Mist and Magic at Buttermere Buttermere has long been one of my favourite valleys in the Lake District. While it can draw heavy crowds in Summer, come Autumn and Winter it becomes a much quieter and more contemplative place, perfect for photography. Recently I enjoyed what might be my best morning behind the camera since a trip to Blea Tarn back in May 2025. The forecast promised very light winds, and with the chance of still reflections, autumn colour, and perhaps even some morning mist, I couldn’t resist heading back to Buttermere after far too long away. As usual, I arrived far too early. It was still pitch black when I parked up at Gatesgarth, so I lingered over a coffee before making the leisurely walk down to the lake shore. My mind drifted with anticipation of what the morning might bring, until the haunting cry of Tawny Owls from the woods snapped me back to the present. A fitting soundtrack to the start of the day. When I reached the shoreline, the sky was stil...
