The Lake District - December 2025

A picture of Ullswater from my first trip to the Lake District in November 2009.

Something has always drawn me to water. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, canals, and coastlines - all of it. I always feel that when water is in the scene there is something special about landscape photography. There is also something mystical/ spiritual about water that I can never put my finger on. In November, I was lucky to revisit one of the best spots in England for the theme of water photography - The Lake District. I spent four days at the end of the month walking with the dog and making the most of the beautiful landscape. The only downside of a November photography outing is the chances of rain - probably the only aspect of water I don't enjoy!

Keswisk & Castlerigg

One of the most interesting discoveries I made on my first visit to the Lakes was the stone circle at Castlerigg. It is a remote stone circle with fantastic views over the surrounding landscape. In my research for this trip, I found a circular walk up the hill through the woods to the stone circle from the town of Keswick. The weather was pretty abysmal - but the walk was still spectacular; even if the photos feature more myst than mountain!

Conniston, Tarn Hows and Elterwater

Conniston is my favourite of all the lakes; I always remember reading the book 'Swallows and Amazons' by Arthur Ransome as a child and I hold a special affinity with the lake which inspired that story. Near to Conniston is the beautiful spot at Tarn Hows which always feels like a hidden gem of the lakes. It presents a beautiful location for photography with some paths which overlook the lake presenting a fantastic elevated view. The rain came down in droves about half way into the 6-mile circular walk up through the forest from Conniston - but I still managed to capture some great pictures before putting the camera away. My lens got condensation after that; so I had to switch on arrival at Elterwater; it's much more difficult attempting landscape photography with a 50mm lens!

Buttermere

The lake at Buttermere presents a fantastic opportunity for you to take a walk around the entire circumference of one of the lakes. A nice 4.5 mile circular path takes you around the shores and you get to enjoy the lake from many angles. On the drive up through Newlands Pass, I also managed to get some great pictures at the Moss Force Waterfall.

Cark and Flookburgh

The final walk was not one featuring a lake but instead a river the sea. Exploring as much of the UK's coastline is a project I am planning to undertake in my '40s'; but as I don't officially hit that decade until March - this short 5 mile stretch was just a bit of practice. The first real blue skies and sunshine of the four day walking holiday was certainly welcome - even at the chilly 2.5c temperature and with frost on the ground.