WINTER IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
Lakes magazine
015394 88855
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L A K E LOV E R S .CO.U K
The Grange - Windermere Langdales in winter
Lexington nHouse - Bowness
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Tree on a hill - Ben Bush
Helvellyn
Contents
Thank you
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Winter Solstice
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Cultural Concierge
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Michelin Restaurants
Welcome to our second edition of Lakes Magazine. Winter in the Lake District is such an extraordinary season and the stunning vistas become even more awe-inspiring. Explore hidden gems, plan your winter walks and discover the dark skies of the Lake District.
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Large Properties
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5 Hidden Gems
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Dark Skies
Cultural Concierge
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Rural Cottages
Shaun Derby
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Ben Bush Q&A
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Stunning Views
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Cottages with Stunning Views
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Winter Walks
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Cottages near Winter Walks
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Dog Friendly Cottages
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Ask the Expert
With thanks to:
Jeanette Edgar
Ben Bush
benbush.photos
shaunderbyphotography.com
Front cover image Shaun Derby Photography. Back cover image Ben Bush.
Proud to be a member of Cumbria Tourism Browse our Cottages here
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Winter Solstice After the showmanship of autumn, with all that colour and verve, this season enters a new personality, Jack Frost, or Old Man of Winter. Anyone can enjoy the Lakes in summer, but what about ‘the other Lake District’? From early December, patterns of frosty snowflakes appear on windows, ice sculptures drip down from becks, tarns and through gills and we realise trees have finally relinquished their last leaves, leaving a slightly daunting silhouette of arms wide-open branches against enormous dark skies. Old Man of Winter, we admit, is deliciously menacing. Yet winter is the time of coming together. It is the season of celebration and feasting. We are safe inside, with the fire crackling and the guilt of the gym a million miles away. Just as the hedgehogs, foxes and badgers of the Lake District lowlands scurry themselves away, we too focus our attention on what’s important - feasting on the
treasures collected over the summer. Winter is a time for family, for love and for peace. And nowhere else is this more so than in the Lake District. You may notice that we have used words like beck, fell and gill, rather than river, stream and gorge. Beck and gill, along with fell, come from our Viking ancestors and they are words still used today her, as the ancient heritage of the Lake District lives on. In fact, the Lake District has one of the highest concentrations of Scandinavian influence and over the winter months, this history comes alive with festivals, Christmas markets, winter droving, lantern parades and Dickensian performances. The Cumbrian version of hygge. 4
Ennerdale Water
Yet, here in Winter, the Lake District offers another side, one for those ready to embrace Old Man Winter and head outdoors, under the Lake District’s famous huge dark, winter skies. A blanket of snow on the ground muffles any sounds, with the lone figures of hardy Herdwick sheep and silent wandering deer or scampering red squirrels, the only telltale tracks of life on the quiet fells. ‘The other Lake District’ is for folk who just want to head outdoors regardless of the weather and light. And if you find yourself atop our very own Old Man Winter, the Old Man of Coniston, or alongside the Jack Frost falls of Stanley Ghyll and you chance upon some other walkers, you might not stop to chin wag. But instead, nod your head and carry on at pace - as the cold weather requires - both parties understanding that you’ve discovered ‘the other Lake District’. This is The Lake District. Anyone can love the Lakes in summer, just like fair-weather football fans, but the winter Lake District is for those with a deeper love of this wild landscape and for being outside, regardless of the light! It is for those
with a hunger for winter wanderlust. It is a time of muted silence, except for the warm gaggle of joy from your select party of winter ramblers. Winter in the Lakes is perfect for those who love the stillness of landscapes, the snow-brightness and wintry skies, which bring its own warm glow. As we head into the Winter Solstice, we embrace some of the darkest skies in England. For this single moment a year, the sun appears to stand still and the days are noticeably shorter. Here in the Lakes, we celebrate the longer nights – a chance for cosy indulgence, as we head outside to take in the breath-taking night-sky and star displays. Some of our favourite things are the walk back from a cosy pub by torchlight, those early dog walks with the clearness of the frost and pink skies, amazing temperature inversions above the water; and of course, the delicious choice of comfort food and mulled wine or cider or perhaps a craft ale, or hot chocolate.
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Things to do
RUUP by Birgit Õigus - Grizedale Forest
Cultural Concierge
Our #CulturalConcierge knows all about the best & most inspiring arts, performance, literature & festivals here in the beautiful Lake District. We’ve asked her to curate ideas for you to explore in these stunning World Heritage landscapes.
