A stunning morning up Cat Bells | Lake District | Landscape Photography

Well worth the early start to walk up to Cat Bells in the Lake District for a stunning sunrise and some beautiful landscape photography opportunities.
A 3.30 alarm call and off I set for the 50 minute hike to Cat Bells ascending from Manesty Woods taking the Hause Gate steps route where, half way up, I was greeted with an eruption of colour in the dawn skies and had to pause to capture an image of the erupting skies over Derwent Water.
From there it was onwards to the summit where the sun was due to rise just to the right of Blencathra but was snuffed out by the photographer’s nemesis, the low bank off cloud on the horizon. However, there were some glorious pre sunrise colours in the sky which I captured with the fells in silhouette.
There was a small cloud inversion and mist lying in the valley and across the islands and not long after sunrise, the light broke through and streamed across the view before me providing some beautiful scenes to shoot.
Join me on my trip to Cat Bells and witness the day break, enjoy the glorious 360 degree views and soak up the breathtaking vistas on offer in the ever changing light and colours.
Cat Bells is one of the most popular of the smaller Lakeland Fells. It combines a beautiful and challenging form - well seen from Keswick - with a superb position above Derwent Water, ensuring it is a wonderful viewpoint.
It has a height of 451 metres (1,480 ft) and is one of the most popular fells in the area. It is ranked 189th by height out of the 214 Wainwrights.
It is situated on the western shore of Derwentwater within 3 miles (5 km) of the busy tourist town of Keswick. Its distinctive shape catches the attention of many visitors to the Lakes who feel compelled to climb to the summit after seeing it from the viewpoint of Friars' Crag on the opposite side of Derwentwater. The Lake District writer and walker Alfred Wainwright acknowledges the popularity of Cat Bells among fell walkers of all abilities by saying:
"It is one of the great favourites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together, a place beloved. Its popularity is well deserved: its shapely top knott attracts the eye offering a steep but obviously simple scramble."
My channel aims to inspire you to get outside, into nature, into the countryside, experience the great outdoors and enjoy the landscape from where I share my photography trips, travels and adventures, hoping to encourage and motivate you to venture out and take a few images along the way - if you have enjoyed this video please consider subscribing to enjoy future episodes.
Thank you for watching
Filmed on June 28th 2021
Music
I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here:
www.epidemicso...
Gear
Stills Camera: Nikon D5300
Vlogging Camera: Sony ZV1
Aerial footage: DJI Mavic Pro
Audio: Rode Wireless Go Mic
Handheld Gimbal - Zhiyun Crane M2
Lenses:
Nikkor 10-24mm f3.5
Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8
Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8

[@lethanhcuocsongdailoantaiw2225]

Cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ video đồi núi 🏔 đẹp 😍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you

[@lostinmyworld5499]

Beautiful video

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you 😊

[@johnleftwich650]

Thank You Andrew for acknowledging the Creator of that glorious beauty.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Absolutely my pleasure John !

[@cupcakescorner7684]

Wow A sea of clouds. Wonderful

[@jennyshangouts3321]

What a beautiful view ...keep safe friend

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you kindly 👍🏻

[@marifertalamor1569]

Stunning view and natures 😍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

They are aren't they !

[@JenniferLupine]

Wonderful morning views at the Cat Bells! I enjoyed seeing to get the perspective of the lake from above, and seeing the clouds and rising sun. Great titles for your photos - I really liked the afternoon one with the area of bright light - breath taking! I know what you mean that it’s a special feeling to be up on the peak, taking in the sights and sounds of nature! 👌👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Hey Jennifer thanks for stopping by and I’m so glad you enjoyed the trip with me. It was an exhilarating morning with a beautiful hike, stunning views, gorgeous conditions and a moment to remember. I just loved every second and was so happy. Much appreciated and thanks as always 😊⛰👍🏻

[@JenniferLupine]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography Yep, being outside in those glorious places and moments- makes for great memories! (And photos)

[@rafapajestka-nalesnychscie8167]

