Derwentwater at sunrise. Something that should be on the list of things to do if ever visiting the Lake District. Especially if the weather says a clear, calm morning is ahead. I am often in the area for hikes and climbs so always good to check the weather forecast, as I did this particular day. If I am up early anyway I may as well set off a little earlier and enjoy some natural beauty to help get the day started.
You don’t have to hike for miles either to catch the morning light come from behind you, lighting up the fells across Derwentwater. From the main lakeside car park at Keswick you can walk the few hundred metres to Friars Crag for a great lookout. Or wander the side of the lake beyond or before. Just enjoy it, no crowds, no noise, just the lapping water with the morning bird calls.
At Friars Crag there is even a bench you can sit at. Spring as you can see brings colour, sunshine and the remnants of snow upon the fell tops. Goes to show you do not have to be physically looking at the sun to get a great sunrise. Let the water and mountains do the lighting up for you.
If you get there a little earlier the silhouettes under the starry skies can also bring super views. A prominent feature across the water, creating reflections, is Catbells and the humped ridge to the summit.
Or look over your shoulder. Skiddaw at this time of day can have great dancing clouds around it’s base, top or midrift. Every minute the view changes. Just one of the many things that draws the eyes to Skiddaw. An iconic shape, gorgeous colours all year round and clouds, unpredictable but often adding to its charm.
A tip top start to the day, I was more than pumped up for a couple of hikes. It was time to go. But always knowing… I shall always be back 🙂
Derwentwater is certainly one of my favourite lakes in Cumbria. I have many memories of running around it as a teenager whilst my parents sunbathed on the shores. With easy access and walking paths it is one of the waters here that many others have experienced and definitely one that you should see. Even more at sunrise and sunset, when the crowds are long gone.
So beautiful and serene. I can’t wait to visit this area, though getting up for the dawn is not my favorite thing to do. I shall just have to force myself.
Thx Barbara.. yes I am lucky to live well within an hour of there so not tooooooo early 😀
Stunningly beautiful and gorgeous.
If you look at Catbells from right to left…it’s a photo of
a mans head!!!!….forehead, nose and beard……
What say you?
🙂 haha now I see what you mean