Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw

Castlerigg Stone Circle at sunrise

Derwentwater

The range of fells seen here across a snowy Derwentwater include, from left to right, the ridge leading to Cat bells, Robinson, Buttermere Red Pike in the far distance, Rowling End rising to the 'pimple' of causey Pike and the sunlit top of Barrow near Braithwaite.

Derwentwater

Winter in the lakes is not always windswept and rainsoaked! When a high pressure sets itself over the British Isles the days can be crisp and silent with the sun shining from a clear blue sky. Should this be preceded by a fresh fall of snow then all is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Descent from Skiddaw

 The tourist path to Skiddaw from Keswick is relatively safe as a winter’s walk because there are no very steep hills which may be dangerous in snow and ice. Though not as dramatic as the high fells, fine extensive views are available from this favourite mountain, but boy! can it be cold on top!

Derwentwater

This view from the Maiden Moor ridge shows dappled sunlight highlighting the eastern shore of Derwentwater below Walla Crag and the wooded slopes of Ashness. In the distance snow topped Blencathra is on the left and Clough Head on the right. The route to Penrith with the far distant Pennines is in the centre.

Sty Head

The wild mountains forming the Scafell massif appear very inviting on this clear winters day. Sty Head Pass (which links Borrowdale with Wasdale) is a popular resting place for walkers and climbers heading for the high fells. Lingmoor shows its dramatic cliffs in shadow and the ‘tourist’ route up Great Gable is to the right.

Striding Edge from Helvellyn

 The view eastwards from the summit of Helvellyn has a most distinctive outlook - that which includes Red Tarn nestling between the famous Striding Edge and Swirral Edge (out of the picture to the left). In the middle distance, beyond snow-speckled Birkhouse Moor, Ullswater stretches away towards Pooley Bridge and the Eden Valley.

Derwentwater

 A heavy fall of snow has been a rare occurrence these last few years. This recent one captures a wonderful wonderland appearance of the wooded slopes of Swinside, Derwent Island, and Cockshott Wood with Derwentwater between. Beyond are the familiar peaks of Grisedale Pike and Causey Pike.

 Blencathra

 This picture taken from the old A66 road to Keswick from Penrith shows the ever-familiar view of Blencathra in spectacular weather conditions. Experienced mountain goers will recognise Sharp Edge highlighted to the right of the summit.

 Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw

The shallow northern fringe of Bassenthwaite Lake has lightly frozen over in this picture taken on a late December’s afternoon. Low angled sunlight is picking out in sharp relief the craggy fellside of Ullock Pike, to the right of Skiddaw’s snow covered summit. Southerndale has already been plunged into shadow.