6 of the Best Spots in the Lake District to Catch a Winter Sunrise

14 December 2019

The Lake District is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. With stunning scenery that can be enjoyed all year round, it’s no wonder people flock to the Lakes armed with nothing but hiking boots and a camera.

Although many people see the area as a summer-only destination, winter can also bring along some incredible photography opportunities. Especially those frosty morning sunrises with the looming fells in the foreground! And the best bit is, in the winter you get a few extra hours in bed before heading out to catch a beautiful sunrise.

If you’re someone who isn’t afraid to get up and seek out the best location for the best winter sunrise snap. Here are some of our favourite spots to catch a truly magical Lake District sunrise snap during the colder months.

Loweswater

A quiet, peaceful area at any time of day, Loweswater is nestled amongst some amazing scenery in West Cumbria. It’s a beautiful lake framed by a dramatic backdrop of the surrounding fells and mountains of Grassmoor and Mellbreak.

The bank of Loweswater provides the perfect landscape shot for a wintery sunrise. Reflecting off the lake and peaking over the mountains and fells for a truly striking snapshot. And there’s no hiking involved to get to this location!

Wasdale Head Valley

Staying in West Cumbria for the moment, Wasdale head is another quiet, remote location. It is perfect for those seeking a brilliant sunrise during the colder months. While it is quite out of the way and off the beaten track, it’s definitely worth heading to with your camera.

To get a decent shot looking over the Wasdale valley, it’s recommended that you make your way up the slopes of Great Gable. You don’t need to ascend completely, but you will get a decent landscape shot from the lower slopes. Make sure you get Wast Water in your shot. And with the Wasdale Screes on your left, Yewbarrow to the right and the distant fells behind, you’ll have the perfect framed sunrise.

Coniston Shore

Heading down to South Cumbria, you’ll meet some of the big names of the Lakes, including Coniston. While the Old Man of Coniston walk is a popular one, to get a great shot across the lake, you don’t even need to attempt to climb it.

Instead, head lakeside to get an incredible shot right across the lake while the sun rises. On a calm day, you should get a shot of Coniston Lake looking like perfect glass with a burning sunrise reflected in it. There’s not just one good spot by the lake for this. So it’s the perfect location for trying out different parts of the lake to get the best snap.

Buttermere

Another location in West Cumbria, Buttermere is an incredible sight, no matter what time of year or day it is. With sweeping vistas and a skyline which isn’t over cluttered by surrounding fells. It’s a great location that almost guarantees a striking winter sunrise snap.

Another lake location, take your time walking around the edge of the lake to see how the sun is rising and choose your position for your best shot. There are plenty of trees lining the lake, which are a great foreground feature in any photo.

Ullswater

Heading north in the Lakes, you have Ullswater Lake near Penrith. This striking glacial lake which plays home to many sailing and steamboats. The Duke of Portland Boathouse is one of the most beautiful sites in the Lakes; particularly in the early morning. It’s one of the Lake District’s most photographed buildings for a reason.

With the sun coming up over the surrounding fells and mist rolling over the lake, who would pass up an opportunity to catch the rawness and beauty that is the natural countryside of the Lake District on a winter’s morning?

Langdale (Side Pike)

Looking for a more visibly rugged, countryside-focused shot? Heading up Side Pike in the Langdales is definitely one to add to your list.

With its jagged terrain, knolls of grass, splashes of natural greens, browns and greys, the sunrise will only accentuate the roughness of the landscape and highlight the bracken-dominated slopes of the fells surrounding you.

There’s the added beauty of a traditional dry stone wall running through the area too. Giving even more authenticity and a truly natural feel.

These are just some of our favourite locations – the Lake District is full of beautiful places to capture a sunrise. Wherever you decide to head to, make sure you’ve got the best accommodation to head back to after a long day of exploring. Especially if you’re setting out early to catch the sunrise!

We have a range of beautiful holiday homes and caravan parks in the Lake District for you to choose from – will you book your stay with us today?