The #CulturalConcierge has spent her career promoting Cumbria as a leading rural cultural destination. She knows all about our quirky and interesting places and will be your guide as we discover some quieter, less-visited hidden gems.
You’ll have plenty of room with over 4000 hectares of forest and woodlands to explore and you can discover contemporary art sculptures by as the likes of Andy Goldsworthy and David Nash. ‘There are lots to choose from, but if you’re stuck for time on a short winter’s day, I’d make a beeline for RUUP by Birgit Õigus - a co-commission between Forestry Commission England and Lakes Alive Festival. It’s a crazy 3 large wooden megaphone-like structure, sited just above the Silurian way on the path towards Carron Crag summit. (you can grab directions at the Visitor Centre) It’s designed to amplify the sounds of the forest, so you can sit or stand inside them and do your forest bathing undercover!’
‘Thinking of a winter break in the Lake District? Just wrap up warm and head outside for the sights, smells and sounds of winter in the beautiful Grizedale Forest.’ ‘I recommend that you combine your walk with some contemporary art and a little forest bathing! The ancient Japanese practice of relaxation; know in Japan as shinrin yoku is a simplistic way of calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature (and in this case, the sculpture) around you whilst breathing deeply can help you to destress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.’ 6
The Foodie:
Seven Michelin Starred Restaurants It’s not just the twinkling dark skies that are lighting up the Lake District this winter - this year three Lakes restaurants gained Michelin star status to bring the total to a glowing seven and includes the ‘number one restaurant in the UK’. Groundbreaking, creative and extraordinary - come and taste the stars.
L’enclume, Cartmel, £59-155 and Henrock, Linthwaite
one of the most memorable dining experiences in the UK.
The only restaurant in the Lake District to hold two Michelin stars as well as being awarded the accolade of ‘number one restaurant in the UK’, by The Good Food Guide 2020. Excellent is an understatement for the endless tasting plates that come out of this experimental kitchen, under the watchful eye of Simon Rogan. There’s no limit to the wizardry delivered by the most famous development kitchen in the Lake District, all from simple ingredients grown in their local Our Farm or foraged from Lakeland countryside. The place to treat a loved one with
For a taste of Cumbria, also visit Henrock - Rogan’s latest culinary venture, opened just this summer so no stars ... yet. Henrock is centrally located in Bowness-on-Windermere at Linthwaite House and follows the same passion for local produce and foraging as l’Enclume, with the menu designed around ingredients from Our Farm. However, as this new eatery chases the stars, expect a global twist, with creative techniques picked up from around the world. This is one to visit before anyone else. You heard it from us first.
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Allium, Askham Hall, Penrith £55-£70
Teetering on the very tip of the Lake District border, close to Pooley Bridge and Ullswater, this new addition to the Michelin one star award guide is part of the Lowther Estate. Once owned by the infamous Yellow Earl, Allium is located in this 11 century castle
and has a wealth of local ingredients as well as more than 800 years of family history at its fingertips. Dining here is an elegant affair, with a paired-back menu offering refined simplicity and sitting comfortably within the chic country-style dining room.
Rogan & Co, Cartmel £29-45 Just down the road in Cartmel from L’enclume, a more casual approach to excellent food and dining gives this Rogan pub a bright one star Michelin status. Expect a more traditional menu that suits the gastro pub style of Rogan & Co, where diners choose from starters, mains and desserts as they cosy up next to an open fire. But whilst you can order meals that deliver ‘familiar’ tastes such as duck, fish, chicken or lentils and artichoke perhaps as a vegetarian option, this is where the comparison to a “good gastro pub” ends. The plates are pretty as can be, adorned with edible flowers and with ingredients stripped back to their core elements. This is a great introduction to newbies to Michelin dining. 8
The Old Stamp House, Ambleside £29-£70 Arrive on foot at The Old Stamp House, just as William Wordsworth would have done back in the 19th century when he worked in this building as ‘postmaster and distributor of stamps’. This year The Old Stamp House, which opened in 2014, was awarded its very own stamp of approval, a shiny one star from the coveted Michelin Guide. The dining rooms, spread over two floors, are intimate, with low ceilings and rustic, white-washed wall
decor. This is the place to feel like one of the locals and enjoy a hidden gem. Owned and run by the Lake District born Blackburn brothers, the menus are inspired by the Lake District landscape, people and history, with cheese boards that look like the iconic Landgale Pikes and soups that are a celebration of the deep pools of the region’s famous lakes.
