Hiking Dartmoor for Stunning Waterfall Photography After Rain
I take a 45-minute hike through Dartmoor National Park to Sharrah Pools, capturing stunning photographs of waterfalls and landscapes after heavy rainfall. Despite challenging conditions like slippery paths and landslides, I manage to take some rewarding shots, including panoramic images stitched together in Lightroom. Though the day was wet and overcast, the beautiful scenery and early signs of autumn made the trip worthwhile, and I plan to return in a couple of weeks to capture the golden hues of fall.
Dartmoor National Park is an untamed and awe-inspiring natural landscape. Every trip I take here reminds me why I love photography. The adventure of capturing the essence of the wilderness fuels my passion. On this particular day, I embarked on a journey to Sharrah Pools, a stunning wild swimming spot nestled within the park. With the rain from the previous night swelling the rivers, I anticipated a great opportunity to capture the magic of the Dartmoor landscape.
Setting Off from New Bridge Car Park
I parked up at the New Bridge car park, located at the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It was a chilly late September morning, and the air was thick with moisture from the previous night’s downpour. As I stepped out of the car, the familiar scent of wet earth and pine greeted me, a constant reminder of how dynamic and alive nature is in this part of the world. I geared up for a hike—nothing too strenuous, about 45 minutes to Sharrah Pools, but given the slippery conditions and my current fitness level, I knew I had to tread carefully.
The path was wet, and in some spots, it felt more like walking on soap than solid ground. As I started my trek, I thought about the river ahead and how last night’s torrential rain must have transformed it into a roaring force. I was eager to see if my expectations were met.
The River in Full Force
After a slippery 45-minute hike, the sound of rushing water grew louder. As I approached the river, my excitement grew. My first wish for the day had come true—the river was indeed in full flow, swollen to the point that rocks usually visible were completely submerged. It was a sight to behold. The river, normally a peaceful flow, had become a raging torrent. The sound was almost deafening but in the most exhilarating way possible.
Standing at the riverbank, I took my first few shots. I attempted a panoramic shot, piecing together multiple images to capture the scene’s grandeur. If the images turned out well, I would certainly be sharing them. But with conditions like these, you never quite know how things will turn out until you review them later.
I felt the weight of the scene—the immense flow of water, the mist rising from the surface, the surrounding greenery glistening with rain—this was Dartmoor at its most raw and beautiful.
Moving Toward Sharrah Pools
While the river was an incredible sight, the main focus of my trip was Sharrah Pools, a renowned spot for wild swimming. I’ve seen people braving these pools in February, but today, with the river so high, there wasn’t a swimmer in sight. And honestly, I didn’t blame them. The water was freezing, and the force of the current was nothing to mess with.
As I hiked deeper into the woods, I came across a stunning waterfall. It was one of those spots that made you stop in your tracks. I could see a photo opportunity waiting. I set up my camera, tried a few different exposures, and even added a polarizer to enhance the colours. However, it was such a dull day that I doubted the filter would make much of a difference. But that’s part of the joy of photography—experimentation.
After some handheld shots and playing around with different settings, I reviewed the images on my camera screen. The composition was decent, and I didn’t feel the need for a neutral density filter, which I had initially considered. Instead, I decided to bump up the ISO to compensate for the low light.
The Challenges of Dartmoor
Photography in Dartmoor is always unpredictable. The landscape is as challenging as it is breathtaking. One minute you’re walking on a relatively clear path, and the next you’re navigating over puddles, rocks, or even, as I experienced that day, a landslide. As I continued on my trek, I reached a point where the trail had been obliterated by a landslide. Carefully, I edged my way across the unstable ground, aware that one misstep could send me tumbling down the hillside. It’s moments like these when you truly appreciate the ruggedness of Dartmoor.
Despite the obstacles, the scenery kept me going. Dartmoor was putting on a show, and I was determined to capture as much of it as I could.
Capturing Sharrah Pools
After what felt like a small adventure in itself, I finally arrived at Sharrah Pools. The area was serene, yet powerful. The combination of the river’s rush and the calmness of the surrounding forest created an almost surreal atmosphere. The ferns along the banks were just starting to turn, signalling the onset of autumn. In another week or two, this spot would be bathed in golden hues—a photographer’s dream.
I set up my camera, attempting to capture the scene from various angles. The light was still challenging, but I managed to get a few shots I was pleased with. Like the earlier photographs, I used a technique where I stitched together multiple images in Adobe Lightroom to create a panoramic effect. The results were promising, though I knew I would likely revisit them in post-production.
Once satisfied with my shots, I turned the camera around and ventured into the woods, where I discovered another composition. This one was more subtle, a quiet image that spoke to the peacefulness of the forest rather than the raw power of the river. It felt like a bonus shot, something unexpected but equally rewarding.
Reflecting on the Day
As the day drew to a close, I reflected on the adventure. Dartmoor had delivered in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The waterfalls, the landslides, the swollen river—it all combined to create a memorable experience. Even if my photos didn’t turn out as I hoped (though I’m confident they did), just being out there, immersed in the wild beauty of Dartmoor, was enough.
The unpredictability of Dartmoor is what keeps me coming back. It’s a place where nature dictates the terms, and all you can do as a photographer is try to capture a fraction of its essence. As the ferns begin to turn and autumn takes hold, I know I’ll be back soon, camera in hand, ready for whatever Dartmoor has in store.
Photography Techniques in Dartmoor
For those interested in the technical side of photography, especially in conditions like those at Dartmoor, here are a few tips that helped me capture the essence of the day:
- Polarizers: On dull days, a polarizer can help bring out colours, especially in water shots where reflections can obscure the true depth of the scene.
- Panoramic Stitching: When faced with expansive landscapes, taking multiple shots and stitching them together in post-production can help you capture the full breadth of the scene. I use Adobe Lightroom for this, and the results are often seamless.
- Tripod and Handheld Shots: While I prefer using a tripod for longer exposures, sometimes, especially when moving between locations quickly, handheld shots can be just as effective. In low-light conditions, consider increasing the ISO to ensure a sharp image.
- Focus Stacking: In some cases, focus stacking—where you take multiple images focused at different distances—can help ensure sharpness throughout the image. I used this technique for one of my waterfall shots, though in the end, I didn’t feel it was necessary.
- Neutral Density Filters: These filters are great for long exposures in bright conditions. However, on a day like this, with low light and fast-moving water, I found I didn’t need to use them.
- Adaptability: The most important tool in your kit is adaptability. Conditions in places like Dartmoor can change rapidly. Being able to adjust your settings and approach on the fly is crucial.
Conclusion
Dartmoor National Park is a photographer’s paradise, offering dramatic landscapes and ever-changing conditions that challenge and inspire in equal measure. My trip to Sharrah Pools, despite the challenges of rain, slippery paths, and even landslides, was a testament to the power of nature and the joy of capturing it through the lens.
As autumn deepens and the landscape transforms, I look forward to returning, hoping to capture even more of Dartmoor’s wild beauty. Until then, I’ll be working on the images I captured, fine-tuning them in Lightroom, and reflecting on a day well spent in one of England’s most stunning natural locations.
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