Lake District on Ian Cylkowski Photography

Barkbooth Lot, Lake District, Spring

Sat, 16 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Early May means one thing in my head: bluebells.

There’s a few options I know of, and have been quite fortunate to view some extraordinary bluebell displays. However, one place in particular tugs on my desire strings more than others: Barkbooth Lot.

Coledale, Lake District, England

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:00:58 +0000

Time for proper winter scenery.

Happy 2026 everyone! May you have the clarity to focus on what you can control and the composure to let go of what you cannot.

Castlerigg, Lake District, Winter

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:56:38 +0000

Finally, some proper snow.

After taking on an icy hike around the Tilberthwaite/Little Langdale area, temperatures in England continued to plummet and snow arrived. As usual, it didn’t take long for stories to arrive, such as people hiking snowy fells up to their waist and getting lost, and people ignoring road closure signs and getting stuck driving on mountain passes.

Tilberthwaite & Little Langdale, Lake District, Winter

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 16:10:37 +0000

A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

I haven’t made a post on here since the 8th November, 2024. I can only apologise. Not long after we returned from Scotland, the weather in the Northwest of England became abysmal. Near-constant murk and drizzle, punctuated by the occasional storm, have left little opportunity for a nice outing, never mind having decent light to shoot.

Under Loughrigg, Lake District, Winter

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 20:15:21 +0000

A brief respite amongst all the rain.

Despite the weather, this week has been as busy as ever. A large part of that is simply that it’s half-term for schools. Still, we figured people would be starting to head back home, so the Lake District wouldn’t be as busy.

Grasmere, Lake District, Winter

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:46:54 +0000

The winter lurgy has struck.

Following a lovely hike around Ambleside, Lisabet came down with a rather nasty cold and I followed suit soon after.

We’re both at the tail end of this bug now, but with depleted energy levels as can be expected. A crisp, clear, and super cold Sunday greeted us, so we set off towards the impossibly bonny village of Grasmere for a wee waltz around the area.

Ambleside, Lake District, Winter

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:37:47 +0000

Temperatures have plunged.

The nigh persistent rain of November and December has given way to a sub-zero climate and clearer conditions. Much better.

With a bright Saturday forecast, Lisabet and I ventured into the heart of the Lake District and major tourist hotspot, Ambleside. We wanted to do two walks: one, a small circular of Stock Ghyll Force, the other bigger hike up to High Sweden Bridge.

Grisedale, Lake District, Winter

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:30:38 +0000

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to a more peaceful and gentle 2024.

Though I’ve enjoyed time off work between Christmas and New Year, it’s not exactly been pleasant. Storm Gerrit washed across the UK, rendering most days miserably wet. There were even tornado warnings, largely unheard of in the UK.

Colwith Force, Lake District, Autumn

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 18:32:52 +0000

The last of the summer holidays.

After a lovely Friday evening in Dentdale, and a glorious Saturday in Kingsdale, we returned to the Lake District on Sunday for a hike to Colwith Force and back.

Stockghyll, Lake District, Summer

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 20:28:14 +0000

Loads of rain means one thing: waterfalls.

Though certainly not as numerous or epic as in the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District is still home to some lovely waterfalls.

Certainly one of the more accessible, yet grand, waterfalls is Stockghyll Force in Ambleside. We last hiked around here in June 2020, just as the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown was starting to ease off. Ambleside, usually one of the busiest honeypots in all the Lake District, was eerily quiet on that visit.

Hayeswater, Lake District, Summer

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 18:05:40 +0000

Here’s one we’ve not been to in quite some time.

After June’s dry conditions and soaring temperatures, July has been unseasonably cool, stormy, and wet.

A succession of wet weekends exhausted our patience, so Lisabet and I braved the Sunday and head into the Lake District.

Tarn Hows, Lake District, Summer

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 20:15:44 +0000

Summer is upon us.

It’s been a month without any rain, and the temperatures are now consistently in the late teens/early 20s. Rivers and lakes are starting to dry up.

Rydal Water, Lake District, Spring

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 17:09:32 +0000

The Lake District is known for many things.

Its lakes, of course. The fells. All the valleys. But also William Wordsworth, who was born in Cockermouth and called the Lake District home for much of his life. It was in the Lake District, wandering along the shores of Ullswater, that Wordsworth took inspiration from the plethora of daffodils along the lake’s shoreline, which ultimately resulted in his most famous poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”.

