A May Weekend in the Lake District National Park
If I had to choose a colour to sum up the Lake District it would be GREEN! At this time in the year especially, the trees and landscape is overwhelmingly vibrant. I'm lucky enough to have family who live in this beautiful part of the world, and so when I visit I rely on their 'inside' knowledge to go to the best and some of the lesser known spots.
On this trip I spent a large chunk of my time exploring the Langdale valley area where there are lots of little, (very narrow!) country lanes which wind through beautiful hills revealing lots of isolated farms, and cottages. The Langdales is a prime location for seeing the famous, native breed of Cumbrian sheep; the Herdwick. I have never considered sheep to be the most obviously beautiful of animals, but this breed really does have a special quality. Perhaps it's because they are bred to be so robust, enduring tough winters out on the fells. Looks-wise their faces are very gentle and as lambs they are born black but their soft coats gradually fade to greyish-white as they grow older. Whilst exploring, we were lucky enough to see a farmer bringing in the flock. In the future I'd love to have the opportunity to photograph these sheep in the snow.
Another spot which I would highly recommend for a walk is the path which goes from Elterwater Village, past the lake and towards Skelwith Bridge. Hidden in the forests here is Skelwith Force, an epic waterfall.
