Peter Simons Photography

18/09/2026

We made the local news!

A number of huge military helicopters have been spotted in the Peak District.

17/09/2026

Oh my goodness! Did you see them? Or at least hear them? A four-ship of CH47 Chinooks (Airwolf flight from 28 Sqn at RAF Benson) thundered through the Peak District, and low over Ladybower Reservoir. I believe they were returning from exercise "Kukri" in Scotland.

A little later, a single one (Titan flight from 27 Sqn at RAF Odiham) followed. Five in total... (at the time of writing this, hehe)!

What a sight and sound. And look at them all, sitting in the back enjoying the view. Must be absolutely amazing.

12/09/2026

Is it a photo? Is it a painting? No, it's a heron on the water. Spotted this one at Damflask reservoir this morning, skimming across the water. It even made a noise! I never 'heard' a heron before, but it appears they can squawk.

07/09/2026

In case you hadn't noticed, the Red Arrows flew over Chatsworth Country Fair yesterday. Yeah no, really! They performed a figure-of-8 rather than a straight fly past, so that was nice of them. I went on Baslow Edge to see them, along with the rest of the UK's population! :D But hey... it's arguably the single best vantage point. Weather wasn't great, but considering the Reds' appearance was in some doubt, it was great to see them.

05/09/2026

It's been a while since I last went up Baslow Edge, so a visit was due. The views are gorgeous. You can see various other 'edges'; and little villages scattered throughout the valleys; and of course Chatsworth House. The heather and rock formations are quite possibly second to none. And then there are the highland cows. I wasn't sure if they were still up there, but there were a few grazing, including this mum who had two calves. Thanks to my long lens I could keep my distances from the babies. They may be known to be docile animals, but it's best to just leave them be. I do love this shot with Froggatt Edge in the background.

01/09/2026

Buzzard taking off in such a hurry, he's leaving feathers behind!

31/08/2026

The heather is still looking nice all around the Peak District, like here on top of Bamford Edge, just yesterday. Especially when the sun comes out, that purple blanket really comes to life.

30/08/2026

Harsh lesson in reality, today. The Red Arrows came over Holmfirth today. Did you see them? They were on their way home after performing in Southport. The estimated route had been published, so I figured I'd get a good look at them from Holme Moss. And knowing there's that frame there, I planned to get a shot of the Reds in the frame! Ambitious, I know, but I got it! However..... here's where reality kicks in. What we imagine, often doesn't match reality. So yeah, I got my shot, but it's not quite what I had envisaged. Welcome to the wonderful world of photography! :D

24/08/2026

Anybody looking for kung fu lessons? This cormorant has got you covered. All levels welcome. Free water on site.

23/08/2026

Purple heather, a cloud inversion and a lovely sunrise this morning at Higger Tor in the Peak District. The cool temperature during the night finally created the conditions for an inversion; not the biggest and baddest we've ever had, but nice enough. And the heather comes to life in the warm (as in colour) rising sun.