top western lakes district views

Top Western Lake District Views

TOP WESTERN LAKE DISTRICT VIEWS

WINNERCold Morning View of Wastwater by Grant Finley


The Western Lake District has more than its fair share of stunning scenery and beautiful views. As you explore the area, you’ll discover a lake, fell, shoreline or quaint village to stop and admire.

In 2013, we set out to find the ‘Top Western Lake District Views’… and the response was incredible. The winning image was A Cold Morning View of Wastwater by Grant Finley – a spectacular photograph of England’s deepest lake. The three runners-up were Highland Calf around Buttermere by Michael Walsh, Sunset across the Solway by Harry McLean, and Castlerigg Stone Circle at Sunset by Mike Harris.

This e-book collates many of the photographs submitted to the competition – it’s the perfect way to appreciate the incredible landscapes of the Western Lake District and hopefully inspire your next visit.

Loweswater by Malcolm Bowden, CAROMAL Photography

CUMBRIA

A66

A591

A595

A595

A595

A596

A66A66

A595

A595

A590

M6Aspatria

Wigton

Dalston

Maryport

Workington

Cockermouth

WhitehavenFrizington

Egremont

Seascale Eskdale

Muncaster

Gosforth

Annaside

Millom

Haverigg

Broughton-in-Furness

Ulverston

Windermere

Kendal

Penrith

Carlisle

Silloth

Millinthorpe

Ambleside

Buttermere

Keswick

Lake DistrictNational Park

GrizedaleForest Park

WhinnlatterForest Park

Grange-over-Sands

LAKES1 Bassenthwaite Lake

2 Buttermere

3 Crummock Water

4 Ennerdale Water

5 Derwentwater

6 Loweswater

7 Thirlmere

8 Wastwater

LANDSCAPES9 Ashness Bridge

10 Birker Fell

11 Castlerigg Stone Circle

12 Dodd Hill

13 Ennerdale Valley

14 Fleetwith Pike

15 Great Gable

16 Haystacks

17 Honister Pass

18 Muncaster Fell

19 Rannerdale

20 Scafells

21 Skiddaw

22 Soddy Gap Nature Reserve

23 Stanley Ghyll Force

24 Whillan Beck

25 Wasdale Valley

26 Whin Rigg

27 White Moss

COAST28 Allonby

29 Crosscanonby

30 Esk Estuary

31 Hodbarrow Lagoon

32 Mawbray

33 Maryport

34 Ravenglass

35 Seascale

36 Solway Firth

37 St Bees

38 The Isle of Man from Black Combe

39 Whitehaven Harbour

40 Workington


The 40 views are scattered right across the Western Lake District, from Mawbray to Millom, St. Bees to Thirlmere. Just click the locations on the map to see the breathtaking places that make up this corner of England.

LAKESTop Western Lake District Views

RUNNER-UPHighland Calf around Buttermere by Michael Walsh


BassenthwaiteBassenthwaite Lake is the largest and only true ‘lake’ in Cumbria – all the others are ‘meres’ or ‘waters’. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, it is home to many species of wildlife and supports a population of Osprey. There are several viewpoints in the surroundings, including the Forestry Commission’s Dodd Wood near Keswick, a great spot for fabulous views over Bassenthwaite Lake.

ButtermereButtermere – ‘the lake by the dairy pastures’ – is relatively small but perfectly formed. Whether taking a walk around its shore or a more challenging scenic ramble up to the spectacular summits of Haystacks, a particular favourite with Alfred Wainwright, spectacular views are guaranteed.