The Forest Side, Grasmere £40-105 It took this kitchen only eight-months from opening to receive its first Michelin star. Step inside this restored Victorian mansion house and instantly feel at home. The ambience of the dining room is a perfect blend of gentlemen’s retreat and Scandi forest calm. This restaurant is deeply rooted in its forest location and the art of foraging. The likes of Critter Fritter, grey squirrel wrapped in confit breadcrumbs and served with a Douglas Fir mayonnaise, is the ordre du jour. Natural wood features throughout, as serving platters as well as the focal point in the centre of the dining room, where you find the exposed roots of a huge upturned tree supporting a glass tabletop. There’s flexibility in dining options with the six course La’l ‘Un and ten course Grand ‘Un - again another homage to Forest Side’s Cumbrian roots.
Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter £30-£70 The dream of a Michelin star arrived for the Cottage in the Wood restaurant this summer. Tucked away in the mountain forest of Whinlatter, in the eastern corner of the Lake District, this stylish dining room is certainly worth the detour. Cottage in the Wood is a boutique restaurant styled with subtle mid-century modern finesse and a hint of So Ho House. King Oyster Mushrooms, Coco Beans and Vermouth Cream, the Cottage in the Wood is the place to get carried away with the drama of excellent food and even better company. This is a young and trendy Michelin experience and their private dining space is ideal for getting your friends together.
HRiSHi,Bowness-on-Windermere £70-90 It’s the Lake District’s rich spice trade heritage that gives this one star Michelin restaurant a global glow. The current menu is inspired by a recent sourcing trip to China, under the watchful eye of head chef Hrishikesh Desai where classic Lake District flavours are combined with classic Asian techniques. Expect brightly decorated decor that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This humour continues on into the brightly coloured cuisine, which delivers an instant smile. Extraordinary textures and tastes, this is modern British cuisine with a twist and the perfect place for a celebration.
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Lakelovers
Large Properties Bring all the family and experience spacious and expertly finished décor from start to finish.
Endymion House 6 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms Endymion House is a rare find amongst Lakeland holiday properties and is without doubt one of the most elegant period properties available in the area. A rare example of the Art Deco design of the 1930’s Endymion House is still offering a real wow factor today. With stunning views from all the principal rooms, the position is one of the most beautiful in the Lake District and now having been lovingly restored by the current owners it is a great choice for special occasions and extended family holidays offering superb accommodation in breathtaking surroundings. From £1995 for 7 nights
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Left images : Waternook | Right Images : Bristowe Hill
Waternook
Bristowe Hill
6 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms
8 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms
Five star opulence on Ullswater, Waternook is quite simply outstanding and luxurious in every way, arguably the most prestigious self-catering experience in the Lake District or possibly the British Isles. This eclectic detached 17th century Lakeland residence occupies a sublime, secluded setting within 26 acres of private grounds with 1/2 mile of lake shoreline, commanding simply breath-taking uninterrupted panoramic views as far as the eye can see.
Presented with 8 bedrooms, plenty of social space, an elegant dining room with adjacent kitchen, orangery with dining table and breakfast kitchen, Bristowe Hill, offers the finest of holiday experiences for special family celebrations whilst offering easy access to the amazing countryside of the north Lake District and walking distance of the bars, shops, restaurants and award winning market in the centre of the town.
From ÂŁ6480 for 7 nights
From ÂŁ4900 for 7 nights
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Top right : Helvellyn
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Bottom right : Approach to Claife Viewing Station
Discover 5 Hidden Gems this Winter
West Coast Photo Exhibition, Barrow-in-Furness A visit to the new West Coast Photo Exhibition at the impressive Dock Museum is an absolute must and one that few people may know about, affording you massive bragging rights. Inspired by the identity and landscape of the unique West Coast of Cumbria, this brandnew exhibition is part of an annual celebration of life on the West Coast, from the early 20th century to the present day. The photography exhibition opened on 26 October 2019, offering the first-ever collection of lens work celebrating Cumbria’s West Coast. The coveted exhibition, that hosts award-winning artists like Thomas
Joshua Cooper and Martin Parr, runs over Christmas and into the New Year, closing on 15 January 2020. As well as stunning work by local artists, this exhibition has bagged some highly coveted work too, including images from the Sankey Family Photographic Collection from between 1890 and 1960.
Lake District Ski club The Lake District has its very own Ski Club, founded in 1963, the club operates a 360-metre button tow on Raise, next to Helvellyn. An hour’s walk from the mines at Glenridding, Raise is positioned for the best snow in the Lakes and has nine ungroomed pistes, the longest measuring almost a mile. You can ski for a day as a guest for
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just £30. Being situated near the top of one of England’s highest peaks, make sure you’re well-equipped for a mountain environment and fit enough to make the steep climb. If you’re planning a visit to the Lake District this winter, don’t forget to bring your skiing gear and head to the slopes.
