Skiddaw, Saddleback and Derwentwater from Catbells

Skiddaw and Derwentwater from Catbells following autumn snowfall

The familiar view of Skiddaw, Blencathra and Derwentwater from Catbells (Blencathra is also known locally as Saddleback) is a classic of the English Lake District. Setting off on this cool, frosty November morning I had chosen my location very carefully and specifically many months in advance. Higher up the Catbells ridge the vast expanse of Derwentwater becomes far too dominant, however on this particular shoulder of the ridge Skiddaw and Saddleback hold the viewer’s attention whilst maintaining a comfortable balance in the composition between the mountains and the water.

I had anticipated taking a shot of autumnal colours but a weak cold front had passed over the Lakeland peaks the night before and left the mountains covered in the first dusting of snow of the autumn. I shot the image just as there was enough light to cover the forest in middle distance – otherwise this area would have ended up far too dark on the final image. It was a tight run thing, within 30 minutes, the cirrus cloud in picture had developed considerably and the view was gone!