Stanley Ghyll Force, Lake District, Spring

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 22:38:43 +0000

After a sobering return from a beautiful week in the Highlands, it was time for a beautiful little jaunt in Eskdale.

I was also due to hang out with me Dad again. After arriving at Dad’s, he suggested checking out Stanley Ghyll Force, one of the Lake District’s largest waterfalls. I were game for that!

Orrest Head, Lake District, Winter

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 21:38:53 +0000

Arctic conditions have returned.

After what’s seemed like an endless amount of rain, a dry and cold front has arrived over the British Isles, covering the fells in frost and snow.

Lingmoor Fell, Lake District, Winter

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 20:29:25 +0000

I’ve been wanting to get into the snowy mountains for a while.

As I’d accrued a fairly significant amount of flexi-time at work, I used it to take a mid-week day off and headed into Lake District.

Cunswick Scar, Cumbria, Winter

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 21:34:06 +0000

The first snow of the season has arrived.

Fortunately—living where I do—there are plenty of quick routes one can take from the town centre to ascend some nearby hills and check out the expansive wintery views.

Hodbarrow Nature Reserve, Cumbria, Autumn

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 20:18:46 +0000

Time for somewhere a little different.

For a little while now we’ve had our peripheral vision on a little-known nature reserve in southwest Cumbria: Hodbarrow Nature Reserve.

Today was the day to visit and explore it.

Lawson Park, Coniston, Lake District, Autumn

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 11:45:27 +0000

We had opportunity this weekend to visit somewhere a little different.

As we move from Summer to Autumn—with the increase in stormy downpours apparent—the quality of light improves drastically. But before the legendary Lake District autumnal colours arrive, we’re in peak fruit and berry harvesting season. What better way to observe and learn about growing fruit and vegetables than a tour of Lawson Park above Coniston Water?

Grasmere Sports & Show, Lake District, Summer

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 19:16:03 +0000

Back for the first time in 2 years.

Time for something rather different from me.

If you’re a long-time follower of my blog or work (hello, and thank you!) you’ll know I’m mostly about the landscapes, nature, architecture, and travel.

Cunswick Scar, Lake District, Summer

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 19:41:39 +0000

After a wet week, it was nice to get up on the fells above Kendal.

On the Sunday, Lisabet had a series of obligations to attend to, so I took the opportunity for a solo hike. As Kendal sits in a valley (Kent + Dale, that is, “the valley of the river Kent”), it is flanked east and west by small fells. On the western side of the valley the ground gently rises up before terminating in a series of limestone cliffs plunging down to the Lyth Valley. The main fell here is Scout Scar, a local favourite, but a smaller sibling can be found further north: Cunswick Scar.

Walla Crag, Lake District, Summer

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 19:47:13 +0000

A 4am start.

The UK is on the cusp of a record-breaking heatwave, kicking in Sunday evening/Monday morning. Even before the real heatwave arrived, Sunday’s temperatures up here in Cumbria were looking to peak at around 26°C. Not only that, summer in the Lake District is easily its busiest time. So what to do?

Great Langdale, Lake District, Summer

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:47:31 +0000

It has been too long since I’ve been to Great Langdale.

In fact, from what I can make out, the last time I visited Great Langdale was November 2020. That’s bad.

Scout Scar, Lake District, Summer

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:03:17 +0000

My poor Lisabet is still fighting COVID-19.

So, after being a dutiful boyfriend and sorting out brews/shopping/whatnot, I took the opportunity for a solid hike up to Scout Scar.

The weather is really starting to pick up in the UK now. Whilst we haven’t seen temperatures that the likes of France are currently experiencing (pushing 42°C), parts of the southeast England and London have been hitting 30°C.

Grisedale, Lake District, Summer

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 13:20:38 +0000

It was time to show Dad the glory of Grisedale.

With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee giving us two days holiday, Dad and I were able to spend some time together. We embarked on a hike up Grisedale, an offshoot of the main Patterdale valley near Ullswater. To my mind, Grisedale features one of the greatest valley sceneries in all of the Lake District.

Testing the Vivitar “Series 1” 28–105 mm f/2.8–3.8 lens on a Fujifilm X-T2

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:29:15 +0000

To start, I need to make a few disclaimers.