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1 Autumnal Reflections, Bassenthwaite Lake from Blackstock Point by Angela Kirby2 Highland Calf around Buttermere by Michael Walsh – RUNNER-UP3 Haystacks from Buttermere by Malcolm Bowden, CAROMAL Photography


Buttermere continued 4 Fleetwith Pike Reflected in Buttermere by Tom Richardson5 Buttermere looking to High Snockrigg by Mal Greenley6 Buttermere Valley viewed from Lowfell by Chris Wood

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Buttermere continued 7 View of Buttermere by Grant Finley8 Buttermere Morning by Terry Cowlishaw

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Crummock WaterOwned by the National Trust, Crummock Water is fed by the dramatic Scale Force – the highest waterfall in the Lake District with a drop of 170 feet. Surrounded by rugged sheer fells composed of the distinctive Skiddaw slate, Crummock Water affords majestic Western Lake District views.

9 Crummock Water towards Mellbreak by Ashley Moffat10 Crummock Water from the North Eastern Shore by David Holdsworth11 Crummock Water from the North Eastern Shore by David Holdsworth12 Crummock Water by Malcolm Bowden, CAROMAL Photography

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Crummock Water continued

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13 Crummock Water and Buttermere from Melbreak by Tom Connors14 Autumn Calm, Crummock Water by Victoria Christie15 Crummock Water and Rannerdale Knotts by Mike Carden16 Looking towards Crummock Water from Low Fell by Ashley Moffat


DerwentwaterDerwentwater boasts an abundance of natural charm and literary connections. Holidays spent at Lingholm provided Beatrix Potter with inspiration for some of her beloved characters, while Ruskin described the view at Friar’s Crag as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe.

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17 Derwentwater Reflections by Bob Fogerty18 Launch on Derwentwater by Michael Walsh19 Ruskin’s View at Friar’s Crag by Ady Gray20 Catbells summit looking out over Derwentwater

and the Skiddaw Massif by Tom Connors


Derwentwater continued

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21 Derwentwater Blue by Bob Fogerty22 Brandelhow Point, Derwentwater by Michael Walsh23 Keswick Jetties at Sunset, Derwentwater by Bob Fogerty24 Autumn at Derwent Island Boat House by Harry Mclean


EnnerdaleColeridge explored the shores of Ennerdale Water in 1799 with William Wordsworth and was apparently intrigued by the lake’s ‘fiddle-shaped’ appearance. The most westerly and remote of all the Lake District lakes, it’s the perfect place for a tranquility and provides a great starting point for numerous walks.

25 Reflections in Ennerdale Water by Rachel Chidgey


Ennerdale continued

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26 Ennerdale Water to Steeple and Pillar by Tom Connors27 Swan Lake at Ennerdale by Chris Drake28 Ennerdale Water by Chris Wood29 Ennerdale Mist by Victoria Christie


LoweswaterA haven for peace, tranquility and red squirrels, Loweswater may be one of the smallest lakes, but nestled in a wooded valley in the Western Lake District it is a little scenic treasure, adjacent to the gently undulating Loweswater Fells.

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30 Loweswater by Malcolm Bowden, CAROMAL Photography31 Lazy Summer, Loweswater by Victoria Christie32 Winter Wonderland, Loweswater by Cheryl Quine


Thirlmere Originally two small lakes, Thirlmere was acquired by Manchester City Corporation Waterworks in 1889 and dammed to create an impressive reservoir. At 96 miles long, Thirlmere Aqueduct still functions to this day providing Western Lake District water to the city of Manchester.

WastwaterAt three miles long, England’s deepest lake is arguably its most picturesque. Dramatic mountains rise like a huge amphitheatre from its shores. On visiting the Wasdale Valley in 1802 Samuel Taylor Coleridge was inspired to put pen to paper describing the dramatic Wastwater reflections in a letter as ‘a perfect Mirror’.