Brawo Andrew. Beauty film Brawooo. Greetings from Poland my friend. 🌳🦌🌲

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you kindly :)

[@farooqlhrofficial2251]

beautiful video

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you

[@farooqlhrofficial2251]

fantastic sharing boss👍💚

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many many thanks indeed

[@asmaetravel]

So awesome 😀 dear friend 🌺

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you so much 😊

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Man!! 3:30 is a wicked early day... That sunrise image at 10:37 is phenomenal. Glad you had the fortitude to get up the mountain to watch!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

The joy of English summer sunrise ha ha ! Not often I'll be up this early but so glad I made the effort as the weather gods were on side that day ! Had a fabulous morning Brian and really enjoyed the hike - big thanks as ever :)

[@farooqlhrofficial2251]

wow nice view

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

It's beautiful up there - thanks :)

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

What a magical experience, quite right calling it Morning elation! What an apt names you have for your photos.....And He said, It is good! I had goosebumps when that music combined with those drone shots. A true gift. Thank you for sharing your Dawn of Time with me. 🙏 💖 🇳🇿 🙋‍♀️ 🇳🇱

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Ah it was a stunning morning and highly enjoyable to be up at the summit to watch the dawn of a new day - just magical and breathtaking - the views are amazing and I really enjoyed the photography, being outside and shooting the video . Much appreciated and thanks again 😊👍🏻⛰

[@michellefisher724]

WOW. WOW. I literally was tearing up with emotion on this one. Between the stunning views, drone work, spectacular photos, and the music you chose, WOW. You captured the immense disparity between us human beings and a Great, Great God. Thank you for reminding us of His Greatness ❣️

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Wow, thank you! Michelle - somehow I missed this wonderful comment !! Hope you're both enjoying the AirStreamer and loving your new life :))

[@michellefisher724]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography We are heading out soon for a two week “trial run” we go on the road permanently in September 😊

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

@@michellefisher724 enjoy 😊 So excited for you - it’s going to be so much fun 🤩

[@michellefisher724]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography thank you 😊

[@SandraJsAdventuresOutdoors]

Just beautiful Andrew, I love the reflection in the water and the mystical appearance. What a world we live on. 😊

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you so much Sandra - the Lake District is my favourite spot to visit for photography and so glad that you enjoyed the film 😊

[@technicalshakeelmalik7359]

mashallah very nice beautiful videos

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many many thanks

[@farooqlhrofficial2251]

fantastic

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MarksWorldOfAdventure]

We hiked Catbells in July. One of my mates wanted to do Blencathra but non of the guys were up for it. Catbells was challenging enough for me. ha ha. The views across Derwentwater on the way down were spectacular. Nice video

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks and really appreciated Mark !

[@madhustoryline9997]

Amezing 👍👍👍

[@TeaInValhalla]

Oooh wow! Very rarely you'll find us lost for words, this came close! Some. Fantastic captures and footage on this on, what a little beauty Catbells is and the glorious Lake District rarely fails to deliver, this occasion it gave you buckets to work with! Brilliant video, thank you, Ceri and Kat ☕♥️👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you so much guys 😀 If only every outing was as good as this ! Love your comments and so glad that you enjoyed the film as much as I enjoyed making it. So glad I made the effort to wake up early for this one and the reward was so worth it - much appreciated and big thanks 👍

[@Che3DBuddy]

Very beautiful place for photo click friend.👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you so much 😊

[@olivershutterspeed]

I love the scenery soo much big thumbs up:D!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Big thanks Oliver and much appreciated 👍🏻😊📷⛰

[@PaulHarveyAustralia]

"Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!" and so was your video :) great shots. thanks for sharing

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Cracking apt and appropriate comment Paul !! Really enjoyed the hike and photography up there and definitely a recommended location- much appreciated and thanks 😊

[@biole7s347]

Hey Hey! I'm excited for you! You i admire! Cool uploads! Never tired of these. ! See you again friend!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks

[@auroraa_borealis]

