5 Days at Windermere: Advice Please!

Dark Star

Dark Star

TPer Emeritus
Suspended / Banned
Messages
12,829
Name
John
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi All,

I'm lucky enough to be accompanying my wife to Lake Windermere next week and while she is organising a conference up there I have the days to myself and my camera gear. :)

So I wondered if any of you fine people had any advice on what I should do on my first real photographic adventure...any good locations I shouldn't miss, any gear I should not go without? :thinking:

We'll be staying at the northern end of Windermere between Ambleside and Bowness so any local knowledge would be appreciated...but I'll have my car with me so I can gad about a bit!

I'll be taking with me the following kit:

Canon 20D,
Sigma 10-20
Canon 70-200 f4.0
Canon 18-55 (Kit lens)
Sigma EF 500 DG Super Flash
Slik 88M tripod (plus maybe a smaller Manfrotto)

All and any advice most gratefully received and I shall (hopefully) post the fruits of my labours on the forum when I return in a week or so.

Thanks in advance!

John
 
Coat and wellies might be an idea!

Head west a little. Corny Fell, Wrynose Pass, Hardknott Pass are all photogenic. Same for a village called Ravenglass. Apparently there's a good pub at the top of Kirkstone Pass as well. Just don't blame me if your motor gets stuck!

Essentially, if the weather's right, stick a pin in a local map and go there.

If you want something a little more industrial, Seascale (Sellafield) is just off the A595.

You could also try looking at Haweswater Reservoir (near Shap off the A6) - last time I went there it was dry and the village that was flooded to make it was clearly visible.
 
i agree with Chris, coat and wellies!
 
Just seen this - as im off to bed - but I'll put some thoughts together tomorrow for ya.

Its a great time of year for the county.

If your around on Friday its the torchlight procession at Kendal - Really worth seeing - like a big festival.

Weathers not looking to good for next week - but thats what fills the lakes :)
 
Cheers guys - wellies are now in the car ready for Tuesday! And K.I.M I look forward to your ideas, much appreciated!
 
Recently stayed a weekend in Bowness. Lovely place during the day, but at night, it's a different story. All the yobs from the North West of England descend there. But, there is a very nice Italian there called Rumours, and an even nicer Tapas place called La Bodega.

I didn't get up to much Photography wise there, so no tips from me. Sizergh Castle is quite nice to pop into just before you get back onto the M6 though.

Cheers,
Matt
 
Early morning in Rydal, or by the side of Grasmere are beautiful, also try elterwater.

Bowness is a trippery - but I like the beatrix potter museum :D

at the bottom of lake windermere is Newby Bridge with the steam trains - Lakeside and Haverthwaite http://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/

A little bit further off (but well worth it) is the South Lakeland Wildlife park http://www.wildanimalpark.co.uk/ - catch the lions getting fed. (Takes about 40mins or so from Bowness - but can link with steam train visit).

Kirkstone Pass as already pointed out but I think the pub might be shut for refurbishment.

Then if you fancy the western lakes - Coniston is a really nice water and the trip from ambleside goes past a small tarn which at the right time can be really nice for pics.

Hope these at least point you to some places.

Have a great time.

and Do try to get to the Kendal Torchlight - I hope to be there.

Allan
 
Many thanks thanks Matt, Allan and WW - I shall see where my feet take me and try to do your advice justice :-)

Might see you in Kendal Matt!!!

John
 
Just to round off this one....I drove around all over the area....Fantastic scenery up on Langdale, Wrynose and Hardknott passes, had a long day around Blea Tarn off those passes, took a boat trip across Windermere and also a steam train trip between Hatherthwaite and Lakeside.

Near Elterwater I climbed quite high on the fells to view Grasmere and Rydal. Absolutely beautiful!

I will go back there for sure!

And I found a superb B&B in Bowness if anyone needs a recommendation (also in Bowness a great meal can be had at the White House).

And the weather didn't require wellies!!!

Thanks for the tips and you can see some of the fruits of my labours in my gallery on here.

John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top