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33 Thirlmere Reflection Heaven, Steel Fell and Thirlmere Reservoir by David Harrison34 Cold Morning View of Wastwater by Grant Finley – WINNER35 Wasdale Head and Wastwater by Chris Wood


Wastwater continued

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36 Wastwater Screes from Buckbarrow by Jola McCully37 Peace and Quiet, Wastwater by Victoria Christie38 Wastwater: Late Afternoon by Terry Cowlishaw39 Towards the Western Fells and Wastwater from

Wastwater Screes by Jola McCull


Wastwater continued

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40 Wastwater and Scafell, Wasdale by Chris Himsworth41 Classic Wastwater by Mal Greenley42 Wastwater Boathouse by Chris Drake


Wastwater continued

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43 Early Morning in Wasdale, Wastwater, by Stuart Tyson44 Wastwater and Herdwick by Phil Mitchell45 Sunset Watching on Lingmell, Wasdale and Wastwater by Chris Drake


Wastwater continued

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46 Wastwater by Samuel Pilgrim47 Wastwater Morning Calm by Jenny Andrew48 Reflections of Wastwater by Phil Mitchell


LANDSCAPES

RUNNER-UP Castlerigg Stone Circle at Sunset by Mike Harris Photography


Ashness BridgeWith spectacular views over Bassenthwaite Lake and the River Derwent, Ashness Bridge is a traditional stone-built packhorse bridge in an enviable location on the road to Watendlath. Nearby is the popular ‘surprise view’, which affords an exceptional vista over to the Solway coast.

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49 Ashness Bridge in Autumn by Sophie Singleton50 Surprise View near Ashness Bridge by Bob Fogerty


Birker FellBordered by the Duddon Valley, Ulpha Fell, Harter Fell and Eskdale, Birker Fell is a wild upland area. A dramatic undulating moorland between the Western Lake District fells and the sea it boasts some truly stunning views.

51 Birker Fell by Victoria Christie


Castlerigg Stone CircleArguably the most spectacularly sited British stone circle and also one of the earliest. Dating back to about 3000 BC this Neolithic monument near Keswick was described by Coleridge as an ‘assembly of white-vested wizards’ – a mysterious and magical scene with the most breathtaking views.

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53 Castlerigg Stone Circle by Tom Richardson52 Castlerigg Stone Circle at Sunset

by Mike Harris Photography – RUNNER-UP54 Castlerigg Stone Circle by Betty Shepherd


Dodd HillForming part of the Skiddaw range Dodd Hill can be found at the southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake, a location famed for its views and nesting Osprey

55 Dodd Hill from High Stock Bridge by Roger Green


Ennerdale ValleyA rambler’s paradise with miles of walking routes through some of the most stunning Western Lake District landscapes, the Ennerdale Valley is a mixture of wild wooded areas and sweeping views up to high mountain peaks.

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56 Misty Ennerdale Valley, Gillerthwaite looking towards Pillar by Brian Burscough57 Cauda Brow, Ennerdale by Brian Burscough58 Ennerdale Valley viewed from Angler’s Cragg by Chris Wood


Fleetwith PikeA distinctive fell dominating the view southwards from Buttermere and a dramatic feature on the Honister Pass that provides the backdrop for an awe-inspiring journey between Buttermere and Borrowdale.

59 Crummock Water with Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks by Mike Carden


Great GableAt the head of Ennerdale, Great Gable was donated to the National Trust by the Fell and Rock Climbing Club in 1922 as a memorial to the club members who were killed in the First World War. Today they are commemorated by a plaque on the summit and a service on Remembrance Sunday each year.

60 On The Day We Paid Our Dues - Remembrance Day On Great Gable by Ady Gray


HaystacksInnominate Tarn on Haystacks is literally the ‘un-named tarn’. It is also here that Alfred Wainwright requested his ashes to be scattered where, in his own words, ‘the water gently laps the gravelly shore and the heather blooms and Pillar and Gable keep unfailing watch’.

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61 High Crag viewed from Haystacks Summit by Tom Connors62 Innominate Tarn, Haystacks by Samuel Pilgrim63 Haystacks by Rachel Chidgey


Honister PassLinking Seatoller in the Borrowdale Valley and Gatesgarth at the southern end of Buttermere, Honister Pass achieves an incredible altitude of 1,167 feet, one of the highest and steepest in Cumbria.

