Taking only photographs – leaving only footprints
Eskdale is in the heart of the Lake District National Park. One of my favourite walks is from the tiny railway station to this waterfall. The path is steep and unfenced. The narrow gorge reminds me of parts of New Zealand. At the end of the path you come to this dramatic 60 foot high waterfall. This was my second time visiting Stanley Ghyll Falls. It’s a magical location that I’d like to visit again and again.
Built as a packhorse bridge between Watendlath to Keswick. This bridge has become an icon for landscape photographers. I’ve seen dozens of photographs of this bridge over the years. Having wanted to visit for a long time this July I had a spare hour and was in the area so made the detour. My first surprise came when I drove over the bridge in my hire car. It was only wide enough for a single car. The trees behind the bridge have grown taller over the years. Many older photos show Borrowdale and Derwent Water behind. We can see the mighty Skiddaw mountain in the far distance.
Walking from the car park on the main road towards Elter Water you end up following the path along the river bank. The above photograph is looking west across the river and although the light was very bright and contrasty, I wanted to record this wonderful sky and how it was reflecting off the relatively still water. Although it was a little cold at the time of year I took this photograph, I can imagine it being a great spot for a picnic in summer when the temperatures should be warmer.
Although not one of the larger lakes and arguably one of the more difficult to drive to, Blea Tarn is in my opinion one of the most photogenic. Particularly from this side looking across the water towards Blea Rigg, seen here with some interesting cloud patterns / shadows. Due to the bright but rather bleak landscape, the trees on the left of the frame really stand out well, which was the focal point of this photograph.