Firstly, this isn’t a technical review, involving test cards, colour charts, and other rigorous methods of optical testing. I don’t know how to do any of that, and I’m sure plenty on the internet have already done so.

Scout Scar, Lake District, Spring

Sat, 28 May 2022 19:56:10 +0000

2022 has been fuckin’ wild so far.

But finally, things are a bit happier. Family members that had been in hospital for separate issues are now home and recuperating.

It’s been stressful, and there have been somber conversations.

Brigsteer Park, Lake District, Spring

Sat, 21 May 2022 18:00:31 +0000

I wanted to see a lot of bluebells one last time for this year.

A work colleague tipped me off about Brigsteer Park, a woodland south of its village namesake, Brigsteer. The village sits underneath Scout Scar, and there’s a surprising amount of woodland underneath this fell.

High Pike, Lake District, Spring

Fri, 13 May 2022 19:34:38 +0000

There’s more to the Northern Fells of the Lake District than meets the eye.

Nearing the end of our May break, and after having enjoyed the delights of Dash Falls, Lisabet and I decided that a reasonably high climb was in order.

Dash Falls, Lake District, Spring

Fri, 06 May 2022 21:54:06 +0000

Here’s another place I’ve been meaning to explore for ages.

The Northern Fells of the Lake District are dominated by two champions: Skiddaw and Blencathra, the 6th and 18th highest mountains in England respectively. These fells make up a wall of peaks at the southern end of the Northern Fells, looming directly over Keswick and Threlkeld.

Cunswick Scar, Lake District, Spring

Mon, 02 May 2022 21:44:25 +0000

Things are really starting to look nice and green now.

After what seemed like a month or so of virtually no rain throughout spring, the April/May cusp has brought a decent amount of overnight precipitation. It seems like the plants really needed it.

Barkbooth Lot, Lake District, Spring

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:10:48 +0000

Welcome back to Barkbooth Lot!

We’re starting to see those beautiful bluebells appearing in woodlands across Cumbria now, so over the weekend we enjoyed a wander around our new favourite bluebell spot, Barkbooth Lot.

Warriners Wood, Lake District, Spring

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 16:27:21 +0000

A brighter weekend means a long Sunday morning above Kendal.

We’ve been to Warriners Wood many times before, after we found it during the winter of 2021. As of spring this year it appears to have survived the 2021/2022 storm season rather well, and some of my favourite trees are still standing strong.

Gowbarrow, Lake District, Spring

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 19:39:18 +0000

Spring has changed very quickly in the UK.

A couple of weeks ago temperatures barely rose above 10ºC, often settling in at around 5–7ºC. Within the last week, temperatures have suddenly risen to 15ºC with clear skies and barely a breeze. Today, the weather nearly hit 20ºC.

Helsfell Nab, Kendal, Cumbria, Spring

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:52:22 +0000

This weekend, it really feels like Spring has arrived.

Temperatures rose to the mid-teens, finally, and the skies have cleared up. The daffodils are out in full, and this year’s lambs are alternatively dosing in the sun and sucking at their mums.

High Sweden Bridge, Lake District, Spring

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 21:22:24 +0000

It was nice to get a bit of altitude.

I think the last time we hiked the High Sweden Bridge circular was back in June of 2020, just as the UK was starting to come out of the first COVID-19 Lockdown. Wow. Time flies, eh?

Ennerdale, Lake District, Winter

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 19:06:21 +0000

Compared to Buttermere’s clear blue skies, Ennerdale could not have been more different.

I think the last time we were at Ennerdale was in April 2017. Goodness. That’s coming on to 5 years now. It’s one of my favourite places in the Lake District, with a distinctly unique “vibe” compared to any other area in the National Park.

Buttermere, Lake District, Winter

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 16:19:32 +0000

It’s time for a mini-break.

We were planning for a Christmas break away in Scotland. But after the emergence and subsequent rise of the SARS-CoV-2-Omicron variant, we decided to cancel it.

Scout Scar, New Year’s Day, Lake District, Winter

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 20:51:07 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! Here’s to a joyous and—hopefully—more globally positive 2022.

