39
Crinkle Crags taken in the
soft evening light during the
winter months
Nikon D810 with 16-35mm lens,
1/6sec at f/11, ISO 64The misty conditions at
Devoke Water create a
great atmospheric shot
Nikon D810, 16-35mm, 25sec
at f/13, ISO 40ALL PICTURES © STUART MCGLENNON
LOCATION GUIDE Technique
Shooting
advice
When to go
Autumn would
absolutely be my choice for
the best time of year to
visit, where the foliage is
turning to more vibrant
colours, and the sunrise/
sunset times are more
amenable. In late autumn
the light in the evening
floods the valley and lights
up the distant fells, and
there’s even the possibility
of some snow on the high
peaks if you time it well.
Additionally, locations like
Stanley Ghyll and the
surrounding woodland
areas are likely to be full
of colour.Food and
lodging
The valley offers several
pubs and B&Bs along its
road out towards Eskdale
Green – probably the best
one is the Woolpack Inn
which serves delicious food
year round and also has
accommodation. Also the
Bower House Inn at
Eskdale Green is worth a
look. There are two or
three campsites dotted
along the valley for those
wanting to camp.What to avoid
If visiting in winter, check
local traffic updates as
during cold snaps the
Hardknott Pass and Birker
Fell roads are often closed
due to the threat of ice, or
if there’s been a heavy
snowfall. These roads in
good conditions are fine to
drive through but should
be avoided in ice, though
often the decision is taken
for you anyway by the
authorities. Make sure that
if you take to the high fells
to always be prepared, with
suitable warm clothing for
the conditions, maps/
compasses, etc. and also to
inform someone of your
intended route. The
weather can quickly
change in the Lakes so
always be as best prepared
as you can be.