Nidderdale: Hidden Valleys & Winter Light Photography Day
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✓ Trusted by hundreds of happy photographers since 2012
What You Will Learn On The Day
- How to compose stronger, more confident landscape photographs
- How to expose winter scenes without losing detail
- How to use wide and telephoto lenses effectively
- How to simplify busy woodland scenes
- How to use tripods and filters for long-exposure photography
- How to photograph waterfalls, stone textures, architecture and big views
- How to see compositions quickly and make the most of any location
All techniques are demonstrated on location, in plain English, with individual help throughout the day.
Where We’ll Explore
We move between a series of short stops through upper Nidderdale, each offering something different — industrial heritage, moorland, waterfalls and big winter views.
We start at Pateley Bridge Showground (pay-and-display). It’s easy to find and perfect for meeting and briefing.
People are welcome to use their own cars, though car sharing can make life easier at some of the smaller parking spots later.
Toft Gate Limekiln
A long, unusual 19th-century lime kiln with a ground-level chimney leading to a stone tower.
Great for leading lines, textures and wide-angle compositions.
Coldstones Cut
Just across the road, this modern sculpture and viewpoint gives you tall stone walls, spiral staircases and a dramatic panorama over the working quarry.
A brilliant mix of geometry and big views.
We then drop back into Pateley Bridge for lunch — ideal timing for fish and chips and a warm-up.
Gouthwaite Reservoir
A short, peaceful stop with winter colours, clean lines and reflections.
Perfect for simple, minimalist landscapes.
Hidden Waterfall at Lofthouse
A lovely woodland waterfall tucked away in the trees.
Ideal for long exposures, cascades, mossy stones and learning how to compose in busy woodland.
Scar House Reservoir & Dam
One of the highlights of the day. This huge stone dam comes with turrets, arches and superb viewpoints.
We’ll spend a good amount of time here exploring the dam wall and the surrounding views.
Middlesmoor – Sunset Viewpoint
A small hilltop village with one of the finest views down Nidderdale.
Perfect for sunset, layered hills, valley mist and classic Yorkshire atmosphere.
This is where we wrap up the main workshop.
Optional: If the group is keen and conditions are suitable, we may visit Brimham Rocks after dark for a short torch-light or light-painting session.
How The Day Works
- Start: 9:00am at Pateley Bridge Showground
- Finish: Around sunset at Middlesmoor
- Travel: Self-drive, with optional car sharing
- Walking: Short and steady at each stop
- Pace: Relaxed, with plenty of time for questions and 1-to-1 help
- Group Size: Small and friendly
You’ll receive full joining instructions by email before the workshop.
What Past Attendees Say
Need-to-Know Info
✅ Start Time: 9:00 AM
We’ll meet at Pateley Bridge Showground – just over the bridge from the town centreWe have the option of sharing a car from here, it’s a pay and display so leaving your car is an option.
👟 Walking Distance: About 1-2 miles total, with plenty of stops. A few hills, but nothing extreme. We go at a relaxed pace.
- 📷 What kit to Bring:
Your camera (any DSLR or mirrorless)- A tripod (strongly recommended)
- Lenses: wide to telephoto if you have them
- ND and polarising filters (optional but useful)
- Spare batteries and cards
- Warm clothing, gloves and hat
- Waterproofs for you and your kit
- Sturdy walking boots
- Drinks and snacks
If you’re unsure about kit, feel free to email for advice. I’m happy to recommend options to suit any budget.
🧥 Clothing:
It’s the Yorkshire Dales, so dress for changeable weather. Comfy walking shoes or boots are ideal. There’s a stream so wellies could be useful
🥪 Food:
Bring a packed lunch, though there are food places in Pateley Bridge, we will be leaving the area before lunch time so probably best to bring food and drinks.
☕ Toilets & Cafés:
Nearest public loos are at the start of the trip and there are some at Scar House Reservoir car park.
🧠 Skill Level:
This workshop is perfect for anyone from enthusiastic beginners to experienced hobbyists. No technical knowledge needed — I’ll explain everything in plain English.
Is This Workshop Right for You?
Who This Workshop Is For
- Beginners wanting clear, patient guidance
- Keen enthusiasts wanting new locations and ideas
- Anyone who enjoys steady days out exploring Yorkshire
- Photographers who want to improve long exposure and composition skills
- Gift-givers looking for an experience rather than “more stuff”
Most people on these days are aged 40–75, and the pace and walking reflect that.
FAQ
Do I need a fancy camera?
No — any DSLR or mirrorless camera is fine. Everything is explained in plain English, with 1-to-1 help throughout the day.
How difficult is the walking?
Short and steady at each stop. Nothing strenuous, and plenty of time to take things at your own pace.
After The Workshop
If you’d like feedback afterwards, you’re welcome to email some of your images.
I’m happy to offer simple editing tips or ideas on how to develop your style further.
Ready to Join Us?
If you enjoy a relaxed and inspiring day with photo opportunities, don’t wait. We keep groups small so everyone gets plenty of attention, and places fill fast.
If that sounds like your kind of day out, you’ll fit right in. These workshops are friendly, supportive, and focused on giving you the time and space to enjoy your photography while learning loads along the way.
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