16 October 2009 - Grasmere, Rydal Water & Derwentwater

If the Lake District has a season which is a must visit season, it is Autumn. The colours of the changing trees, heathers, bracken and grasses create the most outstanding scenes. With excellent weather promised I set out for a few more days at Castlerigg Farm campsite near Keswick.

With a few hours to kill on arrival mid-afternoon I decided that a view overlooking Threlkeld Common might be a great photographic opportunity. Parking up in the little parking area just west of the Wanthwaite Bridge, I set out along the footpath up to Clough Head. Unfortunately the promised breaks in the clouds didn't materialise and the flat light was not ideal for photographs. The views across Threlkeld Common with Blencathra dominating the view to the north were truly impressive though and deserve a revisit in better conditions.

I was also thrawted by the lower sun on arrival at Thirlmere to improve on previous shots from Steel Fell. This late in the season the sun barely rises above Steel Fell and the northern face of the fell is predominently in shadow. A mid-season diary slot for 2010!

My first serious visit to Grasmere & Rydal Water though was a delight. Arriving at Grasmere long before sunrise I had the lake to myself and the mill pond conditions and clear sky (if somewhat cold!) proved to be photographically superb. Walking Loughrigg Terrace to Rydal Water was no less idyllic, the water conditions and light were perfect.

Photographs from all locations can be seen in the panel on the right. These and others can be viewed with more information about the photograph, and the ability to purchase, by following the links below:-

Grasmere & Rydal Water      |      Derwentwater