Winter Cloud Inversion at The Roaches
A landscape photography blog by Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire based landscape photographer Rob Thorley Photography.
“Epic”. That’s the best word I can use to describe this morning. It was one of those days where you’re reminded of why you get out of bed at “stupid o’clock”, or in this case when it’s freezing cold.
Checking the forecast the night before I saw that freezing fog was forecast. Given that local is the current order of the day it came down to Wetley Moor, Park Hall, or The Roaches. I settled on The Roaches in the Staffordshire Peak District, and little did I know at this point what a good choice I’d made.
I woke around 05:45, and with sunrise not being until around 08:20 (the joys of winter) I made us a brew, and bought it back to bed for a few minutes extra lie in.
With the tier 5 restrictions I honestly wasn’t sure if I should, or even could go, but given that The Roaches have been local for the last fifty-odd years I decided they still were, and that I would go. As I drove into Leek the mist, and fog disappeared. I debated on turning around and going elsewhere as it was as clear, as clear could be, but in the end I decided to carry on, and I’m so glad I did.
This is the first time that I’ve managed to capture a cloud (temperature) inversion, and if I’m honest I needed the “win”. Enjoy the gallery, as there’s lots, and lots of great shots to look through.
Without doubt it was one of the best mornings I’ve had period.
You can view more images from The Roaches, and my gallery of other Peak District locations.
UPDATE: Sometime later I came across a blog by David Travis that referenced this post. Whilst I hadn’t noticed anyone else around whilst I was out David was also there at the same time. It’s interesting to see his take on the morning and well worth heading over to David’s website to check out his blog post Cloud Inversion at the Roaches, and his wider photographic projects.
