3 0 MAY 2 02 1 | BRI TA I N, L A KE D I ST RI CT

MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKE DISTRICT VIEWS AND

PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS
Not all the superb Lake District views require a long
walk to get to. Here are some of the best views in
the Lake District that are easy to get to by car or a
short walk.

There’s no doubt about it, the scenery in the Lake District is special.

Craggy mountains frame shimmering lakes connected by rivers that

course through valleys. Dry stone walls bound fields dotted with sheep,
busy maintaining a neat carpet of green.

While we love nothing better than climbing to the highest peaks in the
lakes, or taking on the challenge of scrambling to imposing vistas,
many of the best views in the Lake District are easy to get to.

Almost all of the beautiful viewpoints on this list can be reached by car.
A few of them require a short walk, but nothing too strenuous.

We have included tips for photographers including where to be to get

the best views, the right time to be there, and which locations are good
for sunrise and sunset. All of our suggestions are marked on the map
including some specific spots we think provide the best vantage points.

Booking your trip via the links on this page (or on our book page) will
earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your
support – Paul & Mark.
IN THIS GUIDE

BEST VIEWS IN THE

LAKE DISTRICT

01 – CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE

02 – SUMMIT OF LATRIGG

03 – KESWICK WATERFRONT

04 – ASHNESS & SURPRISE VIEW

05 – BUTTERMERE

06 – WASTWATER

07 – LOUGHRIGG

08 – RYDAL WATER

09 – BLEA TARN

10 – ULLSWATER

11 – CONISTON WATER

12 – ELTERWATER
1 – CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE
There are many stone circles and intriguing Roman ruins dotted across
England, but none are more dramatically set than Castlerigg. Built about
5,000 years ago, a series of large stones form a circle in a grassy field. No
one quite knows their purpose, which only adds to their allure.
Nonetheless, they form a beautiful focal point in a stunning area.

On a cloudy dark day it is a moody place packed with atmosphere. Yet

on a clear sunny day, the stones and their stretching shadows add a
sense of mystery to an already beautiful Lakeland scene.

CASTLERIGG PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

With a large expanse of flat grass surrounded by mountains, the

Castlerigg Stone Circle is a great photography location in the Lake
District to use a drone. Get here early or late in the day and you might
just have sunrise or sunset without the crowds.
 The Castlerigg Stone Circles in the Lake District are beautifully set around an amphitheatre of
mountains.
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 2 – SUMMIT OF LATRIGG
There are few shorter walks that deliver more reward in the Lake District
than Latrigg. From the carpark at Underskiddaw, it’s a simple 15-minute
stroll up a grassy bank to the summit to reach one of the best views in
the Lake District.

To the north, the rounded summits of Skiddaw endlessly rise. To the

east, the waves of ridges of Blencathra hover over the distant Pennines.
And to the south, the town of Keswick rests peacefully on the edge of
Derwentwater with the highest peaks of the Lake District rising behind
it.

LATRIGG PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

The summit of Latrigg is an excellent spot for a fantastic Lake District

sunrise. As the light quickly creeps over the low hills to the east, you have
longer to capture golden hour than is possible in many other areas in
the Lake District.

READ NEXT / STUNNING WALKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

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 The summit of Latrigg is an excellent spot for a fantastic Lake District sunrise as the light quickly
creeps over the low hills to the east.
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 3 – KESWICK WATERFRONT
The town of Keswick is the adventure capital of England, but the
remarkable views from the waterfront don’t take deftly leaps or tricky
scrambles to achieve. Simply amble through Crow Park, around Friars
Crag and along Shandstrag Bay to be rewarded with beautiful Lake
District views.

Some of the best photography spots include the houses of Keswick

dwarfed by towering Skiddaw, Derwentwater backed by the slopes of
Catbells, and the tree-lined banks of Friars Crags. All of which are best lit
at sunrise.

Keswick is also a great base for your trip – understand the layout of the
area in our guide to the best places to stay in the Lake District.

KESWICK PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

The Keswick Waterfront is another great spot for Lake District sunrise
photography. If you get a clear morning, you can capture Latrigg,
Castlerigg Stone Circles and the Keswick waterfront (in that order) all in
one morning.