It was lovely meeting you at the top the evening before . Awesome video !😎

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Ah many thanks Akshay and likewise good to meet you too - hope you enjoyed your trip to the Lakes and thanks so much for watching - glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻😊⛰

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Epic video Andrew, deserves way more views, stunning image especially the pano's, thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching John - it was one of those mornings you hope for ! Much appreciated and all the best

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Beautiful pics Andrew and an incredible location. Good idea doing the panos. I would have found it very hard to leave there. Thanks for sharing the video mate cheers 🍻👍🙏

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks mate and the Lake District is my favourite location to which I love to return as often as possible. It was a stunning morning and so glad I made the early start - Much appreciated Adrian 👍

[@PhotosByFinch]

Superb Andrew, once again proving I need to return to the lakes!! My favourite place on the planet, thank you for sharing this 😊👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Ben and really appreciate the splendid comments - hoping to get back in September for some autumnal shots fingers crossed and get yourself a trip booked ha ha ! Big thanks mate

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

Just what I needed to switch my mind off from coding all day, you got some great light and photos at a stunning location 🌇

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

You're a developer Russ ? Glad to have provided some welcome light relief and really glad you enjoyed the film - it was a cracking morning for sure ! Thanks mate

[@philipculbertson55]

I thought the 12 shot pano was fantastic Andrew. I had to pause the video to take it in. I don't recall a shot where the expanse of the light from source to end was so well conveyed. Wonderfully done. As for the early trip, I find I never regret the ones I make and I always regret the ones I didn't take. Simply an outstanding vlog.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Very very kind words Philip and big thanks on the pano compliment ! It was a stunning morning and the weather gods played ball for sure. And that's so true about regrets you're so right. Really appreciate the support and encouragement so big thanks again :)

[@WalterStinnettPhotography]

Absolutely fantastic and very inspiring video, Andrew! Your photos were phenomenal! The views from the Cat Bells are stunning!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many many thanks Walter 😊 Thanks so much for watching and glad you enjoyed the trip 👍🏻

[@TravelsofRedRover]

Absolutely beautiful entry into the video. I also get a giggle when you describe being about 1,200 ft. I watched this video overlooking a lake at 10,000 ft. The morning light was beautiful. I enjoyed the sunset image with the center hill lit. I love it when the sun streams up a valley. A striking shot, especially with mist reflecting the light. As always a fantastic video Andrew. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Our highest mountain is less than 3000 feet 🤣 But in perspective I hiked the 1200 feet from bottom to top so a good work out ! The Lake District is my favourite spot to visit and shoot and the summit affords wonderful views especially when the weather gods are on side ! Glad you enjoyed the film and images and safe travels - enjoy your spot high up there ⛰⛰

[@slabrina]

SUPER_SUPER VIDEO_MUSIC - DANKE DIR - Hugsss ~sara~

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@LetsClickPhotography]

Some fantastic photography here Andrew with 'morning elation' and 'Far beyond Horizon's fall' being my faves. The way the low lying cloud is hugging the bank of trees in the panoramic, alongside that beam of light captured in the haze of the morning dew, beautiful. Being there to capture it whilst mostly the rest of the country sleeps; brilliantly dedicated - and just rewards for that. Fantastic mate.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Big thanks Dave and so glad I made the effort that morning. It’s a great feeling when the conditions play ball for once and it was a thoroughly enjoyable time up on the summit. Had a refreshing swim in Derwent Water afterwards and all in all a great day. Much appreciated and thanks again mate :)

[@veteranphotoandfilm]

Great work Andrew - Such a Great Video and really amazing captures- Be Safe and well Andrew

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many thanks Mike and it’s a stunning location, the Lake District is my favourite spot to be ⛰ You take care and much appreciated buddy 👍🏻

[@peterviragphoto]

What an amazing location with so much potential. You captured some beautiful images Andrew! That 12 shot vertical pano shows the magnitude of the gorgeous landscape! Thanks for sharing!😉

[@wendingourway]