The weather has been… weird. In fact, the UK set a new temperature record for New Year’s Eve, reaching as high as 16.5ºC. That is uncharacteristically warm. Temperatures maintained their elevated levels on New Year’s Day, too, but high winds also arrived. After a decent lie in, Lisabet and I decided on a local favourite to enjoy the first day of the new year: Scout Scar.

Keswick–Threlkeld Railway, Lake District, Winter

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:05:52 +0000

And now for something completely different.

After yesterday’s thrilling circular hike around the gorgeous and epic Malhamdale, today we embarked on something a little more tourist-friendly and flat: the Keswick–Threlkeld Railway walk.

Dodd, Lake District, Winter

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 19:20:56 +0000

Thankfully a dry, if bitingly cold, weather system has descended on the British Isles.

On the Saturday, Kendal was engulfed in a soupy-think mist. It almost seemed to muffle the world in a pillow. In actuality, a temperature inversion sat on top of a lot of Lake District valleys, including Kendal. Conditions above the inversion were clear, sunny, and bright.

Scout Scar, Lake District, Winter

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 21:11:47 +0000

On Saturday just gone, my Dad celebrated his 68th birthday!

Do you know what else happened on that day? Storm Arwen arrived. And it brought with it sustained winds of over 60mph with gusts approaching 100mph. Ultimately it caused power cuts for tens of thousands of homes across the UK as trees were torn from their roots and slammed into power lines.

Easedale, Lake District, Autumn

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 20:24:41 +0000

And just like that, it starts to feel like winter.

This past weekend, temperatures suddenly plunged 5–8°C, bringing in clear and frosty days with freezing cold nights. On the Sunday, a crystal clear blue-sky day greeted us, so we donned our gloves and hats and made our way into the Lake District. Our goal: a lovely autumnal hike from Grasmere, up to Easedale Tarn via Sourmilk Ghyll, and back down into Far Easedale before returning to Grasmere.

Deepdale, Lake District, Autumn

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:39:06 +0000

Grisedale keeps evading us.

After meticulously scanning the weather forecasts and satellite radars, Dad and I embarked initially on a lovely hike up one of my favourite valleys: Grisedale.

Last time rain fended us off. This time, a running/trials event blocked all the car parks in Patterdale and Glenridding. No matter, that’s why you should have a back up plan! Instead, we drove back towards Brothers Water and pulled up in a little-used layby. This was the start of the hike into Deepdale.

Winter Droving 2021, Cumbria, Autumn

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 20:29:28 +0000

It’s been a while since my last post, for which I can only apologise.

A lot can change in a month, and this particularly applies to the British weather. After one of the warmest Septembers on record, and a particularly dry summer, October developed into a wet and blustery month. By Wednesday 27th October, Storm Aurore arrived and dumped 361.6mm of rainfall in almost 36 hours over Honister Pass (for context, the UK record for highest rainfall in 24 hours was recorded at Honister Pass; 341.4mm due to Storm Desmond in December 2015).

Lowther Estate, Cumbria, Autumn

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 18:51:17 +0000

Autumn’s definitely here. You know what’s also here? The Great British Changeable Weather.

I took an educated guess at the weather today and decided our best bet for good light and conditions would be East Lake District/Cumbria during mid-morning/early afternoon. So! We ventured to the Lowther Castle and its Estate, for a healthy jaunt from the castle grounds to Askham Fell and back round.

Walla Crag, Lake District, Autumn

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 19:31:30 +0000

Autumn has arrived.

The “life” from all the verdant vegetation is starting to wane, the ferns are turning rust-hued, and the leaves are beginning to drop. Autumn’s here, and I cannot wait for those autumnal colours.

Colwith Force, Summer, Lake District

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:28:20 +0000

After two successive weekends of rain, it was time to seek a waterfall or two.

Getting outside for some solid hiking has been difficult given the changeable conditions we’ve experienced in August. Thankfully, the week ahead is looking promising, which is fortuitous because I have a week off.

Hodge Close Quarry, Lake District, Summer

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:11:56 +0000

Time for something a little bit different.

The Lake District is obviously world famous for its natural splendour; the lakes, fells, tarn, waterfalls, and everything in between. But beneath the surface of this picture of paradise lies thousands of years of man-made work.

Whitbarrow, Lake District, Summer

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 19:08:37 +0000

It was time to continue exploring a “local” fell.

