surrounding trees is interrupted; reassuring calls of encouragement, the chink of cams chattering together echo down the valley. The day had been mild and as the sun retreats behind the rolling hills of the Peak District the temperature dips, just enough to warrant putting on another layer. The sunset seemed to last a lifetime, casting magical shades of gold and light browns creating a sepia sort of tone, transforming and bringing the cold notes of the fragile gritstone to life. As the towering formations of rock bask in the dying light the never ending edge is in its prime, as if it is blessed from the heavens. 

There's nothing greater than the overwhelming beauty of a place like this. It sits you down and forces you to appreciate the world we live in. The sensation of inspiration as we attempt to take in what is in front of us is a moment of magic. A moment that is so unique and that only someone who has truly experienced it themselves can relate to. 

The iconic Stanage edge is home to some of the country's—if not the world's—best climbing, combining quantity with great quality. People from around the globe will recognise the classic appearance of the three and a half mile long edge, easily identifying classic lines such as Careless Torque, Ulysses’ Bow and The Ace that helped shape early British bouldering.  

Stanage has such a deep history that through the years has been added to and added to, inspiring many to partake in the sport. It creates a humbling experience, a haven where like-minded climbers are able to get together and share such special experiences. For me, it's a place to get lost in the history and other peoples stories and tales of past times, creating an imaginative wonderland where our minds are free to roam and explore.

Such a personal encounter can be experienced differently depending on who you are or the particular mindset you are in. Photographs are a perfect way to share the psychological impact the environment can have on the overall experience and can be used as a tool to paint a picture or tell the story of you time spent there. This is something I try to portray, aiming to share my stories through images giving a real insight into how it really feels to be in that particular place at that particular time.