Ashopton Viaduct
The Ashopton Viaduct is a hidden gem tucked away along the northern edge of the Ladybower Reservoir. The viaduct is named after the village of Ashopton that was demolished and submerged when the reservoir was filled in the 1940s. On calm mornings the arches reflect perfectly in the water. During sunrise, the light catches the hills behind the viaduct and the water is at its stillest before the wind picks up. Making this the perfect spot to experiment with reflection and sunrise photography. Autumn around the reservoir is the standout season. The hillsides turn gold, orange, and red, and the colours double in the reflection. Crook Hill rises behind the viaduct to the west and Bamford Edge sits to the east, both adding depth to wider compositions. Bamford Edge is worth the climb if you want an elevated perspective looking down over the viaduct and the reservoir together. The water level in the reservoir changes with the seasons and rainfall. High water gives you the cleanest reflections. During extended dry spells the level drops enough to occasionally reveal remnants of the submerged village. Ladybower is the lowest of three reservoirs in the valley, with Derwent and Howden above it, making the whole area perfect for a photography adventure. (Hope Valley, Derbyshire, England)
