The River Eden meanders through some of the most beautiful countryside in England, yet it is a location rarely visited by landscape photographers. It is hemmed in between the highest part of the North Pennines on one side and the Northern Lakes on the other. The river has its source in Mallerstang in the Pennines. It flows northwards past the towns of Kirkby Stephen and Appleby and at this point passes several points of interest in the Pennines.

It has a number of interesting features. One of the chief amongst these is High Cup Nick. This is a deep cut in the fellside, and overlooks the most impressive glaciated valley in England. Murton Pike, Knock Pike and Dufton Pike are three conical hills standing clear of the front of the Pennines at this location and can be very striking in the early light. There are a variety of lovely short walks in this area, including one through an old wood and quarry at Dufton Ghyll. The village even has its own little pub for those in need of a “sit down” after a wander. The river then meanders onwards past some lovely little sections of woodland at Temple Sowerby and then onwards to Penrith, which is where we will be based for the tour.

Downstream from Penrith we head towards the beautiful sandstone villages of Armathwaite and Lazonby and the 3000 year old attraction of Long Meg and her sisters, an ancient stone circle.  Some of my favourite views are in this very area, along with one or two very nice resting spots.  The road to Alston cuts across the Eden at that point and has some marvelous evening views across the valley to the Lake District and onwards over the Solway to Scotland.  Northwards from Kirkoswald we come to Lanercost Priory and the Roman Wall, both of which make for great photography and in the event of a rainy day the interior of the Priory is a great way to keep dry and maybe practice a different style of photography. Hills, woodlands, riverside wanders, lush green fields, ancient castles, the Eden Valley has them all and is one of England’s best kept secrets.

Ullswater itself needs no introduction. Included in the trip will be a tour of the Lake by use of the Ullswater Steamers where people can relax and watch the stunning scenery come to them. The head of the Lake is surrounded by several peaks, including Helvellyn and St Sundays Crag. There are also some wonderful woodlands lining the shore. We will also be visiting Brotherswater, a beautiful lake in fabulous surroundings further up the valley.

Our hotel is The George, a 300 year old Grade I listed building full of history and charm. From there we can move along the Valley with ease. The Beacon, a small hill, with a large number of gentle woodland walks, overlooks Penrith itself. At this point we are only four or five miles from Ullswater, highlighting the fact that Penrith is often called the “Gateway to the Northern Lakes”.

All images © Mark Littlejohn 2016

When?
15th – 20th October 2017
Where?
Based in Penrith, Cumbria, England.
How much?
£1650
Deposit?
£200
Leaders:
Joe Cornish & Mark Littlejohn
Includes:
All ground transportation during workshop, full-board accommodation & tuition from two leaders
Excludes:
Insurance, transport to Penrith and alcoholic beverages.
Group size:
10

How to book?
You will need to make your deposit payment by cheque or electronic transfer in order to secure a place. For further details on booking please email me at marklj@hotmail.co.uk or call on +44 (0) 7971 140 628.