The first time Lisabet and I checked out Whitbarrow was only a few months ago, March in fact. Considering it’s just a few miles west of Kendal, it’s incredible that we’d never hiked up the fell in all our time living round here.

The Newlands Round, Lake District, Summer

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 12:01:51 +0000

The British Summer Heatwave has arrived.

In the week leading up to yesterday, Saturday 17th July, I had been planning a fell walk with my friend, Kate. She has more experience fell walking than I do, so we agreed to try a fell walk incorporating a view I’ve been after for years: Dale Head.

Newlands Valley, Lake District, Summer

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 18:31:49 +0000

On the Sunday following the Saturday, we threw caution to the wind and visited the Lake District for a solid hike.

Signs were looking good that, for a Sunday morning, the Lake District wasn’t looking too busy (use Safer Lakes to check the busyness of Lake District car parks). We drove to Keswick and plotted a hiking route from the town onto the Cumbria Way towards the Lingholm Estate, where we’d pause for refreshment. Then we’d continue on the Cumbria Way towards the foot of Catbells, and break off into the Newlands Valley, terminating at Little Town and circling back all the way to Keswick.

Bowscale Tarn, Lake District, Summer

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 19:23:50 +0000

We kicked off Father’s Day weekend by revisiting the Mosedale valley in the Northern Fells of the Lake District.

The last time we hiked Mosedale was back in March of this year, during a visit to my Dad’s. It was our first time in this quiet valley and we were floored with the sights and views. The nice weather probably helped.

Cunswick Fell, Lake District, Summer

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:53:04 +0000

Sometimes, as an Englishman, you just need to have a proper English Countryside experience.

For one reason or another, I’ve not been feeling 100% mentally and emotionally this week. Saturday arrived as a glorious summer’s day. We knew the Lake District would be absolutely heaving with people. Instead, we opted for a local 9km walk around the Cunswick Fell area.

Cockermouth, Cumbria, Summer

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 19:58:26 +0000

Let’s move away a little from the landscapes and nature.

Lisabet and I recently had occasion to enjoy an outdoor swimming session with esteemed outdoor and wild swimming guide Suzanna Cruickshank. Not only was Suzanna a total delight, with the patience and compassion of a saint, but the weather couldn’t have been better with clear skies and 20+ degree sun. We were guided on a swim in Bassenthwaite Lake, which thankfully allows for a gentle drop into the water unlike most other lakes in the Lake District. The experience was exhilarating, fun, and freeing.

Swindale, Lake District, Spring

Sun, 23 May 2021 20:58:56 +0000

We finally got the opportunity to explore one of the Lake District’s “hidden” valleys.

I’ve had Swindale bookmarked in my Pinterest for years now. What drew me to the area was looking at maps of the valley’s head, appropriately called Swindale Head. Here you can find a series of cascades and waterfalls dropping down 300 ft of crag, known as Forces Falls.

Beckmickle Ing, Staveley, Lake District, Spring

Thu, 13 May 2021 19:35:13 +0000

It’s taken a little longer, but the bluebells have finally arrived.

After work recently, Lisabet and I hopped into the car and drove just a few miles up the A591 to Staveley, a Lake District village near Kendal. We had been recommended a walk near the village from my boss, due to the woodlands of bluebells in the area.

Askham Fell, Lowther, Cumbria, Spring

Sun, 09 May 2021 17:33:59 +0000

Everything is starting to look proper lush.

After a completely washed out Saturday, today looked significantly more promising. Lisabet had found a 7.5-mile circular hike around the Lowther Estate that utilises a section of the Ullswater Way, so that’s what we did.

Dodd Woods, Lake District, Spring

Mon, 03 May 2021 11:49:55 +0000

After an unusually dry and cold April 2021, the rain has returned.

This Bank Holiday Lisabet and I planned on a long hike through the Mallerstang valley in the Yorkshire Dales, a favourite of ours. However, reading all the weather radars and forecasts indicated a lot of rain was on its way through South Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales. By contrast, the northern Lake District looked pretty good. So we changed plans and embarked on a hike up Dodd (502 m/1,647 ft), a small fell that came highly recommended by a friend of mine.

Grisedale, Lake District, Spring

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 15:39:10 +0000

Grisedale has to be in my top 3 favourite Lake District valleys.