Muncaster FellThe fascinating stone structure that is known as ‘Ross’s Camp’ can be found on Muncaster Fell. It has the appearance of a Neolithic dolmen but was apparently built by a shooting party 130 years ago who left the inscription ‘Ross’s Camp 1883’ on the top stone.

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64 Into the Valley, Honister Pass by Cheryl Quine65 Ross’s Camp on Muncaster Fell by Roger Green66 Muncaster Tarn, on Muncaster Fell, by Chris Himsworth


RannerdaleA location famous in springtime, not for a host of daffodils but a mass of bluebells. It’s a wild flower riot with a dark local lore – it is believed that the bluebells have sprung from the blood enriched soils following the Battle of Rannerdale, when native Britons and Norsemen defeated the invading Norman army.

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67 Rannerdale Mike Harris68 Bluebells in Rannerdale by Michael Walsh69 Blue Meadow, Rannerdale by Cheryl Quine


ScafellsOver 400 million years ago a supervolcano erupted with such intense force it created the magnificent Scafells. Not a landscape for the faint-hearted, this range of fells is a heady landscape of grand peaks and transcendent panoramas

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70 Spectacular Scafells by David Harrison71 Great End - Great View by Ady Gray


SkiddawOne of the more popular ascents in the Lake District, Skiddaw is England’s fourth highest mountain and also considered to be an easier option for those wishing to experience the thrill of a peak climb on a well-established route.

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72 Up Above the Clouds, Skiddaw by Chris Drake73 Storm Break, at the Summit of Skiddaw by Wayne Banks


Soddy Gap Nature ReserveA secret wildlife haven tucked away just to the north of Great Broughton, Soddy Gap is a wetland habitat of marsh, scrub, reedbeds, young trees and ponds supporting a tremendous bird and wildfowl population.

Stanley Ghyll ForceDiscover the dramatic Stanley Ghyll Force, a 60-foot waterfall located in a lush green gorge. Within easy walking distance of Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway’s Dalegarth Station this vision of cascading water and abundant plant life within a deep ravine has an almost Jurassic feel.

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74 Soddy Gap Nature Reserve by Mal Greenley75 Stanley Ghyll Force, Eskdale by Chris Himsworth 76 Ghyll Force, near Boot by Roger Green


Wasdale ValleyA remote and truly spectacular part of the Western Lake District, the Wasdale Valley is home to both England’s deepest lake, the magnificent Wastwater, and England’s highest mountain, the majestic Scafell Pike. It’s a paradise for walkers, climbers and photographers alike.

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77 Bagot Nanny Goats in Wasdale by Richard Scrivener78 Overbeck from the bank at Overbeck Bridge, Wasdale by Mal Greenley


Whillan BeckCascading down from the flanks of the mighty Scafell, the leafy-banked stream of Whillan Beck runs alongside Eskdale Mill. A picturesque force of water, it has been providing renewable energy to the mill for over a thousand years.

Wasdale Valley continued

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79 Wasdale Head from Dore Head by Mal Greenley80 Wasdale by Joan Grieves81 Whillan Beck near Boot by Roger Green


Whin RiggA less popular but equally dramatic Wasdale view is Whin Rigg. Literally meaning ‘gorse covered ridge’ in Old Norse, it is from this spectacular rugged fell that The Screes plunge 450 metres to Wastwater below.

White MossFollow in the footsteps of the first Bronze Age settlers up on White Moss and look out for the small ancient stone circles. It’s incredible to imagine that thousands of years ago early pioneers shaped the open fell that exists today.

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82 Behind the Wastwater Screes and Whin Rigg by Tom Richardson83 Old Miners Hut on White Moss above Boot by Roger Green


COAST

RUNNER-UPSunset across the Solway by Harry Mclean


AllonbyAllonby is perfectly placed on the Solway Coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that affords spectacular sunsets and World Heritage Site. The Roman Milefortlet 21 dates back to the reign of the legendary Emperor Hadrian.