Claife Viewing Station, Windermere Claife Viewing Station was built in the 1790s as a viewpoint and was the place to go on Windermere Lake in the Victorian era. The Station had different tints of glass in each room – yellow for summer, orange for autumn, light green for spring and light blue for winter. The National
Trust have replicated these views from the platform with coloured glass to give you an idea today of how the Victorians saw everything. You can access it from the Bowness Ferry, or set out on a 4mile linear walk from Wray Castle – a great route for bikes or walking. There’s a lovely Courtyard Café which is dog friendly, and serves snacks and drinks.
Alpacaly Ever After, Keswick Take a guided alpaca walk through the private grounds of the Lingholm Estate – Keswick, where another favourite author of ours, Beatrix Potter, spent many of her summer holidays. You’ll get to know your alpacas close up as you take them for a
paddle (or swim) on the shores of Derwentwater, before meeting the whole herd to take part in feeding time. You’ll get to meet over 80 fluffy residents, all with their own unique style and personality. The new Lingholm Kitchen and shop looks down onto an octagonal walled garden built in a Victorian style. The Kitchen offers a variety of locally sourced meals, coffee, teas and homebaked treats. Shop alpacaly gifts and knits in the gorgeous gift shop for a memento of your day.
Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley Hawkshead Brewery started life in 2002 as a small barn on the outskirts of the village of Hawkshead. And in 2006, the brewery saw a new lease
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of life, relocating beside the River Kent at Staveley. The Brewery has left its second hand 7 barrel kit behind, and now boasts a beautiful beer hall and 20 barrel brewhouse, producing 7,700 barrels of beer (1.1 million litres) per year at full capacity! So, there’s plenty of beer to keep your glass full. There is always plenty of festive cheer, with The Curragh Sons playing their unique blend of Irish music or pull on your dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate the New Year with Jim Bean.
Dark Skies Looking for peace and quiet and time away from the crowds, you walk up to Blea Tarn on a clear, dark night. Gazing up at the enormous dark Lake District sky and you realise that actually we are not alone. There can be as many as 2000 stars clustered all around you in the Lakes, compared with a dozen or so seen by the naked eye from a London location.
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Orion Fleetwith Buttermere
Rare Stars Orion is perhaps the most well-known winter star pattern, but the Lake District gives us the rarest of opportunity to see some of the lesser-known celestial delights. There’s climbing a mountain to reach England’s rooftop to sit amongst the stars and capture the rarest of photos - a snap of our sister galaxy, Andromeda.
Blea, Andromeda, Langdale
Deep within Grizedale Forest, you are well protected from light pollution giving a once-in-alifetime opportunity to witness all sorts of heavenly sights, such as Mercury in transit or Jupiter’s moons and even the famous Aurora. Or, there’s spotting the Winter Hexagon or Polaris from the otherworldly location of Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the earliest in Britain and is thought to be an ancient astronomical observatory. There are lots of different ways to plan a holiday around stargazing.
Night photography advice from Ben Bush • Night photography is possible even with some very basic kit. • An entry level DSLR is a must, as is a tripod to get started. • A good photo guide to decide on some locations as well as the basics of being out at night and operating your camera in the dark! • Local knowledge to negotiate the weather and capture the best locations and sights. • YouTube is a great resource and a brilliant learning tool to learn long exposure photography. • Continually change your settings and try different compositions and locations. • Then when the camera function becomes easier, put your creative brain to thinking about different compositions. • One of the main things though, is just to get out there. Keep trying and soon enough the results will show and you’ll get shot after shot. The sky is literally the limit!
Buttermere Stars
Losing the Dark Here in the UK, we have some of the largest ‘dark sky reserves’ in Europe. Hopefully soon to be added to the list of four official UK dark sky reserves is the Lake District. Awarded by the International Dark Sky Association, this accolade is no easy feat especially with light pollution increasing, rising by 2% every year for the last four years, sadly.
Castlerigg January Snow
The protection of rural areas with ‘dark sky status’ preserves mankind’s oldest natural wonder that is the starry night sky - a natural phenomenon that 85% of the UK may no longer see at home. It’s not just humans that miss out 50% of animals in the UK are nocturnal, relying on the night sky for their feeding and breeding patterns.
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Lakelovers
Rural Cottages Stargaze from these wonderfully located properties.
