One of a number of images of this area - see nos. 302 and 385.  Hard, weather resistant gritstone rock overlies softer shales beneath.  Steep slopes clothed with birch and oak descend to the valley of the River Derwent below.  Atmospheric perspective is used to create a strong sense of recession and distance.  The foreground is littered with the angular forms of fallen rocks, contrasting with the softer textures of leafless trees beyond.