You stole the words right out of my mouth, "Listen to that"...it really is quite something the absolute peace and quiet that one can experience...I whisper to Otis, "Listen Otis" he looks at me and I believe I see in his face what is he supposed to be hearing, but it is nothing and my way to stop him for breathing hard for just s few seconds...it is seconds of absolute solitude that I wouldn't trade for anything...but 3:30 a.m.?? Not so sure about that, but come to think of it I have had to get up at that time to catch many a flight. I could live in that picture "Courage in the Clouds" for the rest of my life! A well earned breakfast for sure...thanks so much for such a marvelous way to end my day...take great care and continue to enjoy the journey! Bruce and Otis

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks so much for the kind words Bruce and it was just idyllic up there in the quiet, peaceful early hours watching the sun rise and dawn break - definitely worth the 3.30 start and to be out when the rest of the world sleeps ! Glad to end your day with this film and the enjoyment you took from watching - all the best to you and Otis and see you on the next one :)

[@JasonStewartPhotography]

Beautiful work Andrew! Love the drone footage and the epic images. Hope you are doing well mate!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many thanks Jason and all good thanks Glad you enjoyed the film and images - it was a stunningly beautiful morning to be out ! All the best

[@1961Duane314]

Loved the way you captured the light shining on the hills and the valleys. You had a very productive outing. Let there be light is beautiful. Very nice vlog Andrew and if course I liked the drone footage. Take care.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it and many thanks Duane ! One of the best morning outings for a good while with beautiful conditions - such a stunning summit from which to gaze upon the surrounding landscape - much appreciated :))

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

Stunning Andrew. Just found your channel. Love this one and the way that you frame your shots. Let There Be Light is a special image. 😍😍😍 Cheers. I will be following from now 👍👍👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you so much Dave and glad you enjoyed the film and images and framing. The Lakes are my favourite location and hope to get back up in September. Thank you so much for the sub and welcome to the channel - I’ll pop over to yours later for a watch too 👍🏻

[@IanBarrowPhotography]

Great video Andrew. We were booked to go to the lakes last Christmas but lockdown foiled our plans. love the "Far beyond horizons fall" pano with the light hitting the fields to the left and early sun rising to the right. So looking forward to exploring this area soon. thanks for sharing your morning

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Hope you manage to get up to the Lakes soon as it's such a stunning area as I'm sure you know - likewise we had a number of trips cancelled earlier this year and looking to make up on missed trips later in the autumn. Glad you enjoyed the film and looking to get the 12 shot pano printed and framed. Big thanks :)

[@AdrenalinePitStop]

Great effort fair play, lovely footage and images very nicely put together, one new subscriber I’ll check out other videos 👍🏼

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Much appreciated and thanks for the great comments . Glad you enjoyed the film - it’s my favourite spot to shoot 👍🏻⛰

[@tonymckeage1028]

Andrew what a fantastic place, wonderful conditions, Brilliant images, The Pano is awesome, Great work Lovely mist and excellent light, the image at 07:44 is tops, you should be Proud mate well done

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Great reward for just a 50 minute hike and we’ll worth the early start to enjoy the stunning views from the summit and the weather gods were on side for a change ! Thought you’d like the pano ha ha ! Much appreciated and thanks again Tony !

[@paulkennedycreativemedia]

Well, how does one top that. From the drone to the images. Really enjoyed this video. Love the drone panning round to show us a 360 view and that 12 image pano. My god. You have raised the bar creating this video on so many levels. Fantastic work.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul and thanks for the cracking comments ! Sometimes the conditions fall in your favour and I'm so glad I made the effort to get up and out for this one . Much appreciated and big thanks :))

[@Robert-Bishop]

Fantastic video Andrew. Some spectacular scenes, great footage and equally stunning images. My favourite was Morning Elation. As you say - well worth the early start. I really want to get a campervan so I can more easily get out to places like this for sunrise. Excellent stuff mate. 👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Funny you chose that image as that was the one I was chatting to you about and the multiple edits ! Made up you chose that one as it was a real edit challenge - and our van has been brilliant to get about in - the site was literally at the bottom of Hause Gate steps and a straight walk up to Cat Bells - if I’d left home it would have been a 1.15 get up 🤣 big thanks and glad you enjoyed this one 👍🏻

