Derwentwater from Castle Head

I am a firm believer that this view of the length of Derwentwater, looking across to the North-Western Fells of the Lake District is one of the very finest in the country. Understandably, Derwentwater is always closely associated with Keswick and with the striking bulk of Skiddaw that overlooks, indeed particularly dominates, the town. Probably, if for no other  reason, this is why so many images of including Derwentwater in shot  inevitably focus on Skiddaw.

But whilst many fine views are to be obtained from the waterside of Derwentwater around Keswick, greater rewards are to be found by the photographer who seeks a more elevated location for his viewpoints. The small, but perfectly placed eminence that is Castle Head is one such example of the perfect viewpoint for the length of Derwentwater. From here the vista stretches along the line of the North-Western fells from Grisedale Pike in the north to High Spy above the Jaws of Borrowdale in the south taking in Causey Pike, Catbells, Maiden Moor along the way.

I captured this particular image on an afternoon early in spring when the light was ideal for this south-westerly viewpoint.