READ NEXT / WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

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 Some of the best photography spots in Keswick include the houses dwarfed by towering Skiddaw
on the shore of the Derwentwater.
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 4 – ASHNESS & SURPRISE VIEW
Tucked along a narrow road that runs from Derwentwater to
Watendlath, three of the best views in the Lake District are easily
reached by car.

Firstly, stop at Ashness Pier where a wooden jetty stretches into the
shallow depths of Derwentwater creating a beautiful peaceful scene
with the slopes of Catbells in the background.

Secondly, stop at Ashness Bridge, where an old stone packhorse bridge

crosses Barrow Beck. Finally drive up to Surprise view where high up on
a platform peering through a gap in the trees, you are rewarded with
great views over Derwentwater and the surrounding mountains.

ASHNESS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

This tiny one-way road can get busy. Try to come here early or late in the
day, otherwise, the bridge will be very busy with people and cars.

READ NEXT / GLORIOUS SWIMMING IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

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 Ashness Pier where a wooden jetty stretches into the shallow depths of Derwentwater creates a
beautiful peaceful scene.
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 5 – BUTTERMERE
Buttermere is a beautiful lake set in a remote part of the Lake District. In
the rain and wind, the mighty crags that surround it form a forbidding
barrier to other valleys. But, on a calm day, some of the best lake district
views unfold before you.

The best vantage point is from Rannerdale Knotts, a 45-minute hike

from the Buttermere car park and one of our favourites hikes in the
lakes. From here, both Buttermere and Crummock Water appear
nestled between the mountains. For more leisurely views, take the easy
stroll around the lake (2 hours), or simply park the car in Buttermere or
Gatesgarth and wander around.

The highlight of the valley is a lovely stand of trees perched on the edge
of the lake under the imposing crags of Haystacks. On a perfectly still
day it forms a crystal clear reflection on the lake. There are also lovely
views from the Dale Head walk which is nearby.

BUTTERMERE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Photos of the Buttermere stand of trees are best about 90 minutes after
sunrise when they are first lit up by the sun creating a beautiful effect
across the lake.

READ NEXT / WHAT TO DO IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

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 One of the highlights of the Buttermere Valley is a lovely stand of trees perched on the edge of the
lake under the imposing crags of Haystacks.
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 6 – WASTWATER
Wastwater is remote and wild. The grandest peaks of the Lake District
soar around the shore creating an amphitheatre of rock and stone.
Scafell Pike and Scafell, the two highest fells can be found here but it is
Great Gable that steals the show.

Towering above the head of the valley it is a perfect inverted cone with
precipitous slopes above grassy banks. The drive along the north-
western bank of the lake is sensational. There’s plenty of places to stop
and hop out of the car for a photo, but it does take a bit of time to get
here.

If you score a sunny day, it’s also one of our favourite places to wild swim
in the Lake District.

WASTWATER PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

With the high mountains on the eastern side of Wastwater the best
sunrise photography is later than you would expect. It’s generally a
better location at sunset when the mountains are better reflected in the
water. Our favourite spots are marked on the map below.
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 The grandest peaks of the Lake District soar around the shore of Wastwater creating an
amphitheatre of rock and stone.
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 7 – LOUGHRIGG
Loughrigg is a little lump of a mountain which packs a big punch. It sits
at the centre of a host of attractive valleys and although only a little
more than a thousand feet high, (335 metres) it has surprisingly wide-
ranging views.

It does require a 45-minute walk to get to the summit but it’s well worth
the effort. From here the villages of Grasmere and Ambleside can be
seen surrounded by several summits and lakes.

But the real highlights are the slopes of Loughrigg themselves. Bobbling
mounds of grass strewn with sheep, heather-covered hillocks split by
zigzagging dry stone walls, and earthen paths heading over wooden
stiles combine to create a beautiful setting.

Being centrally located, Loughrigg is a great place to base yourself.

Check out these Luxury Cottages in the Lake District for some ideas.

