A Stone Igloo – My favourite photo of 2025

This photo was taken whilst on a hike with my local walking group, the Sheffield 40s/50s ramblers group, with my Rollei 35T that often comes with me on daywalks, because of its compact size and quality Tessar lens, and which I wrote about on this site here. It was loaded with Phoenix (version 1).

I had stumbled upon this curious structure a few years ago while wandering on the moors near Edale, in the Derbyshire Peak District. It was not on any map, unlike most points of interest in the national park. I wondered who built it and why. It seemed to be made from the stones from a tumbled-down dry stone wall.

Years later I was on a guided walk which passed nearby and we were given the option go and look at the “stone igloo”. The group were interested so we made the half-mile-or-so detour. It was a bright and cheerful sunny May weekend. We arrived to find another walking group already there enjoying a snack. I took the picture of a mixture of people from my group and some from the other group. I asked the people there if they knew anything about the igloo? Answer: no. The leader from my own group also didn’t know anything about it, but told me that he had spent the night in it once.

So, it remains a mystery. Was it built for a purpose, or just for fun? It could be for shelter but it doesn’t offer any rudimentary comforts like a bothy. And why is it not on any maps? I could add it to OpenStreetMap but I don’t really want to. I like the idea of something being discoverable without prior knowledge and I hope to make other such discoveries in the future.

You may notice another structure visible in the distance. This is the chimney above the railway tunnel that goes from Edale to Chinley through the hills.

This photo is a favourite because it reminds me of a great day out with excellent company on a bright sunny day. I am usually shy and reclusive so this was an unusually sociable day for me.

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