Higger Tor - The Giant of the Dark Peak 

One of the most iconic landmarks of the Peak. The lunar shape of Higger Tor, in the Dark Peak, is one of my favourite areas of the Peak District National Park. I love the other worldly shape of both Higger itself, and the nearby Carl Wark.

This photograph was taken in late summer. The heather was in late bloom and the warm weather promised a lovely day hiking over the Peak. I was hoping for a lovely sunny day with the moorland bathed in warm sunlight. This is especially colourful with the purples of the heathers adding further interest. Instead, I was treated to some exciting Higger Tor drama: thick dark clouds, strips of sunlight, and Derbyshire Ale (rain).

Starting out at the iron age hill fort that is Carl Wark, I made my way only a few yards along the pathway to Higger to get this image.It is worth spending a few minutes getting the right composition. I made myself comfortable, as I would be sitting in the heather for a few hours waiting for the light to be 'just right'. I was pleased to meet a host of walkers during the afternoon as they followed a route on their OS Maps mobile app.

The Location of 'The Giant of the Dark Peak'

There is another great shot from further up on Carl Wark with either the wall defences or scattered rocks in the foreground. This gives a good sense of depth to the overall scene.

On this day, however,  the heather was a little threadbare and just did not make a nice composition near the rocks. Also, I could not get a good angle with the sun to include the defences. I like the sun to be at an angle rather than directly in front or behind (unless I am looking for a sunset or sunrise of course).

When the clouds came over, and a few spits of rain were in the air, I thought my trip was going a bit pear shaped and I would end up being soggy and grumpy without anything to show for it. Then far in the distance I could see a break in the clouds. Excitedly I watched as the break moved across the sky. Hikers hurried past trying to make it back to a drier spot and looked on in fascination as I just sat in among the grasses. My reward came as soon the sunlight streamed through the clouds at just the right spot - hitting the rocks at either end of the Tor.

What drama! I hope you like it!