As the year starts to turn to autumn, the Lake District landscape takes on new fiery colours of copper and auburn, saffron and gold.
The cooler weather and warm hues make this the perfect time of year for photography, and I love to get out to some of the Lake District’s most iconic locations to capture some autumn scenes. Here are some of my favourite.
Autumn on the river
The River Brathay is an inspiration during all seasons. But when the canopy starts to change colour and thin out, leaves gently float down into the flowing water, creating an artistic and natural effect. At Clappersgate Bridge, the bowed trees reach for the river as the flowing water carries the leaves in dancing swirls downstream to Windermere.
Wastwater
It’s not only the leaves that change colour during autumn. Head to Wastwater at the turn of the season and you’ll see how the landscape transforms entirely. The grasses, bracken and fells all do their part to create a dazzling autumn portrait of the landscape.
Wastwater is one of the most iconic Lake District scenes and autumn captures the true splendour of the lake and mountains.
Rydal Water
Rydal Water is a small lake with a big personality. I love this autumn landscape photo because of the amount of character packed into one shot. The stormy clouds in the sky, a touch of mist above the trees, the gentle ripples on the lake, and the splash of sunlight on the slopes. You can see why this was such a popular haunt for Romantic poets like William Wordsworth.
Loughrigg Tarn, the Langdales
Nothing says ‘wish you were here’ like this autumn photo of the Langdales in the Lake District. Taken from the shores of Loughrigg Tarn, the mountains tower over bushy trees that will soon shed their leaves entirely. For now, they offer a multitude of delightful shades that are quintessentially autumnal.
Thirlmere
The light is just perfect in this autumn shot of Thirlmere. Though the light is soft and gentle, a sun beam is nonetheless striking as it cuts a line across the rusty trees and onto the reflecting water.
Of all the lakes in the Lake District, Thirlmere is often overlooked as people travel between Derwentwater and Grasmere. But this shot proves that there is a lot of beauty to be enjoyed if you look to the secret places. It’s a perfect place to escape the crowds.
Yew Tree Tarn, Coniston
A well-placed bench at Yew Tree Tarn provides you with the perfect Lake District autumn view. Close to Coniston, this tarn is easy to access thanks to the road that runs alongside it, and the car park close by. It’s a popular fishing spot, and you might see aquatic dwellers darting through the shaded water.
Just imagine a crisp autumn day, and sitting on this bench with a loved one, keeping warm together as you enjoy the view.
Stockghyll, Ambleside
Autumn is a wonderful time for riverside walks, and this one from Ambleside is a delightful short stroll to some impressive waterfalls. This autumn photo is taken from further down the ghyll, though you can still see the water dashing briskly over the rocks on its way to the River Rothay and onto Lake Windermere.
The canopy of the surrounding woodland is as colourful as you would expect at this time of year, and helps keep you dry if it’s a little wet out!
Causey Pike, Newlands
Whatever the season, the mountains that tower over Derwentwater and Keswick create an incredible panorama. But in autumn, the breathtaking fells are even more dramatic thanks to the burnt oranges and rusty reds of the trees on the lower slopes. Subtle shades and even a sprinkling of early snow make this autumn photo of Causey Pike something very special.
Ashness Bridge, Borrowdale
One of the most photographed spots in the Lake District, Ashness Bridge in Borrowdale is postcard-pretty. The waters of Barrow Beck bubble over the rounded rocks, drawing your eye towards the spectacular view over Derwentwater and Skiddaw. Pockets of orange autumn leaves contrast delightfully with the dark grey of the stones that line the stream. It’s no wonder that this is such a popular Lake District photo!
Autumn Woodland, Grasmere
There’s something mystical about these paths running through a tranquil woodland near Grasmere. Perhaps it’s the promise of hidden things at the unseen end of the trail. Or maybe the contrast between orange leaves on one side, and bare branches on the other makes this panorama a little bit magical, taking in two seasons in one shot. Whatever the reason, the woodland paths beckon you onwards for a pleasant autumn stroll under the trees.
Lake District autumn prints
Browse all my seasonal Lake District photography.