Padley Gorge
About
Padley Gorge, nestled in Derbyshire, is a picturesque wooded valley with a babbling brook, moss-covered rocks, and ancient oak trees. It’s a popular spot for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers, offering tranquil scenery and abundant wildlife.
Helpful Tips
What to Photograph
If you love woodland then this is a gem within the Peak District. Padley Gorge offers a wide range of photographic opportunities. The gorge is known for its natural beauty, with dense woodlands, flowing water, and rugged terrain. The gorge is surrounded by oak and birch woodlands, giving photographers a chance to capture the beauty of twisted tree trunks, lush green canopies, and textured bark. During autumn, the trees turn golden and orange, creating beautiful seasonal landscapes.The Burbage Brook flows through Padley Gorge, creating picturesque waterfalls and rapids. These are perfect for long-exposure photography, which can capture the silky motion of the water.
Best time to visit
Autumn is often considered the best time to photograph Padley Gorge. The dense woodlands are ablaze with reds, oranges, and golds as the leaves change color. The fallen leaves create a vibrant contrast with the moss-covered rocks and the flowing streams. This season also brings moody lighting, misty mornings, and soft golden-hour light, perfect for capturing atmospheric shots.
Where to Park
There are a few places ro park for Padley Gorge. The easiest is by parking on the main road at the top of grindleford. You'll see a gate, cross the bridge over the brook and then you'll be in dreamland! The other location is surprise view car park and you can then walk across Lawrence Field to Padley. if there is no spaces at those locations then you can park at Grindleford train station and walk up.