I have a fairly troubled history with this place. The last time both Lisabet and I visited it was the middle of summer on a clear and hot day. We hiked all the way from the foot of the valley to Grisedale Tarn and back down. About 7 miles and 1,300 ft of ascent. In mid-20s heat, with no wind or clouds. Whilst being 23/24 stone. I suffered on that walk, and stumbled a lot on the way back down, which angered me.

Grizedale Forest, Lake District, Spring

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 19:31:16 +0000

Welcome to Grizedale Forest.

After a morning of joint optician appointments, the day was looking fine and ripe for some hiking. Where would we go? Lisabet suggested Grizedale Forest, which I immediately leapt on. She’s never been to the area, and the last I visited was so long ago that I cannot summon any memories of the place.

Gowbarrow Fell, Lake District, Spring

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 20:36:57 +0000

Spring conditions are somewhat changeable at the moment.

Lisabet and I have been somewhat fortunate with this week-long extended Easter break. The first few days were relatively balmy for Cumbria, peaking at around 15°C. By Good Friday an “arctic blast” was arriving from the north, and temperatures quickly dropped by around 10°C or so. Despite the swing in climate conditions, the sky has remained consistently free of clouds.

Caldbeck, Lake District, Spring

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:14:17 +0000

Happy Easter, everyone.

I hope everyone has had/is having a safe and enjoyable Easter. It’s certainly helped that most of the country has experienced relatively dry, bright, and clear conditions during the Easter break.

Easedale, Lake District, Spring

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 14:39:01 +0000

It’s been quite a few years since we’ve been to Easedale.

In fact, looking through my archives, it’s been four years and a month. Today, Lisabet and I decided we were due for a revisit.

Loughrigg Fell, Lake District, Spring

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 19:48:51 +0000

Step 1 of the UK Government’s Spring 2021 COVID-19 plan has been completed.

From Monday 29th, more people can now meet outside, outdoor recreation activities are permitted again, and the “Stay at home” ruling has relaxed to “Stay local”.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Whitbarrow, Cumbria, Spring

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 18:01:19 +0000

I’ve often gazed longingly at Whitbarrow Scar from afar.

Finally we decided to clamber around it.

Whitbarrow (215m/705ft) is a limestone hill, much like its neighbour Scout Scar, with whom I’m much more familiar with. Whitbarrow is further west of Scout Scar across the Lyth Valley, but covers a much larger area. When viewed from the A590 south of the fell, Whitbarrow presents some sheer and imposing cliff faces that I instantly fell in love the first time I saw them. I resolved to one day wander around the contours of Whitbarrow. Today was that day.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Kendal Fell, Cumbria, Spring

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 20:08:56 +0000

Spring has sprung.

After a relatively dry and bright week, we were very much hoping for similar if not better for the weekend. Saturday came around and we were grateful. A proper spring day.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Serpentine Woods, Spring, Cumbria

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 19:37:00 +0000

Step 1 of the government’s Spring COVID-19 Response Plan is in action.

Students have gone back to school and in theory by the 29th of March people will be allowed to meet outdoors in bigger groups.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Helsington, Cumbria, Spring

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 21:10:48 +0000

We’ve definitely had better light conditions recently.

Nevertheless, Lisabet and I embarked on a solid 15 km hike today. From the front door, down the A6, through Helsington Laithes up to Scout Scar, south towards Helsington Church, through Berry Holme Farm, across the A591 to Hawes Bridge, and back north through the fields to Kendal.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Mosedale, Lake District, Spring

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:00:17 +0000

My Dad’s been vaccinated.

This is a relief for me as Dad’s a Type II Diabetic and thus Clinically Extremely Vulnerable.

As he’s in our Support Bubble we went to check in on him this weekend, spending a large part of the day in the valleys of the Northern Fells near where he lives.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Lower Borrowdale, Lake District, Spring

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 16:06:08 +0000

The Four Step Plan to “normality” has been announced by the government.

From the 8th March 2021 students will return to schools, colleges, and universities, and there will be a small loosening of social contact restrictions. Then from 29th March 2021 there is a further easing of social contact restrictions, primarily around meeting people outside. Outdoor sporting recreation will be allowed again, and you can start to travel within the country.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Scout Scar, Cumbria, Winter

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:26:00 +0000

Today, it really felt like spring is on its way.

