Getting up early and taking a long, steep walk uphill, is certainly worth it to see these wonderful animals.
It was January 2022 when I last went to seek out the mountain hares. That time I was very fortunate as there were three of them on the hillside. This time there was only the one, but one is definitely better than none! This one was sat in the same location as the ones last year, so it’s either their favourite place, or a lucky coincidence. Whichever, I’m very lucky, as mountain hares are a relatively rare sight in the UK. They are only found in the Scottish Highlands (and some islands) or the Peak District.
When I spotted the hare I initially just sat on a boulder by a path, watching it, whilst it also kept an eye on me. My plan was to gradually and slowly get closer. From the initial spot it was too far for any decent photos, but what you don’t want to do is just quickly head straight for it. It will be alert to any danger and if it feels threatened it will bolt! So, for about an hour I gradually made my way closer. Moving short distances and stopping for a while. I got to the point where I thought I was close enough, so I stayed, partly concealed by a big rock. I even had a flask of tea and a breakfast snack, whilst all the time the hare and I were watching each other. In the end I think the hare just got bored with me and hopped off to a rock just a little way off.
Whilst watching the hare I took a short video – just to have something a little different from only photographs. Not the most exciting of videos, but it just gives you something else – a bit of ‘live’ action.
I left the hare alone and walked back to the path and further on up. I had a look around the top of the moorland, but there was nothing to be seen. On the way back, the hare was in exactly the same spot I had left it. I didn’t spend as long with it this time, partly due to another guy (who I showed where the hare was sat) going quickly off up toward the hare and, as expected, the hare deciding this guy wasn’t for him!
Another great experience though and well worth the early start and the uphill walk.
