River Brathay | A Lake District Photography Guide
The River Brathay area is a classic Lake District Photography Location
The River Brathay is one of the Lake District’s most peaceful photography spots, especially at sunrise. The flat path from the car park makes it an easy 10-minute walk, and it’s a location that really shines on foggy mornings. With mist hanging over the river and the sun breaking through, it’s a magical place to be. The scattered trees along the riverbank offer loads of options for compositions, and the chances of frost or lingering mist are high in the colder months. Looking back towards the Langdale Pikes from the river is one of my personal favourites - it’s such a rewarding scene to photograph.
This area is perfect for capturing intimate details too. On frosty mornings, I like to focus on close-up shots of the frost-covered grass or leaves by the river. Just a short 3–4-minute walk downstream brings you to Elterwater, another classic Lake District photography location. From here, you can shoot across the water towards Pike o’ Blisco and the Langdale Pikes. Using the reeds and rocks in the foreground helps create a balanced composition. Sunrise is a brilliant time to be here, as the soft light adds a lovely warmth to the scene.
Getting close in to capture some of the subtle frost on the riverbank’s reeds | Nikon Z7 | Nikon 24-200mm | Nisi Polarising Filter
Zooming in on some of the River Brathay’s reeds whilst some morning mist lingers | Nikon Z7 | Nikon 24-200mm | Nisi Polarising Filter
If you’re exploring further, don’t miss Skelwith Force. It’s a small but powerful waterfall just a bit further east along the River Brathay. I’ve always found it tricky to photograph, but it’s worth having a go. The woodland near Skelwith Bridge is also beautiful and great for more intimate photography. This whole area has so much variety, from riverside reflections to lakes and woodlands. It’s also only a 10 minute drive from Ambleside, making it a location that’s as convenient as it is inspiring.
Capturing a morning sunstar with the wide-angle lens beside the River Brathay | Nikon Z7 | Nikon 14-30mm
A beautiful frosty morning | Nikon Z7 | Nikon 24-200mm
How to Get to the River Brathay
Enjoying this guide? Want even more? Check out my Lake District Photography Locations eBook! It’s packed with 48 epic spots, easy-to-follow tips, and exact GPS coordinates - so you’ll always know where to go (and where to park). Grab it below and make your next trip even better!
