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Free to use / download The location
To some, Friar's Crag is a special place. First time visitors and veterans of this small rocky outcrop will have one thing in common, they will share the stunning views through the coniferous trees that are abundant here. You don't have to be a genius to realise that you can't please everyone and there will be some that think the view from here is average at best. I don't know how anyone could possibly entertain that train of thought. I must be very easily impressed because this is one place out of countless others that offers the viewer a sublime, quintessential Lake District.
Take a moment to absorb the view and appreciate just how beautiful this place is. Derwentwater really is the jewel in the crown of Lakeland. There is so much to see and do here a week is simply not enough time to explore everything, but you could certainly give it a good try. The walking here is superb with something for everyone. To the north there is Skiddaw, to the south there's Castlerigg Fell and Grange Fell. One of the best views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells come from Walla Crag, the tree enshrouded rock face on the eastern side. The lake also provides the perfect backdrop for swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding. Rampsholme Island and St Herbert's Island can be explored on foot and Lord's Island, with its interesting history and manor house ruins, can be approached but not landed on for the reasons of protecting any nesting birds.
When the sun does shine in the Lakes, which can feel like a rare thing indeed, it really does impress, especially with a windless, cloudless sky that provided the perfect canvass for a series of photos along the Derwentwater 10 mile circular walk.
The subject
Cat Bells has people traversing its spine all year round, even in wintery conditions. From the opposite shores of Derwentwater you can see the tiny specks of people moving in both directions all day long likes ants along a felled tree. It gets busy, very busy. To experience this walk with fewer people you need to start early in the morning before the crowds appear. Photographing the natural beauty of the lakes and fells can be ruined by the swarms of visitors, creating a challenge for you if you prefer your landscapes without people in them.
An early start or a later finish is always advantageous, especially for the perfect light it can bring but, understandably, during the summer months getting up at 3am is not everyones' cup of tea. For most people wanting to capture a certain scene, you'll have to work with what you've got at the time and learn to be a little more adventurous as and when required. Some photo opportunities are successful, some you're not. Either way, just being there is food for the soul.