Tall Trees 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms Step inside and take pleasure in the outstanding contemporary features echoed throughout, a secluded country Lake District atmosphere blends effortlessly with 21st century life, where the infinity glazed accommodation really does bring the outside in. Walk out through full length bi-folding doors onto the substantial terraced balcony or the large slate patio, here you can’t help but fall in love with the setting. From £795 for 7 nights
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Left images : Deerwood at Applethwaite Hall | Right Images : Thyme Out
Deer Wood at Applethwaite Hall
Thyme Out
2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
2 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms
Set just a mile from the centre of Windermere town, Deer Wood forms part of the prestigious Applethwaite Hall. As well as enjoying Deer Wood’s private outside seating areas, guests are afforded full access to Applethwaite Hall’s beautifully manicured lawns, home to a host of wildlife including a family of deer, squirrels and a variety of native birds.
Thyme Out is quite simply a gorgeous contemporary Lakeland cottage occupying a picture postcard perfect setting with breathtaking views in every direction. Outside the private and pretty garden provides the ideal spot for morning coffee, a glass or two before dinner or an evening of stargazing.
From £435 for 7 nights
From £475 for 7 nights
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Orion over Castlerigg
Ben Bush
Astro Photographer
Should we have heard of you?
I love the Lake District in any weather it’s incredibly beautiful and inspiring at every turn.
I’m a Lake District based Astro/Landscape photographer, and I run workshops around the Lakes, Scotland, and Wales.
I trained as an aircraft engineer, living the highlife in Brighton for a few years, then came back to my native Lake District to live the quiet life and trained to be a tree surgeon. A few years climbing trees and playing with chainsaws, but photography was always close to my heart and my camera always close at hand.
I’ve been lucky enough to have several exhibitions including a major two-month solo exhibition at the fantastic Gaddum Gallery in The Lake District Visitor centre, Brockhole. I was very proud to be named as the winner of the People & Space category of Astro Photographer of the year, the biggest Astro competition in the world. I was one of 8 winners from nearly 5000 entries from 90 countries and now have work published and on display in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. As a result of this award, I’m heading off soon to Africa, Iceland and the Azores.
As time moved on my photography slowly overtook tree surgery and around three years ago it became my main job. How lucky am I! We don’t have kids (except for the dogs!), so I can be out and about, and travel to some amazing places with my work.. My tuition and workshops also mean I get to meet interesting people who also have that passion for photography.
2020 is looking to be an amazing year with lots of travel and photographic opportunities.
How did you start shooting the Night Sky? A few years ago, I was living in the very heart of the Lake District - a great place to be, but the hills were quite busy and bustling with people visiting to see the beauty for themselves. I wanted to experience it all at a quieter time and slower pace. So I started exploring the hills and lakes at night. This is when the Lake District completely changes and becomes almost other worldly, with completely new and interesting sights to see and experience. Even the
Tell me a bit about you and your life I love Cumbria and feel blessed to have been born and brought up here. I live in the Northern Lake District, with my partner and soon to be wife Carlie-Rose and our 4 dogs Floyd, Loki, Luna and Red. I love heading into the hills exploring and taking photographs along the way.
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Why Cumbria?
most famous views look completely different at night with a sky full of stars.
I’ve explored the UK extensively and we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country. We’re tucked away in the North West and in my humble opinion it’s the jewel in the crown. In the north we have the stunning Solway Firth with some of the best beaches to walk your dog and where I’ve seen the best sunsets of my life, then southwards towards majestic and awe inspiring Wasdale. In the middle lies the utterly beautiful Lake District. From beaches, to lakes, mountains, streams and hidden valleys, it’s a truly beautiful part of the world.
One night I was out in the beautiful Langdale valley at Blea Tarn: a favourite place to visit in the day, and a truly stunning and ethereal place to be at night. It was a cold one, frost covered the grass and a slight sheen of ice was visible on the tarn. I was taking panoramas of Blea with the Langdale Pikes in the background covered with snow and stars reflected through the thin ice on the tarn. I noticed something that looked like a galaxy in the top corner of my shot when I got home and loaded it onto the computer. That was a defining moment for me and literally from the second I saw our sister Galaxy Andromeda, I was completely hooked. Everything I do and am photography-wise comes from that one night -time shot of beautiful Blea Tarn.
What would people experience if they went on one of your workshops?
Bottom image : Orion Rising
We’ll spend time visiting amazing locations, sunrises and sunsets, landscapes and star-filled skies. We’d then cherry-pick the best locations, and I’ll guide you as someone who has literally spent their life looking at the Lakes through a viewfinder. Time then to explore the world of post processing, editing and getting the best out of your images. It’s a complete immersion in photography for photographers of all abilities.
