Orrest Head

Will we ever see the lakes freeze over again? Derwentwater. Canon 5D MkII, 24–105 at 28mm, ISO 100, 1/50s at f/5. Jan 2010.

As a mountainous lump sticking out into the Irish Sea on the north west tip of England it’s no surprise that the Lake District is a magnet for weather. As the prevailing wet south westerly air mass squeezes over the fells it is forced to dump most of its load of moisture as rain.

As well as continuing to shape the topography the daily variable weather provides an infinite variety of subject matter to compliment the beautiful landscape. So what if you haven’t got a sun tan, you’ve taken some amazing photos.

When is the best time to visit the Lakes?

The Lakes gets a bit of a bad press regarding rainfall, it doesn’t rain ALL the time. Long periods of fine weather do happen, as do droughts. Historically the driest months are April and May and the wettest is December. This is clearly of no practical use to you as you shelter from the pouring rain in late spring. Realistically you can get spells of good weather any time of the year, but also bad.

Some days there is no avoiding bad weather but there is one generalisation that may help avoiding the worst of it. In any mountainous area if the wind is coming from the west, the further east you go the more chance you will have of escaping rain and finding some sun. Likewise if the wind is from the east, go west to get the rain shadow effect and find the best weather.

There is huge variability and predictions are only good for a few days in advance. It’s important to check the forecast the night before you venture out. Preparing for the weather

Don’t let bad or dynamic weather deter you from getting outside and using your camera; it’s often when the best photos are taken.

Protect yourself

Waterproof fabrics for jackets and trousers such as Goretex and the many other equivalents are expensive but handle pretty much everything the weather can throw at them. Waterproof footwear also makes life more bearable in the rain and when it’s wet underfoot. Wellington boots are ideal for the lowlands but don’t offer much protection and can be too slippery in the fells. A good umbrella is worth carrying, golf umbrellas are ideal but can be difficult to control in windy conditions.

Protect your camera

There are simple, cost effective ways to protect your camera if it isn’t equipped with its own weather-proofing. Large zip-loc bags and tape or rubber bands work but it can get a bit cumbersome. Disposable rain hoods are plastic bags that are shaped to fit over your camera. They are cheap and effective.

Checklist

• Check the forecast the day before you go out and again in the morning to help with location choice. • Look at wind strength and direction as this will have a big impact in the hills. • If the wind is from the W, go E to try to escape the rain, if its from the E, go W to find the best weather. • Protect your camera with a dry bag or plastic bag. • Bring a chamois leather to dry your lens. • Wrap up well, pack waterproofs and bring a hot drink and food. • Pack wellies and umbrella just in case. • Focus on the effects of weather: puddles, raindrops, rainbows, rain showers and snow flurries, rime ice, waterfalls, and streams in spate.

Local weather forecasts

1. Weatherline:

www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk

2. Mountain Weather Information Service:

www.mwis.org.uk/english-welsh-forecast/LD