Wastwater lies on the western flanks of the Lake District National park, and for me it is one of the most beautiful places in the country. There is something about the lake, which makes it feel quite intimidating even on a warm summer afternoon. I suppose it's the way the mountains crowd around it. As the lake comes into view you immedietly see the head of the valley with Great Gable sat at the head of the table.  On the right side of the lake running down from the top of Whin Rig are giant scree slopes that fall right into the lake. To the left side and running up towards the head of the valley is Yewbarrow. Tucked away out of sight until you drive a little further up the Lakeside road, is the might of Scafell Pike girded by its mighty rock buttresses. All this epic scenery in the space of 3 miles.

It's one of the most iconic views in England, and one which I had never photographed. On checking the weather forecast the weekends rain was clearing and it might throw up some rather nice light. Even better was the fact that this weather window was in the afternoon, after last weeks tiring journey to Wales, it would be rather nice to enjoy a later start and miss the morning traffic on the M6. Still given its location it was still a 4 hour drive, the last hour being stuck behind a gravel laden lorry and a caravan. The drive though was well worth it and we were blessed with late afternoon sun and some fantastic cloud patterns.  Enjoyed a lovely meal at the Wasdale Head Hotel, well worth a visit to view some of the fantastic historic climbing and mountaineering images on the walls. Hope you enjoy looking at the images.

wastwater lake district national parkview toward the head of the valley

Wastwater and the lake district national park.

Wasdale head Hotel Lake district national park

Wasdale head and Great gable

All the above images were shot using the Fuji Xt1 with 14mm lens, using a combination of CPL filter/ND grad, all images were shot in Raw format.