There’s something strangely mystical about a Lake District jetty. They stretch off far into the water, the calm water lapping below them and tall mountains in the background tempting you to come and explore. Whatever the weather, these wooden (or stone) landing stages, devoid of boats and people, have some sort of calming effect. They induce all sorts of feeling too, from an unsettled sense mystery in a heavy mist to overwhelming inspiration on a glorious summer’s day.
Take a photography tour with me around some of the Lake District’s many jetties.
Derwentwater
The Derwentwater jetties are the landing sites for the popular Keswick Launch, a fleet of pretty boats that transport you across the water. However, when all is silent in the early morning or evening, the jetties offer a tranquil place to enjoy views towards Borrowdale and Catbells.
On the west side you have Brandelhow Bay Jetty, which gently slopes towards the water and even dips into it at times of high water. Or admire Ashness Jetty on the east shore. The views along here are incredible, particularly at or just after sunset.
Windermere
As England’s longest natural lake, there are a great number of jetties on Windermere, though many are on private land. However, there is still plenty of opportunity for admiring the views and taking your own photos if you like.
Millerground Landing is a good place to start. On the east shore, this is a truly enchanting spot backed by fields and trees. There are a couple of jetties as well as a boathouse, so plenty of interest. This is also a popular spot for swimming, so you might spot a head or two bobbing along in the water.
Another great spot is Waterhead. This is the main landing point for Windermere Lake Cruises in Bowness-on-Windermere, so it does get very busy. However, the views are marvellous, and if you wake up early you can get some really atmospheric shots. I was very fortunate to be able to take this picture of Waterhead jetty in mist. Look closely and you can just see a ghostly yacht in the near distance.
Coniston Water
The colder seasons of autumn and winter are often best for landscape photography, as there’s excellent clarity in the air, and you can capture very crisp images. That was the situation on one of my visits to Coniston Water. Autumn was fading into winter, and a light frost coated the ground as the reds and browns of the dying season lit up the shore.
Here, Riggs Jetty is probably the most famous photography location, and the one that you’ll have seen in some iconic photos of Coniston. However, if you walk a little way along the shore, you’ll find other superb opportunities. The small twin jetties I found have plenty of character for a really interesting shot.
Ullswater Jetty
Ullswater is another large lake with lots of jetties to choose from. The Ullswater ‘Steamers’ travel back and forth between several of them during the day, and you can use these to hop between locations if you want to take in plenty of the sights.
Though there are many landings, there is one truly famous Ullswater Jetty. It’s the private jetty of the Inn on the Lake and the view down it is spectacular! A small lake island, layers of mountains, stretches of water… it has everything you could want from a Lake District photo.
While you’re here, why not snap an image of the Duke of Portland Boathouse too? While the boathouse itself is private, you can still catch this well known site from further down the shore and capture its own jetty.
Lake District Jetty Photography
Whether you’re taking your own Lake District photos of jetties, or are just admiring the views, the many landing stages of the national park offer their own character and delights. Browse my selection of Lake District jetty photographs to add to your own collection.