Raphael Kessler

I used to regularly drive through The Peak District, when I worked in Derbyshire. I have always thought it is one of the prettier parts of the country, with rolling hills, dry stone walls and attractive villages. These photos were taken on more recent visits there.

Castleton is a pretty village set amongst the peaks. There are pretty houses and the views surrounding are lovely.

The Bluejohn Cave is the home to the world's supply of Bluejohn a fluorite semi-precious crystal. It is amongst the most precious semi-precious stones, due to its rarity. It is only found in this area next to Castleton. The name derives from bleu et jeaune, French for yellow and blue, the dominant colours found in the stone. Mining is ongoing of the stone, though in some parts that is currently not possible, as some particularly large deposits are the only things holding the roof up, including a massive natural column approximately 1.5 metres in diameter, which would otherwise be woth a fortune. The caves also are home to some pretty stalactites and stalagmites. There is even a bit where the rock looks like the face of Leonid Brezhnev (former premier of the Soviet Union), with a smirk on his face.

Bakewell is the only town in the Peak District and is home to the famous puddings and tarts. It is a pretty place with an imposing church, the graveyard of which affords nice views across the town and beyond.

Whilst sat atop a hill, the clarity of the sky and the setting sun made the vapour trails from aircraft glow.