Middle image : Crummock Arch
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You get to experience the wonder and awe of the heavens while capturing the stunning landscape all around you. It’s a wonderful experience, being out and about in this glorious place, finishing up with amazing photos you’ve taken, and some memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll also meet some great people, have good fun and the craic.
What are you up to this coming year? This coming year is a busy one for me. I’ll have been in London selling my prints on the Southbank throughout December, bringing a bit of Cumbria to the big City. January it’s Iceland - visiting locations and taking photographs for my workshops there. February & March I’ll be on Skye running two 5-day workshops, then I’m off to the Outer Hebrides again to scout locations for further workshops.
To p i m a g e : S k i d d a w S t a r s
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Back to the Lakes for a week or two then I’m off to Africa to spend a month in Botswana taking Milky Way and astro photos as well as going on safari. Back to the Lake District briefly then I’m off to the Azores, again for some Milky Way photography and to scout workshop locations. Home again (phew!) to sort tuition and stalls in and around the Lake District summer festivals. September is very special as I will be marrying the love of my life, with just us, a couple of witnesses and our dogs on a Scottish beach before running off to Greece for a honeymoon (& take some photos!).
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The Lake District’s
MOST STUNNING VIEWS Views from deep and mysterious lakes below sea level, to panoramas that stretch as far as Scotland, Wales and over 14 English counties in one vista, there are truly extraordinary sights not to be missed in the Lake District.
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Crinkle Crags - Langdale
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Wastwater
Wastwater - Seascale
Seascale The view across the waters of Wastwater and up to Wasdale Head holds the title as Britain’s Favourite View, beating off competition from the likes of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland and The Mountains of Mourne in Co Down, Northern Ireland. There is much that makes Wastwater Britain’s favourite and most awe-inspiring view. Wastwater lies in the most remote and untouched part of the Lake District and looks exactly as it did centuries ago. The Lake is surrounded by ominous mountains, including England’s largest, Scafell Pike. On the south eastern flank of Wastwater are screes that rise 2000 ft from the lake and are snow-capped in winter, and give an ‘otherworldly’ look to this view. Although it is only 3 miles in length, Wastwater is England’s deepest lake and whilst it sits alongside England’s tallest peak, it reaches below sea level meaning it has little oxygen and plant life. This gives rise to a spectacular dark water sat against the rugged mountain backdrop. A view like this is not easily forgotten and certainly one to talk about back at home.
Wastwater - Seascale
Surprise View Keswick As the name suggests, this is one of the most surprising views in the Lake District. Surprising because it is so well hidden, tucked off the very narrow road to the hamlet of Watendlath. There is no hint of this view at all until you come to a gap in the trees and find yourself standing on the very edge of a rocky outcrop, looking down onto Derwentwater and across to Keswick. Finding yourself suddenly on this exposed and elevated view, which does have a sharp and unprotected drop, adds to the wonder that this view delivers.
Surprise View - Keswick
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Crinkle Crags Langdale Conquer and stand on the rugged jumble of shattered rocks that make up the Crinkle Crag ridge in the Langdale Pikes. From here you can drink in the view of the dramatic Langdale valley below and you can’t help but feel the power that shaped this landscape millions of years ago. Lying only 2-miles outside of the bustling town of Ambleside is the mouth of the Langdale valley. There are only two hamlets found in this rather remote valley, Elterwater and Chapel Stile yet the valley is brimming with hospitality.
Crinkle Crags - Langdale
Gummer’s How - Windermere
Black Combe Millom Wordsworth described the view from the top of Black Combe as “the amplest range of unobstructed prospect may be seen that British ground commands”. At 1,790ft tall, the fell of Black Combe lies in the south-west corner of the Lake District, only 4-miles from the Irish sea. On a clear day, views from the summit of Black Combe stretch to include Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and 14 counties in England. It is this fell’s isolated location, to the south-west of the main central Lakeland fells, that awards it these unique panoramic views. Indeed, the nearest peak of similar height is 10 miles away.
Gummer’s How Windermere This low lying fell sits on the south east of Lake Windermere and gives enviable views of the whole length of Lake Windermere for very little effort; west to the Langdale Pikes and Coniston Fells; to the east you can see as far as the north Pennines; and to the south the boats bobbing at Newby Bridge and on to Morecambe Bay and beyond. Take the well-managed footpath to Gummer’s How and quickly gain height. As you do so, this ‘miniature mountain’ delivers all that you would want from a fell walk, including scrambles, and steep inclines, but within a short 1.5-mile linear walk. As you quickly ascend, don’t forget to stop to admire the spectacular views as they suddenly open out before you. If it is an evening walk with sunset view or a first fell, offering snap-worthy summit views, then the petite Gummer’s How fell delivers a vista way beyond its 118m of climbing.
