Lake District / Penrith - Advice sought.

C

ColinB

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Hi Chaps,

I'm going to center-parks with the Mrs' on 6th september in Penrith, the plan is too cram in most of the 'must sees' of the lake district while I'm there.

I was wondering if any of you have any experience of shooting in the lake district, and could pass on any advice about good times of the day, and potential locations.

I've so far found some nice places in around Penrith itself and a waterfall and nice spot at Ullswater, but would appreciate any hands-on experience of interesting locations.

Also, what is the weather like up there? With it being so mountainous is quite changeable like scotland?

Lastly, what filters would you recommend I take a long? Would a couple of ND's be enough?

Any advice gratefully received.

C
 
Hi Colin

A must has to be the old boat house at Ullswater.It's probably about 20 mins drive from where you are.Best time of day is at sunrise.Head for Pooley Bridge and you can't miss it.
Other things close to where you are are Broughm Castle(English Heritage) and the Lakeland bird of prey centre.They normally fly a Bald Eagle in the flying display which is pretty impressive.
Something totally different but if you like motorbikes head up onto Hartside Pass on a Sunday to see the Cumbrian unofficial equivelent of the TT races.
I'll let other people jump in now but get in touch if you want a few more ideas.

Cheers
Gary

ps weather changeable as you would expect
 
Not that far away if you are in a car is Keswick, its a total must, Daybreak at Ashness is th classic shot, I once got up at 5am in midsummer to get no one on the shot as I was camping up there. Along from Ashness up the road you come to a viewing point which gives lovely panoramics over Derwent Water.

Instead of going up the road to Ashness carry on the main road to Lodore Falls. Another early morning shot is from the boat stage looking across to catbells Ridge and beyond.

If your good lady is not into to photography then are plebty of shops for her in Kewsick.

Hope this helps for some suggestions.

Regards


Nigel
 
Hi

I've always found the weather a bit changeable. Get a rain cover for your camera and lens. Waterproof jacket for yourself, and possibly walking shoes/boots.

Pooley Bridge is quite nice and not far from you. I agree about the old boat house at Ullswater. :)

If you like stately homes, you could try Hutton in the Forest http://www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk. Nice gardens for some macro work (although not sure what's flowering in September) (take tripod). I had a walk around the house and thought it was nice. You can get some good shots of the exterior of the house, tried my 10-20 out on the house. :). Nice tea room.

You could take a ride on the Ullswater Steamers and get off at locations to take pics, they have a website (as I'm not sure if they are fully operational in September).

There's also Aira Force Waterfall, might be worth a visit, particularly if we continue to get rain.

Have a look at this website:

http://www.edgeguide.co.uk/cumbria/edenplaces.html

I love the lake district but only visit for a week in June for the horse fair. I've never been outside June.

Lisa
 
ColinB said:
Also, what is the weather like up there? With it being so mountainous is quite changeable like scotland?
Click to expand...
It's not called the Lake District for no reason. The lakes are there because you get rain and lots of it.

I spent all last week in Ambleside and was lucky that we only had a few light showers but no matter what time of year you go you are pretty much guaranteed to have some kind of rain at some point.

As for locations, Blea Tarn is a well photographed part of the lake district but it's a bit out of the way. Grizedale forest is also worth a look and if you are there with the wife and kids then it's the kind of place they could keep themselves occupied at as well. As suggested before Keswick is really nice and shots of Derwent Water and Cat Bells can be very nice with either a sunrise or sunset.
 
If it is clear day:thinking: take the road to Alston, there is a marvellous panoramic viewpoint on Hartside Pass.
 
Wow, thanks for all the great detailed responses, its much appreciated. I've made notes of all these places and will hopefully integrate these locations into my schedule. Luckily the mrs' is quite happy to allow me to indulge in a few early morning forays :)
 
Check out the Buttermere valley when you are over Keswick way - stunning scenery and much less crowded than the southern lakes. Loweswater is nice too.
In fact you're never far from a photo opportunity in that part of the country. (making meself quite homesick now)
Hope the weather is kind to you.
 
Subscribed! I'm off to the same place this coming Friday for a week :D And like you Colin, I'll be out and about early morning.
 
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Castlerigg Stone circle just west of Keswick

If you want an exciting ride and some wild views you can do the Hardknott and Wrynose passes or Wastwater in the western lakes

Aira Force on the west side of Ullswater OL5 390 205

The A686 over to Alston is definitely worth a trip but it needs to be a clear day to get the best of the view from Hartside, but when it is clear it is breathtaking!!

Try the Loughrigg Terrace walk above Grasmere OL7 340 050
 
I am currently in Flookbrough and spent the day on Windamere yesterday
yes had some rain, but today has been nice. If you go over to Keswick I assume you will have to go over Honister pass, the road bottle necks at a steep point at the peak, stop and look over the edge to your left. There is a lovely little secluded fall (blink and you'll miss it) There's also a nice whisky shop in Keswick but thats for a different forum (hic)
 
Hi Colin, if you're into birds bring a long lens as the wildlife on Centre Parcs itself is superb! There is an excellent bird hide here where you can get pretty close with a 300mm lens. As well as a vast array of birds there's also red squirrels, polecats, hares, mice etc. I can't post any pics as I'm still here and typing this on iPhone! Have a great week!
 
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