Autumn Colours in the Lakes
AUTUMN colours in the Lakes are what bring visitors flocking here every year. As the leaves on the trees turn from green to every imaginable shade or red, gold, brown and russet, orange and yellow, the spectacle along our paths, roads, on the hillsides and especially in the woods is breathtaking. And as every photographer and will testify autumn is a far better season than summer for colour ..and light. For the season of autumn colours is also about light and darkness. It's the best of both worlds: the leaves take on a translucent glow because they're softly backlit in autumn, but the photographer avoids the problems with exposure and harshness that you can get when photographing into the sun. Take a look here at what we mean. And we’ll also tell you where to go to get away from all light, as we head into the season of dark skies.
On the Fells
Autumn colours in the Lakes are seen at their best on our fells. For the best impact you want to climb high above the tree line, so that you get the full impact of the changing colours of leaves, along with the turning bracken. Love it or loathe it, bracken is well established on the hillsides, and as it starts to change colour and die back for the winter, the effect is stunning. Where to go? We like to walk on Loughrigg and look down at the bracken on the slopes above Rydal Water. But if you want a bigger adventure, how about the Fairfield Horseshoe? It’s barren and rocky up on the tops, but as you’re going up and coming down the colours are simply majestic. A grand day's walk; just ask to borrow our maps and the Wainwright guide.
Staying Active
The autumn colours in the Lakes will encourage you to keep active, and keep warm, as you head out in search of the best that we can offer. Walking is always the finest way, but you’ll find that many hardy residents and visitors are still taking to the water at this time of the year. And if you can find a mountain pool like this to take a dip, what could be more adventurous! Don’t stay in too long, and get moving again when you’re dry, to get warmed up again as quickly as possible. Advice here on where to swim.
Nature's Wonders
It’s not just the leaves turning on the trees that add to the spectacle of autumn colours in the Lakes. Take a look all around you, at what might be happening lower down on the trees. You’ll find mushrooms and fungi galore, though don’t be tempted to pick them and cook them unless you’re an expert. And if you thought spring was the brightest season, take a look at this spectacular Lichenomphalia alpina photographed by Pete Martin. Leave fungi in their natural place for others to enjoy. Check this site if you want help with identification. Likewise with berries on the trees. They’re at their best in autumn before the birds come along and store up for winter.
Colourful Sunsets
You can’t fail to notice the most spectacular time to see the autumn colours in the Lakes. It’s at the end of the day when the sun is setting. Climb up a little way for a truly grandstand view, perhaps from the top of Orrest Head, our little local mountain just across the road from the Cedar Manor. But anywhere with a west-facing view will give you sights you’ll never forget. We like to head for Waterhead, just at the north end of Windermere near to Ambleside, where you can be sure of some amazing sunsets. Look at these photos from Helen Green and Paul Barnett.
Dark Skies
From lots of colour to none at all, and you need to get away from city lights for the best experience here. And in the autumn the Lake District has many secluded valleys and remote fell tops, with some of the darkest skies in the country. Ideally you need to be really remote, as far as possible from civilisation, which is why the wild and wonderful valley of Ennerdale in the western Lake District is such a good choice. But it’s a long way to go from us here and we're aware that the weather can change, and the clouds can cover the stars unexpectedly. So our choice is a little easier to reach, the lovely Grizedale Forest. It lies between Windermere and Coniston, and is used to catering for visitors in the daytime, with big car parks, a cafe, and lots of walking and cycling trails. But at night when the stars come out, it’s a different world and you can book onto stargazing events here. Remember It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the night. A red torch helps, along with a pair of binoculars for seeing the stars. You’ll find apps on your phone to help you identify the constellations. And you must wrap up warm, with plenty of layers. We’ll happily provide you with a flask of tea or coffee to take along.