Home; it's a term we all use. Some of us use it to describe where we grew up, some say its where our family is, and others say its where we feel most comfortable. Most people can end up having many “homes” in their lifetime, while others may struggle to find even one place they would consider home. Me? I am fortunate enough to be the former. There are a couple of places I reward with that particular noun; one is a place where I have made a life for myself with my partner, a place I feel comfortable and safe, and a place where I spend most of my time. But the other, the other is somewhere I think I will always refer to as home, no matter where else I spend my life. It is the place that made me, the place that inspires me, and the place I grew up: the Lake District.
Living and growing up in this part of the world, you don't realise the beauty and the joy of it quite so much because you are used to it, it feels normal, like its no big deal. But if there is one thing I have realised after spending months in lockdown at my home in Dundee, it's how much I miss the Lake District, how much I miss home. Sure, living in a city has its perks, and I really wanted to live in a city for my University studies for a change of scene, because at that point I was sick of the countryside. But after spending months walking around the same city streets, to the same park for a social distanced walk, it has made me realise how much I miss the varied nature of the Lake District. I miss being able to see beautiful fells, waters and woodland areas just outside my back door. I miss the short journey to the beach, where I could stand on untouched sand because there is hardly anyone there to disturb it. I miss the Solway sunsets from my back garden. But most of all, I miss the inspiration.
The Lake District is where I discovered my love for photography, specifically outdoor and landscape photography. Living in such a beautiful area, what else could I possibly specialise in? Capturing the beauty of something so natural and being able to show people what I get to see every time I'm there, its one of my favourite things. Yet I always used to take this for granted. Because that's what we do, we don't appreciate what we have, what we like, until one day something happens that forces us to think about it.
Growing up in a guesthouse, I was always surrounded by visitors and tourists, some of which used to say how amazed they were at the scenery, and how they could not believe how clear the skies were (you could always tell which ones were the city dwellers). Then even in recent years, when I would tell people where I'm from, they would go “wow, what a beautiful place to live" or "I hear its lovely there”, and I always used to respond with “yeah it is, for about a week. After 18 years it gets a bit boring.” And that was my typical answer, every time. Because it was true at the time, I did get bored of it. I was so tired of countryside that I wanted something different, I wanted more, I wanted a city. Don't get my wrong, I have loved my years in Dundee; it has certainly been different and has given me so much. However, over the past few months I have had lots of time to really think, and I have realised how much I miss those skies, those fells, those lakes. Also, I have realised how much I miss the feeling of adventure I would get just by going for a walk or even going to my favourite places. I definitely took for granted the fresh air, the country smell, and the quiet and subtle noises of wildlife which were so unique.
So in honour of my favourite place, my unappreciated childhood, my home, I present a gallery of some of my favourite places and hidden spots. The Lake District has so much to offer, and I would encourage anyone I know to go and see it at some point in their lifetime. It is a true UK treasure. So here is me, trying to show the world, and remind myself, that what I used to think was was boring and ordinary, is actually the most extraordinary place I could ever have hoped to grow up.
If anyone has any questions about any of these locations or want travel tips, please do feel free to get in touch!
My 5 Top Spots
5. Skiddaw
Skiddaw is the 4th Highest Fell in the Lake District, standing at 3054 feet and sitting just north of the popular Lake District town of Keswick. Both the above shots were taken along the Jenkin Hill Bridleway which leads up the side of Skiddaw, on my latest trip home. The top photograph looks down the Jenkin Hill Bridleway towards the starting point at the Latrigg Car Park, while the bottom photograph faces the Borrowdale Valley, with a view of Derwent Water and the town of Keswick straight ahead. While this walk can be challenging at certain points, it is the most popular and probably the simplest route up Skiddaw with a clear path all the way to the Summit, bypassing the summit of Little Man along the way (this summit is an optional detour if you wish to conquer two fells at once). For those who enjoy a good walk, this one I would thoroughly recommend with views that are definitely worth the climb!
4. Derwent Water
While you are in the area, you may wish to visit the shores of Derwent Water, which can be reached from Keswick town or from further down the Borrowdale Valley. Derwent Water is one of the more popular areas for visitors to find themselves, with the famous Cat Bells fells being located right next to it, and it is a great place to start your visit in the Lake District, especially if you enjoy walking. The above picture was taken in the woods of Manesty Park on the Lake shores just below Cat Bells, with a view of Castlerigg Fell in a bright sun beam.
3. Aira Force
Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District Waterfalls, is located near Watermillock in the Penrith area, and sits within the Ullswater Valley. This amazing scene is a must-see if you are in the area, with lots of walking options around it should you be interested in a larger climb. The woodland in this area is perfect for a picnic, as well as being home to the rare red squirrels which populate the Lake District. The above photos were taken along the bridge and viewpoint at the base of the falls, with the below photo being taken along the woodland path leading to the falls.
2. Ullswater
While you are visiting the Aira Force Waterfall, you may also wish to take in the rest of the beautiful Ullswater valley. The above picture was taken up the side of Bernard Pike above Aira Force one winter afternoon, and I believe shows the Valley and the shining body of the lake in all its glory, with views of fells such as Helvellyn, St Sunday Crag and Fairfield Peak in the distance. The Ullswater Valley has some charming elements you would not want to miss, with lots of small local villages and delightful picnic spots, and you could even catch a ride on the Ullswater 'Steamer'.
1. Crummock Water
Crummock Water is probably my favourite location of all shown here today. While it may not be as exciting as some other parts of the Lake District in terms of activities or local sights, I love the tranquillity and natural simplicity of the area, and the fact that you can get so completely in touch with nature here. So if your looking for a more secluded and tranquil area to enjoy your trip, I would thoroughly recommend a stop here. This photograph looks out onto the surface of Crummock Water one winter day, capturing the snow capped tops of Red Pike and High Stile in the centre, with Low Bank to the left and Mellbreak to the right.
To get to this part of the shore there is a beautiful woodland path running beside the River Cocker which flows from the Lake. This woodland is beautiful at all times of the year, and certainly gives this path a great ambience.
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