This week has been extremely wet, Saturday in particular, so it was a veritable relief when Sunday emerged with blue skies and bright sun. We quickly took the opportunity to get outside for a solid wander towards, and around, Scout Scar, clocking up nearly 8-miles of hiking all in all.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Caldbeck Common, Cumbria, Winter

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 20:50:30 +0000

Today it was time for something a little different.

It’s been about a month since I last saw my Dad, and during that time a 3rd National Lockdown came into effect. My Dad’s in his 60s, lives alone, and has Type II Diabetes, so he’s in our “bubble”. So we thought it we were overdue for a visit, and zipped up to North Cumbria to check in on him, and get some exercise in whilst there.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Helsington Barrows, Cumbria, Winter

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 18:56:24 +0000

It’s amazing the difference 24-hours can make.

Yesterday we were hiking through mist and fog with a landscape covered in frost and snow.

Today a lot of the frost has melted, the sun was out, and the atmosphere was crystal clear.

Latrigg, Lake District, Winter

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 14:56:06 +0000

It’s really starting to feel like winter in the Lake District now.

As the weather improved over the Christmas Break, Lisabet and I decided to embark on a hike up a fell we’ve never done before: Latrigg.

Deepdale, Lake District, Winter

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 20:19:48 +0000

Winter has arrived.

We’ve been watching as temperatures in Cumbria have steadily dropped from the tens to near freezing point.

By around the 3rd December snow started to fall across the high fells of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, followed by some ground level snow on the 4th.

Great Langdale, Lake District, Autumn

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 20:03:31 +0000

Let’s take a break from my recent run of Isle of Skye images.

Do you know what one of my favourite areas in the Lake District is? It’s Great Langdale.

Tarn Hows, Lake District, Autumn

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 14:42:20 +0000

Our new jam is sunrise hikes.

After summiting Loughrigg Fell as the sun rose up last weekend, we ventured out for another sunrise hike. This time we started from Yew Tree Tarn near Coniston, and hiked up through the woods in a ravine called Glen Mary to find a delightful succession of waterfalls called the Tom Gill falls. Following the gill, you eventually pop out at Tarn Hows, where we were greeted with crystal-clear reflections and the sun rising up above the surrounding fells.

Loughrigg, Lake District, Autumn

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:07:02 +0000

There are several Wainwrights—that is, Lake District peaks written about in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells—that are considered key or “core” Wainwrights.

Colwith Force, Lake District, Summer/Autumn

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 16:54:10 +0000

The sweltering heat of July is giving way to the rain and thunder of August.

A lot of this week—especially in Cumbria—has consisted of heavy downpours, with some lightning thrown in for good measure. This has made getting out for some solid hiking rather difficult.

Kentmere, Lake District, Summer

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 20:33:09 +0000

We seem to be going through a session of revisiting hikes we’ve not been on in years.

Straight after work one afternoon Lisabet and I had planned on a hike perhaps up to Hayeswater from Hartsop, or into Deepdale to gawp at Greenhow End. But not long after setting off we consulted SaferLakes.co.uk and found that most of the parking around Glenridding and Patterdale was labelled as Busy. We quickly changed plans. Why not jump off the A591 now, head through Staveley and arrive at Kentmere for a walk around this gorgeous and quiet valley?

Stock Ghyll Force, Lake District, Summer

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:16:07 +0000

We’re doing lots of rain dodging at the moment.

But that’s OK, because lots of rain means thunderous waterfalls.

Lisabet and I decided to head straight out after work for a hike around Stock Ghyll Force in Ambleside, before the rain arrived. We timed it well. Five minutes after getting back in the car to head home, the heavens opened and our car was washed.

Aira Force, Lake District, Summer

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 21:51:17 +0000

The weekend has been very wet.

The Met Office have stated that, between 10:00am Sunday 28/6/20 and 10:00am Monday 29/6/20, Honister Pass recorded 212.8 mm of rain, “provisionally a new UK June daily rainfall record”.

Orrest Head, Lake District, Summer

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:28:51 +0000

In 1930, at the age of 23, a young Alfred Wainwright from Blackburn, Lancashire arrived at Windermere Railway Station, Westmorland, and hiked up the nearby small fell known as Orrest Head (238m/783 feet).

