I had not managed to get out and sleep under canvas in September or October missing out on camp’s surrounded by the beautiful colours of autumn. Motivation had been lacking, a prolonged period working away from home saw me arrive home late on a Friday tired, with a pile of washing and an empty fridge, this coupled with early starts on Mondays had sapped my energy. With the job complete I was therefore looking forward to getting out in the Lakes and an opportunity to wild camp.

I had chosen to head round to Wastwater, Englands deepest lake nestled below the seemingly vast screes of Illgill Head. Pitching up on a knoll just above the water I could look up the valley to Yewbarrow its south east ridge seeming to carve into the water like the great upturned prow of a ships hull, and beyond to Great Gable. This view is  arguable the most famous and iconic in the Lake District, even appearing on the logo for the National Park.

I had hoped to get some sunset pictures but the clouds were unkind, offering up a dull sunset and I retreated to the warmth of my sleeping bag disappointed. Morning offered slightly better conditions and I found a couple of nice compositions with rocks in the lake mirroring the mountains in the background. For a time it looked like the rays of the rising sun would reflect off cloud which was dancing around Gable to light its snow dusted summit with warm pink and orange light, but it was one of those nearly moments you get so often in photography.

Gable Sunrise

A long exposure of some rocks

The sun rose to give a beautiful if cold morning, bright and crisp, making it any easy decision to hike up Gable and put a few miles in the legs.

Wastwater and Kirkfell from Gable

A light dusting of snow on Pillar