The Lake District is famous for walking and it’s stunning views over hill and lakes, perfect for the active person. However, it’s possible to get great shots without and enjoy a relaxing, sedate day out – all of these shots were taken within 1/4 mile of the road.
1 – Haweswater
The eastern side of the lakes is often over looked, and this reservoir/lake (there is a dam which raised the lake 90 feet) is rarely seen. There’s a long road that traverses the full length of the lake, which is, to be fair, uneventful… till you get to the end.
You’re treated to this outcrop and island in a steep valley setting – it’s an impressive sight, one you don’t really expect.
2 – Wrynose Pass
Wrynose and Hardknott are passes which offer a challenging drive and amazing views – and are both around 1200 feet tall, though feel about 2000!
There’s a little bridge and stream about 1/2 way up which are worth stopping at, as they offer great foreground interest to the sweeping background to the right.
3 – Kirkstone Pass
The highest road pass in the lakes, at over 1500 feet, has great views over Windermere and Brotherswater, I’ve always favoured the Brotherswater side. The long, “V” shaped valley, with the Helvellyn range to the left, are amazingly impressive. There is a little stream following the road down the hill, so you can park up, hop over a wall and you’ve got instant, stunning foreground – all you need is a 1/2 decent day and you’re on to a winner.
4 – Blea Tarn, Little Langdale
Just around the corner from Wrynose pass, and before you hit Great Langdale, there’s a lovely little tan which reflects the Langdale Pikes on a still day. A car park and small walk get you there, then you get a fence, rocks, pebbles, streams and ducks for foreground – with probably the most impressive background in the lakes. Here you see mist in Langdale, water rings left by a fish and the edge of a little wood.
5 – Buttermere
Often pretty busy and hard to park – Buttermere has splendid views back to Honister Pass Haystacks, amazingly powerful landscape which thrives on dark, brooding skies. A short walk from the village to the lake edge brings you trees and fences to use in the foreground, all adding upto a great location.
Thank you for this useful information. My husband currently has a painful hip so can’t walk far.
You can get great photos all over the lakes without walking too far…. I kinda like shots looking up at hills, than the other way around too – seems more majestic
Hope the knee gets better soon