[@Robert-Bishop]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography Ah right, well it turned out great! Would be interesting to see your other variations though. Sounds like a great spot you had. Cat Bells is definitely on the list now! 😊

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

@@Robert-Bishop when I get chance I’ll upload to the cloud and send you a link to view the others 👍🏻

[@digitalworld_3944]

Hi! Excellent video my new friend. +464 & 40 & I stay with you. Thank you in advance for your recipricity & kind regards.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the film 😊

[@mrmolecatcher]

Andrew that 12 shot panorama is amazing, is that a picture available to buy?

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many thanks and so glad you liked it ! It was a tremendous trip - and yes the print is available 👍🏻

[@LeePelling]

That early start certainly was worth it, been up catbells but never that time of day, looked stunning , to many shots i like to list but the panos were great as was the images of the light across the valley, and the drone footage was really nice. Enjoyed that !

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Cheers Lee and such great reward for just a 50 minute hike although I’d chose a different season next time to make it a bit of a later start but glad I made the effort as the weather gods played ball for a change. So pleased that you enjoyed the film and the images, some of my favourites taken this year so far and I can definitely recommend a trip up at sunrise to you next time. Much appreciated and thanks again mate :)

[@LeePelling]

Not seen anything from you in a little while, i took a little break from youtube, unintentionally, just lots on, hope your well mate !

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

@@LeePelling All good Lee thanks - Had the summer off as having building work done on the house and I've also been doing some landscaping for my son's garden so a DIY time ! Almost finished the house now, about another week to go but it was delayed due to plasterers having COVID, my wife contracting it too so two ten day isolation periods to prolong the works - Vicky is recovered now thank goodness. Good to hear from you and thanks for asking :)

[@LeePelling]

Andrew Hamilton Photography Sorry to hear about your wife , glad she is on the mend , just had my bathroom done that was a big pain but worth it in the end, hope your happy with the results . Look forward to seeing you out again soon mate, take care

[@JeremyPayne]

How's the view from up there, stunning is right!. Mate week in week out you kill it from the images to the drone footage and the overall video. Take care mate.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Massive thanks for those great comments Jeremy - having a bit of a break over the summer with a new kitchen currently being fitted and doing some deck building for my eldest son but will hopefully be back out again in a month or so. Will still be watching tho so look forward to seeing your next adventure

[@stylebyaqsa6034]

Nice

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Hey Andrew - just checking in to see how you're going? Been a while since I've seen you on KZbin. Hope all is well mate, Cheers.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Hi Adrian - all good thank you - we've been having building work on the house over the summer and I've also been landscaping my eldest son's garden so it's been mad busy and chaotic around the house ! Had a few delays to our works due to tradespeople having COVID and my wife also went down with it too (She's recovered now thankfully but was quite bad) The building work will be completed next week thankfully too as it's been a long slog so hopefully will be able to get the camera out and get some practice in ha ha ! Appreciate the thought mate :) I see Oz is beginning to open up too so we're looking at Jan 2023 hopefully for a trip over to WA. All the best and thanks again :))

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography Good to know you're alright mate. Sorry to hear about your wife, but glad she's ok now. Funnily enough I spent the entire winter landscaping around the front of my house, took ages, but done now in time to beat the Aussie heat.

[@lindaoyong3950]

Mntap🤝

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you 😊

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Great shots throughout Andrew but the cloud inversion shots 'Morning Elation' and 'Beyond Horizon's fall' did it for me. It's been a couple of years since I was at the top of Cat Bells but I wasn't up that early (no surprise) and it was never that quiet. Just goes to show you don't have to choose an obscure location, you just need to be up before everyone else. Great vlog.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Even at that time I bumped into a few people once the sun had risen ! One chap bagging a few Wainwrights, a farmer walking his dog, about 5 fell runners but I beat them all to the top to be alone for sunrise - Glad you enjoyed he images and the conditions couldn't have been much better - big thanks as ever Andrew.