High Neb - Photography Week 32 (2016)

High Neb is the highest point on Stanage Edge in the Peak District and, whilst very popular with climbers, it is more remote receiving fewer visitors than the southern end. It can be accessed from Dennis Knoll via a bridleway or there are some footpaths which cut across the moorland with a small climb to the Edge - although, as I discovered, some of the lesser used footpaths can be obscured by chest high bracken at this time of year.

The real attraction of High Neb is the view along Stanage Edge. The Edge curves nicely to a point above Hollin Bank with Higger Tor in the distance. The road below also plays a role in balancing the compositions:

An interesting feature of this part of the Stanage Edge is the grouse pools. I understand that these were designed to provide the grouse with fresh drinking water - as opposed to peaty pools - when Stanage Edge was privately owned an used for grouse shooting. The grooves cut into the rock presumably channel the rain water into the centre (1):

Losing the light in late afternoon is quite common in the Peak District. Without direct light the landscape becomes particularly dull and the area lives up to its name as the "Dark Peak" (2). In these conditions the compositional interest is forced skywards looking for light shafts or perhaps some afterglow colours:

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanage_Edge

(2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Peak