Crosscanonby BeachLocated on the beautiful Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Crosscanonby offers a rare opportunity to discover the ancient Anglo-Saxon Salt Pans – a monument to a bygone age when salt production was an essential preservation method for the fishing and agricultural industries.

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84 Sunset on the Solway, Allonby by Cheryl Quine85 Allonby Bay by Brian Burscough86 Sunrise on Crosscanonby Beach by Mike Harris Photography


Esk EstuarySituated at the very edge of the Lake District, the Esk Estuary is a unique ecosystem. Beautifully serene, yet teeming with life it marks the place where the National Park meets the Western Lake District Coast.

87 The Esk Estuary looking towards Scafell by Nigel Middlehurst


Hodbarrow LagoonA wildlife haven for wading birds and waterfowl, Hodbarrow Lagoon is the largest stretch of coastal open water in Cumbria. For a perfect viewing spot head to the RSPB Reserve at Hodbarrow.

88 Hodbarrow at Dusk, Hodbarrow Lagoon by Samuel Pilgrim


MaryportBirthplace of Thomas Henry Ismay, owner of the White Star Line and the infamous Titanic, Maryport offers a unique glimpse back to the time of Emperor Hadrian and the Roman occupation of Cumbria at the Senhouse Roman Museum.

MawbrayLocated on the Solway Plain, Mawbray Village, meaning ‘maiden’s castle’ or ‘maiden’s fort’, is believed to date back to the 1150s, although the Roman Milefortlet 16 at the west end of the village provides evidence of a much older settlement.

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89 Sunset View from Maryport Promenade by Chris Wood90 Maryport Harbour by Brian Burscough91 Mauve Mawbray by Cheryl Quine


RavenglassThe scenic Ravenglass Estuary is a natural harbour where the rivers Esk, Mite and Irt converge. A now tranquil coastal village, Ravenglass was once a thriving Roman port and the location of the Ravenglass Roman Bath House, the tallest surviving Roman structure in northern England.

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92 Double Take, Ravenglass Village reflected in the estuary by Christine Curtin93 The Shadow Of Black Combe, in the estuary at Ravenglass by Christine Curtin


SeascaleA small seaside village on the coast of the Western Lake District, Seascale can trace its roots back to early Norse settlement as well as having connections with Roman Britain. Today, it retains some of its Victorian charm and offers impressive views from its shoreline.

Solway FirthA beautiful landscape of marshes, dunes, beaches and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with spectacular sunsets over the Irish Sea, it is easy to see why the Solway Firth inspired Joseph Mallord William Turner to paint his dramatic sunset scenes.

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94 Seascale looking North by Nigel Middlehurst95 Sunset across the Solway by Harry Mclean – RUNNER-UP96 Passing Time, Parton by Harry Mclean


Solway Firth continued Solway Firth from Bransty

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97 The Golden Hour at Parton by Harry Mclean98 Solway Sunset over the Roof Tops by Chris Drake


St. BeesHome to England’s only breeding colony of Black Guillemots, St. Bees is soon to be designated as part of a Marine Conservation Zone. The distinctive St. Bees Head also marks the starting point of Alfred Wainwright’s ‘Coast to Coast’ walk.

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99 St Bees by Malcolm Bowden, CAROMAL Photography100 Solway View from the coastal path to St Bees by Christine Curtin


The Isle of Man from Black CombeStanding in isolation four miles from the dramatic coastline of the Western Lake District, Black Combe provides excellent panoramic views of the inland fells and across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man.

Whitehaven HarbourWhitehaven is a Georgian gem-town, and a must-see for any discerning visitor to the Western Lake District. Once one of the busiest ports in England, this historic town offers a fascinating insight into the area’s rich maritime heritage.

