Lake District

The Story Behind the Images - Lake District

The English Lake District draws photographers like honey draws flies. Unfortunately, the region also draws hordes of tourists and if you're not careful with when and where you try to photograph it can end up feeling like rush hour on the London underground.

That said, if you are willing to get up early and/or stay out late the Lake District offers some of the most beautiful and compelling landscapes in England.

One area that I've found remains relatively untouched by the tourist hordes is the east side of Ullswater. While the west side of the lake near Glenridding is busy with tourists - and photographers - the east side remains relatively peaceful.

One of my most memorable photo trips in the Lake District involved climbing Hallin Fell in the dark so that I was in position when the sun rose over Ullswater below. The result was simply stunning; a panorama of lake and fells like only this area of England can offer.

Another favourite area of mine is the southern end of Brothers Water, one of the least visited lakes. There are huge lily pads in Brothers Water and you can often get wonderful photos from small beach area near the southern end of the lake, near Kirkstone Foot.

The whole area near Kirkstone Foot and Kirkstone Pass above is beautiful, and there are some very good places to park in a layby and explore a scenic landscape of stone walls and fields.

Ullswater, and especially the area around Hawes End pier seems to be a 'must-have' trophy for photographers. It is beautiful, but if you have the time and energy try climbing Catbells from Hawes End and being in place when the sun rises over Ullswater.

One of my most memorable photo experiences in the Lake District was an evening on Wastwater. When the late evening sun comes out and lights the three peaks of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Lingmell the effect is magical. No wonder this view was named one of the best in England and was chosen for the Lake District National Park logo.

As a final highlight, take the minor road from Ulpha over Birker Fell in the direction of Eskdale. In the evening the view across the fells to the east is breathtaking. There are numerous places to pull off onto the verge and as an added bonus this area of the Lake District is more frequented by sheep than by people!

Favourite Places to Photograph in the Lake District

  • Brothers Water from Kirkstone Foot
  • Buttermere from Dalegarth
  • Wastwater
  • Hawes End, Derwentwater
  • Ullswater from Hallin Fell
  • Lodore Falls, Derwentwater
  • Catbells, Derwentwater

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