Black Combe - Millom
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Lakelovers Cottages with Stunning Views
Top left : Flaska House | Bottom left : One the Howe | Right : Larna Place
Enjoy the beauty of the Lake District from your holiday cottage.
Flaska House
One the Howe
Larna Place
4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms
2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom
Nestled in beautiful countryside with panoramic views of Blencathra, Flaska House is a lovingly restored farmhouse that benefits from a quiet location, offering a homely atmosphere ideal for friends and family.
Set in an elevated position, just outside the popular market town of Keswick, One The Howe is a generously proportioned ground floor apartment, that benefits from beautiful views to the western fells and offers high quality accommodation in a stunning location.
One of six properties that make up superb Lesketh How, development, Larna Place offers superb, architectdesigned accommodation that offers high quality, contemporary retreat with lovely views across the valley and just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Ambleside.
From £775 for 7 nights
From £495 for 7 nights
From £495 for 7 nights
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Pennys Cottage 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom Pennys Cottage is believed to date from the 17th Century and was once a former cow shed converted to a residence in the 19th Century. It is now a charming mid-terrace traditional cottage with many original features, enjoying beautiful and picturesque views across the Troutbeck valley down to the church surrounded by fields, trees and up towards the Garburn Pass, Ill Bell and the High Street ridge. From ÂŁ395 for 7 nights
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Lake District
Winter Walks Left : Hodge Close Quarry | Top Rigth: Gowbarrow Trail | Bottom Rigth: Easdale Tarn
Explore some of the best winter walks in the Lake District
The Lake District is 2,362 square kilometres of natural bliss. Experience the drama of snow-capped mountains, icicle dripping waterfalls and frozen tarns. Enjoy the warmth of rural communities, a traditional countryside pub with good food, beer and an open fire. Here we’ve picked some of our favourite walks so you can plan your winter break to the Lake District.
Aira Force and Gowbarrow Trail, Penrith Experience Aira Force at its best, rainy days offer the chance to see the falls in full force, as rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck. Head out on a sunny morning and make sure to look out for rainbows that appear when the conditions are just right. Pass through the woodland then emerge from the confines of the gorge to enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow.
Hodge Close Walk, Little Langdale
Easdale Tarn, Grasmere
This circular, low-level walk will provide you with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes and surrounding fells, along with an insight into the historical industrial past of the area. You will pass Atkinson Coppice, a network of old slate quarries which sprawl across the side of the fell. Pass over Slater Bridge, a spectacular example of a slateconstructed packhorse bridge built between 1650 and 1750. This walk takes you past the Three Shires Inn, a typical Lakeland Inn providing a warm welcome and a selection of local ales.
One of the Lake District’s more famous tarns, the riverside walk up to the tarn is as good as the tarn itself. You pass the white cascades of Sour Milk falls, which are spectacular on a winter’s day and there are lots of places to stop and enjoy the view. It is a classic Lake District rocky path underfoot at approximately 5 miles, all the family will enjoy this walk that the Wordsworth family loved.
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Aira Force
Lakelovers
Cottages near Winter Walks
Left images : Underhowe | Right Images : Grass Ings
Walk straight from the door of these wonderfully located properties.
Underhowe
Grass Ings
4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms
Underhowe is an exceptional property, designed and presented to the highest standard and located in one of the prettiest areas of the Lake District. The property is literally a few hundred yards from the centre of Grasmere with access to all of the excellent pubs, restaurants and coffee shops as well as having Silver Howe on your doorstop if you’re feeling adventurous.
At the very heart of the Lake District lie the spectacular Langdale Valleys; Great Langdale and Little Langdale. In this stunning landscape of high mountains, rolling meadows, cascading waterfalls and babbling becks, Grass Ings stands in a prominent position overlooking the River Brathay, on the edge of the valley of Skelwith Bridge.
From £1195 for 7 nights
From £825 for 7 nights
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Merlestead 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms Benefitting from its elevated and secluded setting, Merlestead offers superb accommodation with lovely views to the hills of the north Lakes and Derwent Water. Lake Bassenthwaite, Buttermere and Ullswater are all within easy reach and offering a myriad of walks of al levels, mountain biking and water sports. From ÂŁ645 for 7 nights
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Lakelovers
Dog Friendly Cottages
Left images : Low Cartmell Fold | Right Images : High Lindeth
Perfect for your dog friendly holiday in the tranquil Lake District.