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101 The Isle of Man from the top of Black Combe by Nigel Middlehurst102 Harbour View, Whitehaven Harbour looking over the Solway to Scotland by Christine Curtin


WorkingtonAlongside playing host to two prestigious Rugby League World Cup matches in 2013, Workington is home to ‘Uppies and Downies’ – a traditional ball game believed to originate from medieval times. The town was also the home of the artist Percy Kelly who, from an early age, was inspired to capture the industrial coastal landscape of the docks and railway.

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103 Solway Sunset from Workington by Richard Happybricks104 Solway Firth from Workington by Richard Happybricks105 Golden Solway from Workington by Richard Happybricks


The ‘Top Western Lake District Views Photography Competition’

is supported by Winder Hall Country House.

A striking and historic Jacobean manor house dating back to the

15th Century, Winder Hall is nestled in the landscape, close to

Buttermere, Crummock Water, Keswick and the historic market

town of Cockermouth.

Whether it’s afternoon tea or an evening meal, Winder Hall is a

perfect place to unwind – you can also choose to stay for as long

as you like in one of the seven luxurious bedrooms, each with its

own beautiful view.

Winder Hall Country House,

Low Lorton,

Cockermouth,

Cumbria CA13 9UP

Tel: +44 (0)1900 85107

Email: [email protected]

www.winderhall.co.uk

v

v

mailto:stay%40winderhall.co.uk?subject=

http://www.winderhall.co.uk


Many thanks to the following photographers featured in the Top Western Lake District Views e-book

Ady Gray

Angela Kirby

Ashley Moffat

Betty Shepherd

Bob Fogerty

Brian Burscough

Cheryl Quine www.facebook.com/CherylQuinePhotography

Chris Wood

Chris Drake

Chris Himsworth

Chris Himsworth Photography:

chrishimsworthphotography.weebly.com/

Christine Curtin

David Harrison

www.facebook.com/pages/Wainwright-fellwalk-

er/204787826200727

David Holdsworth

Grant Finley www.grantsphotography.co.uk

Harry Mclean harrymcleanphotography.com/

Jenny Andrew

Joan Grieves

Jola McCully

Mal Greenley www.lake-district-views.co.uk/

Malcolm Bowden

CAROMAL Photography:

www.caromalphotography.luxipics.com/

Michael Walsh

Mike Harris

Mike Harris Photography:

www.mikeharrisphotography.co.uk

www.facebook.com/CumbriaPhotos

Mike Carden www.lakedistrictgrandtour.co.uk

Nigel Middlehurst

Phil Mitchell www.redbubble.com/people/philjimi

Rachel Chidgey

Richard Happybricks

Richard Scrivener www.rarebreedgoats.co.uk

Roger Green

Samuel Pilgrim

Samuel Pilgrim Photography:

www.samuelpilgrim.co.uk

Sophie Singleton

Stuart Tyson

Terry Cowlishaw

Tom Connors

Tom Richardson

www.tomrichardsonphotography.co.uk

Victoria Christie

West Cumbria Images:

www.westcumbriaimages.com

Wayne Banks

http://www.facebook.com/CherylQuinePhotography

http://chrishimsworthphotography.weebly.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wainwright-fellwalker/204787826200727

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wainwright-fellwalker/204787826200727

http://www.grantsphotography.co.uk

http://harrymcleanphotography.com/

http://www.lake-district-views.co.uk/

http://http://www.caromalphotography.luxipics.com/

http://www.mikeharrisphotography.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/CumbriaPhotos

http://www.lakedistrictgrandtour.co.uk

http://www.redbubble.com/people/philjimi

http://www.rarebreedgoats.co.uk

http://www.samuelpilgrim.co.uk

http://www.tomrichardsonphotography.co.uk

http://www.westcumbriaimages.com

Supported byPart of the Britain’s Energy Coast Programme

Also funded by

To find out more about the Western Lake District, please visit:

www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk

http://www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk

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