Elterwater, Lake District, Summer

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:26:26 +0000

After a seriously dry and hot April/May—as noted by the MetOffice—June has proved to be more tropical and, well, wet.

In the last week or so we’ve had mid-20°C heat combined with thunder and lightning (very very frightening), and heavy downpours of rain.

High Sweden Bridge, Lake District, Summer

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 20:01:32 +0000

Lockdown restriction continue to relax in the UK.

From Monday June 15th non-essential businesses can reopen to the public once again, as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. Some of the bigger companies have already started opening up again.

Brothers Water, Lake District, Spring

Sun, 24 May 2020 21:58:48 +0000

Brotherswater is one of those Minimum Effort/Maximum Reward places.

There’s a small car park and then five minutes walk along the river you reach this expansive view of the Dodds of Patterdale above Brotherswater. It’s quite a wondrous place.

Tarn Hows, Lake District, Spring

Thu, 21 May 2020 17:21:44 +0000

The weather’s been a bit strange.

April 2020 was the 3rd driest April for Northern England since UK records began (which was 1854). So the landscape is looking pretty parched and in need of a good soaking.

Foulshaw Moss, Lake District, Spring

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:40:52 +0000

A few days after my 36th birthday, back in 2019, my Dad came up to stay with us (he wasn’t living in Cumbria at the time). One of the places we explored with him was Foulshaw Moss, a raised bog just south of the imposing Whitbarrow Scar. We explored the area and took photos; at the time, I was mainly shooting on my Google Pixel 3XL with a shiny new Moment 18mm Wide v2 lens I’d got for my birthday.

Lower Borrowdale, Lake District, Spring

Sat, 16 May 2020 21:49:26 +0000

I mostly shot this photograph for the trees on the fell. To me it looks like some ancient woodland god has scribbled her signature across the fell and trees have sprouted in the wake of her pen.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Castle Hill, Kendal, Cumbria, Spring

Tue, 12 May 2020 21:53:45 +0000

The UK Lockdown has changed.

On Sunday 10th May 2020 the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced, amongst many things, that there would no longer be travel restrictions for the purposes of exercise. Until now outdoor exercise during the Lockdown was limited to your immediate surroundings.

Pandemic Peregrinations: My Birthday On The Scar, Cumbria, Spring

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 19:43:40 +0000

The limestone ridges on the cliff face of Scout Scar.

Today is my 37th birthday.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Cunswick Tarn, Cumbria, Spring

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 17:07:40 +0000

Cunswick Hall. What you see has been standing since its modernisation in the 1800s, but there aspects of the property still remaining from the 1500s, including a window which is said to contain the oldest glass in Westmorland. Historically the manor belonged to the Leyburn family.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Scout Scar, Cumbria, Spring

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 20:03:43 +0000

The limestone cliff of Scout Scar, which suddenly drops 100 ft or so down into the Lyth Valley.

Pandemic Peregrinations: Cunswick Fell, Cumbria, Spring

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 18:56:22 +0000

My Lisabet, navigating through a narrow stile in the wall. The yellow fell in the distance on the right is Cunswick Fell, with the jagged peaks in the distance being the Lake District fells.

Buttermere & Newlands, Lake District: A Winter Series

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:46:15 +0000

A burst of light breaks through the overcast sky, picking out the details on High Crag’s (744 m/2,441 ft) shoulder.

Wasdale & Wastwater, Lake District: A Winter Series

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 16:25:00 +0000

A famous Wasdale peak, Yewbarrow (628 m/2,060 ft), with the only road going in and out of the valley curling its way towards the fell’s foot.

Patterdale, The Lake District

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 19:30:44 +0000

Today wasn’t forecast to be all that nice in terms of weather, but the best chances were said to be more towards the Eastern Fells.

Scout Scar, Lake District, England

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 15:52:11 +0000

Lisabet and I saw out the last light of 2019 on top of one of our places: Scout Scar, in the Lake District.

It’s the place where I first experienced the joy of the Lake District, and where Lisabet and I first hung out. Back then, I was very much in the thrall of shooting and editing HDR photography à la Trey Ratcliff. These days, my Eye has got better (even if one of my actual eyes has physically deteriorated), and my taste has developed.

The Clarity of Winter

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 20:22:05 +0000

Going For A Paddle

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 21:25:21 +0000