Low Cartmell Fold
High Lindeth
4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms
5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms
Traditional 17th Century Lake District meets 21st century luxury convenience as you step inside Low Cartmell Fold. This quintessential Lakeland farmhouse has been fully refurbished with love and care to create high quality and luxurious accommodation in the pretty village of Crosthwaite. 2 Dogs Welcome.
We are sure that High Lindeth will be the focal point of many happy family holidays in The Lake District and if you are looking for a spacious and comfortable base for your Lakeland visit this really could be the one for you. Dating back over three hundred years this converted farm and attached barn oozes character combined with 21st Century comforts and facilities. 2 Dogs Welcome.
From ÂŁ845 for 7 nights
From ÂŁ1045 for 7 nights 30
Emma and Dolly at Tarn Hows
Ask the Expert
Emma Heath Exploring the Lake District with your dog can be as varied or as relaxed and peaceful as you want it to be. We caught up with Emma, our sales and marketing assistant, to find out where her go-to spots are for a weekend with her dog, Dolly.
Tell us a little bit about you and Dolly. I have lived in the Lake District for the last 20 years, prior to this my family spent many holidays up in the Lakes staying in my Grandparents home at Skelwith Bridge. Dolly who is 4 years old has lived with me for 2 years after coming into Animal Rescue Cumbria, the local rescue shelter where I volunteer. You can find me here on my days off, booted up in full waterproof gear and dog leads in both hands.
The Lake District is becoming the leading destination for dog lovers in the UK. And we pride ourselves on the standard of our dog friendly accommodation. We have a range of cottages that are pet friendly and what’s more, Lakelovers don’t charge for pets!
Me and Dolly moved to Windermere two years ago after moving from Pullwoods nr Ambleside, just down the hill from the Drunken Duck Inn which is still one of our favourite places to enjoy a good pub lunch. Dogs are welcome in the bar, which is fantastic because that is where the open fire is located! They have a delicious menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too.
Is Dolly welcome to go shopping with you?
What does a typical weekend in the Lakes look like for you and Dolly?
The majority of shops in Windermere are dog friendly, and one of our favourite shops is Peter Hall and Son. They have beautiful window displays and an excellent selection of handmade gifts and homely decorations and bespoke handmade furniture. You’ll also see lovely artwork by one of our favourite local artists Rebecca Hall Illustrations. Me and Dolly always like to shop local if we can.
Walking!! Winter walks are our favourite - I love wrapping up, putting my boots on and getting outside & Dolly loves rolling in the frost and snow! After a crisp winter walk and an afternoon looking around the local shops we love to warm up with a pizza at our favourite restaurant.
Where’s your favourite dog-friendly place to eat?
What’s your go-to dog friendly walk?
Bowness-on-Windermere’s Base Pizza! Great pizza and friendly staff - All pizzas are handmade and cooked in a wood fired oven in front of your very eyes. It is probably the most dog friendly place around!
School Knott is our regular walk, it is so varied with spectacular views. There is a tarn towards the end of the route with flowing water so it is always fresh and clean making it ideal for a splash about or a drink stop for Dolly. As you leave the tarn and ascend to the top you can see right down the lake towards Waterhead, Langdale Pikes in the distance. School Knott is a pleasant walk and not too strenuous, ideal for dogs and children alike. Much of the route is on gravelled paths and tracks. Sheep & Cows graze in the fields, and have never given any problems, but our advice as always is keep your dog safe and on a lead at all times around livestock!
The restaurant is beautifully decorated, light, airy and spacious. There is plenty of room either under the table for doggies. If Dolly is lucky, and I don’t eat it all, she may get a tiny piece of pizza crust at the end of the meal but if you find your pizza is too good to share dog treats and water bowls are provided.
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Lowfield House 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms Lowfield House is set in the hamlet of Little Langdale in the stunning valley with the same name, and situated between the breath taking Coniston Fells to the south and the Langdale Fells to the north. Lowfield House can only be described as a property that offers you the wow factor, stunning views and sits in one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. The property has been in the same family ownership for three generations and has undergone a full modernisation and been lovingly restored by the current owners and it is a great choice for special occasions and extended family holidays offering superb accommodation in breath-taking surroundings. From ÂŁ3500 for 7 nights
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Sycamore Gap – Ben Bush Photography
015394 88855
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