‘Optimism is the name of the game, it’s
no good moaning about the weather.’
Let’s not forget to explore the remnants
from an industrial era; visit Hodges Close, a slate quarry to the south of
Little Langdale. This wonderful location provides the opportunity to shoot fine
art landscapes as well as a much lesser known location, Cathedral Quarry. This
huge cave has a large slate ‘knife blade’ that is still intact, supporting the
ceiling from imminent collapse. With a large hole pouring light into the cave,
it’s possible to shoot reflections and abstract images, making it perfect to
visit on one of those rainy days.
Hodges
Close, a slate quarry to the south of Little Langdale
Move to the town of Keswick and gain access
to some of the Lakes’ best panoramic scenery. On the edges of Derwent Water,
this town offers a great base to photograph some special viewpoints. The Lake
itself has an array of opportunities, but if your online research has unveiled
some characterful and weathered jetties, they have sadly been replaced with
modern ones. Begin a dawn shoot at Latrigg viewpoints as this is an easy
starting point. Drive to the car park and walk along the gravel path to a truly
spectacular view over Keswick. Derwent Water and to the mountains beyond. The
fells rise steeply here with High Crags and Causey Pike standing like a gateway
to the remote, more mystical upper fells.
Catbells, a cousin of these peaks, is
easily accessed and considerably high, offering panoramic views for mils
around. Park beneath the peak in any number of laybys and climb the steep
pathway on the top. Although exhausting, the photography from this point can be
sublime, and views across Derwent Water never disappoint. Those hidden behind
in the Newlands Valley, a plateau of farmland, mark the end of the agricultural
fields as the fells rise majestically upward. Finally let’s not forget
Castlerigg Stone Circle, a simple roadside shoot that can give surprising
results, even in complicated weather.
Optimism is the name of the game in the
Lake District. It’s no good moaning about the weather, just like Scotland it
can change remarkably quickly. A slate grey sky can open out, blasting the
landscape with a dramatic sidelight. Then again, don’t be surprised if extended
walks remain a test of stamina rather than unlocking new potential. It’s a
tough place, but when it all comes together, the results are more than worth
it, and there is no better place to be.
Lake District, England
Windermere
- Lake District, England
The towns of Keswick, Ambleside, Windermere
and Bowness are ideal places to stay, shoot and explore.
Langdales
Langdales
Unlike the Peak District the Lakes can be
sparse on health, and this view from Side Pikes over to Langdale Pikes one of
the most breathtaking.
Castlerigg
Castlerigg
Don’t let uninspiring summer weather pull
the creative handbrake. This is mountain country and the unexpected can happen.
An intense burst of side light illuminates stones at Castlerigg Stone Circle
like a torch shone through a crack in a door.
