I have covered Waskerley now on 3 occasions, all at slightly different times of the year. It's a venue that handles the weather and conditions very well and the scenery is stunning weather it is baked in full sun or shining under broody skies. The one thing that doesn't change though is the incessant wind.  It never seems to let up, which can cause issues when I am trying to hold my camera and large lens steady.  I think if I am honest, I prefer a later Waskerley ride when the heather is in full bloom, and the scenes can be so full of colour.

              Please enjoy the short slide show below, and don't forget to check out all the photos from the ride in the equestrian ride gallery on this website.  There are also extra photos to be viewed on my Facebook page album at the following link. 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1085577874834198.1073741922.100001459869526&type=1&l=f58cc7a28d

I arrived at Waskerley in plenty of time, and enjoyed the hour and half drive to get there.  For a change I was there before the first rider but the venue was still busy with Sarah Wilkinson organising troops from her stand in Land Rover (her car) due to technical issues.

Looking at the skies, I layered up as I thought I was in for a soaking.  As it turned out I was very lucky as all I really had to contend with was the constant Waskerley wind.  A couple of riders even mentioned fog, rain and hail, so glad to have missed that lot.

I love the views from this venue, the landscape is very open and every turn presents something wonderful to look at.

   After the initial moorland photos with Smiddy reservoir in the background, and guessing as to when I will have seen the last rider out.  I try counting but I'm not very good at it yet.  I make my way further into the route to capture the riders coming back home. 

If I am lucky and quick, I can get them as they ride up from Waskerley reservoir which can make for images.  But quite often they are ahead of me and I see them early and it is only the later riders I get on the moors for the second time.  This does add to the albums I upload as it shows more of the route the riders are riding and builds more of a story for everyone (I hope).

Having a quick chat with Ian Savage at one of the check points lets me know how many riders are still expected and gives me an idea as to whether it is worth waiting for or heading back.  On this occasion I decide to wait, just as the rain starts to come, fortunately Ian's white Audi pulls up along side and advises that all the riders are back at the venue (a few short cuts I think) and I am granted a lift back to the venue which was very much appreciated.

Homeward BoundA couple of riders make off the moors and head back to the venue whilst enjoying the view of Smiddy Reservoir
 

Take care of yourselves and hope to see you at another ride soon.

Music for the slide show was provided bywww.bensound.com