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Writer's pictureMatt Poulton

Best places to see Autumn colours in the Lake District


Autumn colours on crummock
© Honourableandbold | Dreamstime.com

No time of year is quite so beautiful as Autumn. Fiery red leaves in the trees, the slopes earthy brown with bracken and the golden hues illuminated in the late afternoon's soft light make the already beautiful scenery of the Lake District take on an almost otherworldly beauty.


While there is beauty to be seen across the National Park at Autumn, here is a list of the best places to see Autumn colours in the Lake District



Hallin Fell


A small fell near Ullswater, Halin Fell is possibly best known for its huge summit trig point which stands over 3.5 meters tall. While beautiful all year round, with stunning views over Ullswater, in Autumn the bracken on the slopes and the stands of pine trees provide a stunning richness of colour to the landscape.



halin fell lake district
Golden light illunates a stand of pine trees © Honourableandbold | Dreamstime.com



Loughrigg Tarn


Loughrigg Tarn  provides stunning scenery all year round, but never more so than in Autumn. Hidden below Loughrigg Fell, with views of the Langdale Pikes, the stands of beach and oak trees dressed in autumn colours provides a beautiful contrast to the dark fells behind.



Loughrigg Tarn with the Langdales behind
Loughrigg Tarn with the Langdales behind



Borrowdale


If a Cumbrian were asked for recommendations of where to see Autumnal colours, it would surely not be long until Borrowdale was mentioned. A glacial valley near to Keswick, the thick stands of trees and the bracken covering the slopes turn the landscape into an Autumnal dreamscape.


castle crag in autumn
Castle Crag in Borrowdale Credit: Derek Poulton



Tarn Howes


Between Hawkshead and Coniston, this picturesque tarn comes to life in Autumn, bursting with colour, made doubly impressive by its reflections in the water. Easily accessible with a large National Trust carpark, a wide, compacted path, and the option of hiring an all terrain 'Tramper' mobility scooter, this slice of Autumnal magic can be seen by all.


Autumnal colours at Tarn Howes
Autumnal colours at Tarn Howes © Mille19| Dreamstime.com


Autumnal colours at Tarn Howes
Reflections in the water © Jasminelove | Dreamstime.com



Thirlmere


On the side of the A591, Thirlmere Reservoir is one of the lesser visited waters in the Lake District. However, should you choose to take a walk round the western side of the reservoir, or gaze down upon it from the ascent of Helvellyn, you will be treated to stunning views of a mass of conifers below, turning the slopes into a patchwork of yellow and orange.

Thirlmere from the ascent of Helvellyn© Kevin Eaves | Dreamstime.com
Thirlmere from the ascent of Helvellyn © Kevin Eaves| Dreamstime.com

thirlmere reservoir
The mass of connifers providing colour to the landscape © Bobbrooky | Dreamstime.com



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