LOUGHRIGG PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

Spend some time exploring the wide top of Loughrigg, rather than just
the summit, a host of beautiful viewpoints open up as you stroll around.

HIKE / BEST ROUTE UP SCAFELL PIKE

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 Loughrigg is a little lump of a mountain which packs a big punch sitting at the centre of a host of
attractive valleys.
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 8 – RYDAL WATER
Tucked under the slopes of Loughrigg, Rydal Water is a lovely lake
surrounded by paths crisscrossing a hilly woodland. As one of the best
short walks in the Lake District, it’s an easy stroll around the shores,
from where a wealth of beautiful views reveal themselves.

Protected by mountains on all sides, Rydal Water is often very still

making it a great location for photography. The southern side of the lake
is the most picturesque and the perfect spot to set up the tripod and
collect some images. The nearby Rydal Cave is a great spot to test your
creative side.

RYDAL WATER PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

As a popular swimming spot, come early in the morning to catch the

swimmers braving the elements for a refreshing wake-up dip.
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 Tucked under the slopes of Loughrigg, Rydal Water is a lovely lake surrounded by paths
crisscrossing a hilly woodland.
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 9 – BLEA TARN & SIDE PIKE
High up on the rugged slopes between Great and Little Langdale, Blea
Tarn feels like one of those inaccessible places that should be difficult to
reach. However, a steep winding road allows you to get here with little
effort on one of the great drives in the Lake District.

From the edge of the tarn, the Langdale Pikes – some of the most
imposing mountains in the fells – are at their dramatic best. Their craggy
summits rise over a swathe of green fields low in the valley. For an even
better view take the 25-minute hike to Side Pike where several of the
high peaks of the Lake District rise all around you.

BLEA TARN PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

The hike to Side Pike is only 25 minutes if you park in the small space
near the cattle grid at the top of the pass, rather than at Blea Tarn car
park itself.

READ MORE / EXPLORING THE LANGDALE PIKES

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 From Side Pike, craggy summits rise over a swathe of green fields low in the valley.
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 10 – ULLSWATER
Ullswater is the second largest lake in the area and much less visited
than Windermere, the biggest. But it offers better Lake District
viewpoints because of the high mountains that surround its southern
end. Additionally, the bays that run from Glencoyne bridge down to
Glenridding are beautiful.

You can drive all along the western bank hopping out of the car and
taking photos. But it’s also worth catching the steamboat to Howtown
then taking the short walk up Hallin Fell. This vantage point provides
great views of Ullswater. but also into the rarely visited valleys of
Martindale Common.

ULLSWATER PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

Don’t miss the Duke of Portland Boat House at the north end of the
Ullswater. This unique holiday accommodation is a very secluded part of
the lake, and features in our top places to stay in the Lake District
guide.
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 From Hallin Fell peer into the rarely visited valleys of Martindale Common.
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 11 – CONISTON WATER
Protected by the prevailing winds by the Old Man of Coniston Mountain,
Coniston Water is the stillest of the lakes. So still in fact that Donald
Campbell set world speed records on water here in the 1950s and 1960s.

It’s a great destination when the rest of the Lake District is buffeted by
wind and it’s particularly good for photographers looking for glossy
reflections. There are several great spots all around the lake, but our
favourite is the pier at Monk’s Head. Additionally, drive a few minutes to
Yew Tree Tarn, another beautifully set, but much smaller lake
surrounded by trees.

CONISTON PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

Dawn usually sees the lightest winds and the best light; a great
combination for Coniston Water and an ideal time to photograph it. Set
up at Monk’s Head for some crystal clear reflections shots over the lake.
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 Monk’s Head at Coniston Water offers excellent conditions for crystal clear reflections shots over
the lake.
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 12 – ELTERWATER
Elterwater is another great Lake District photography spot made even
better by the right conditions. Set in a valley surrounded by interesting
crags, arrive early on a cold morning and you’ll find the whole area
blanketed in a cloud of mist.

Amble along the River Brathay and wait for the sun to burn through and
the backdrop of Lingmoor Fell and the Langdale Pikes to be revealed.
It’s nothing short of magical.

ELTERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

If the mist on the lake is low and too thick for photography, walk up to
the summit of Neaum Crag near Skelwith Bridge. The views from above
as the mist starts to leave the lake are absolutely beautiful.

READ MORE / CLIMBING BLENCATHRA

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 If the mist on Elterwater is low, the summit of Neaum Crag has excellent views over the lake.
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 WHERE TO GO FOR LAKE DISTRICT SUNRISE SHOTS
The Lake District is at its best first thing in the morning as the sun slowly
lights up the mountains. The best Lake District views listed in this guide
are very easy to get to, so you don’t need to be up too early to get to the
right spots. However, in summer, catching sunrise still means a very
early start.

KESWICK AREA

The area around Keswick is great for sunrise. The wide valley to the east
allows sunlight to reach the land shortly after dawn. Start at Latrigg,
then visit Castlerigg and finally stop off at the Keswick Waterfront. If you
still have good light, Ashness is only a short drive away.

BUTTERMERE

The area around Buttermere is another beautiful Lake District spot for
sunrise. Walk around the lake making sure you are near the stand of
trees for when the sun finally appears over Dale Head and lights up the
scene.

CONISTON & ELTERWATER

The lakes and tarns around Coniston and Elterwater are at their best on
cold mornings when mist clings to the water. Take a flask of coffee, sit
down, and watch the sun burn through to reveal magical countryside.

GET ADVENTUROUS / BEST SCRAMBLES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

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 The best vantage point of Buttermere is from Rannerdale Knotts, a 45-minute hike from the car
park in town.

WHERE TO GO FOR LAKE DISTRICT SUNSET SHOTS

While there are some excellent sunset opportunities at the top of the
high fells, getting back in the dark can be difficult. Our suggestions for
good Lake District sunset locations are either easy to get to in a car or a
quick away down. That way you can stay out until the sun has properly
set.

LOUGHRIGG

At sunset, the golden shimmer of the grassy slopes of Loughrigg are

magical. The lakes glisten in the early evening light and the views back
towards the highest peaks – shooting into the sun – provides some
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 beautiful warm atmospheric shots.

WASTWATER

The dramatic scree slopes of Wastwater are nicely lit by the setting sun.
Any spot from the road along the lake will provide a great vantage point
to watch the colour drain from the day. Finish up with a pint at the
Wasdale Head Inn.

BLEA TARN

Around one hour before sunset, the view from Blea Tarn across to the
Langdales is one of the best in the Lake District. The evening sun lights
up the beautiful formation of the Langdales and the whole scene is
reflected in the lake. It’s a sight to remember.

At sunset, the golden shimmer of the grassy slopes of Loughrigg are magical.
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 MAP / BEST LAKE DISTRICT VIEWS & PHOTOGRAPHY
SPOTS
Our map of the best Lake District views contains all the locations listed
here along with some suggestions for where you will get the best photo
opportunities. Most of these sites are easy to drive to and some involve a
short walk to the location.

Best View Lake District / Anywhere We Roam

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MORE READING FOR THE LAKE DISTRICT

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 We’ve been to the Lake District many times and never run out of
fantastic things to do. From adventurous scrambles to relaxing wild
swimming, here are more of our guides from the lakes.

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OUR PICK OF THE BEST GRADE 1 LAKE DISTRICT SCRAMBLES

15 BEST LAKE DISTRICT WALKS FROM EASY STROLLS TO CHALLENGING WAINWRIGHTS

CONQUER KNIFE-EDGE RIDGES ON THIS EXHILARATING WALK UP BLENCATHRA

WALK SCAFELL PIKE VIA THE CORRIDOR ROUTE FOR A TOP LAKE DISTRICT HIKE

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OUR FAVOURITE LAKELAND ACTIVITIES – BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

EXPLORE THE REMOTE AND RUGGED LAKE DISTRICT AT THE LANGDALE PIKES

BEST REMOTE SPOTS FOR A PEACEFUL WILD SWIM IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

YORKSHIRE DALES

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE GORDALE SCAR & MALHAM COVE WALK

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