What follows is a compilation of the best landscape photography and locations visited during the month of May 2023.

May Overview: Embracing Nature’s Charms from Lakes to Cliffs

May unveiled a captivating journey through England’s scenic landscapes. Starting in the picturesque town of Keswick, I embarked on a road trip to the renowned Lake District in Cumbria. The region’s hidden treasures, including Castle Rigg, Ashness Bridge, and Cat Bells, mesmerized me as I explored their enchanting beauty. From there, I ventured north to Hadrian’s Wall, a testament to Roman engineering, and traced its historical path with awe.

Returning to the Lake District, I sought solace in the tranquil village of Eskdale. Nestled amidst breathtaking valleys and mountains, its idyllic trails and cascading waterfalls offered a serene retreat. After bidding farewell to this hidden gem, I embraced the vibrant hues of spring on the high weald of East Sussex, reveling in nature’s blossoms and foliage. Finally, cliff-edge walks along the mesmerizing coastline provided exhilarating moments, where the raw power of crashing waves against majestic cliffs reminded me of the timeless allure of the natural world.

May was a month of discovery, where I immersed myself in nature’s tapestry. From the serene lakes and ancient walls of the Lake District to the vibrant colors of spring and awe-inspiring coastal cliffs, each destination left an indelible mark. This month-long adventure urged me to embrace the wonders of the world with open arms, reminding me of the boundless beauty that surrounds us.

Exploring Keswick: A Gateway to the Wonders of the Lake District

Keswick, a quaint town in the heart of the Lake District, marked the beginning of my Cumbrian adventure. Its strategic location provided easy access to a multitude of iconic locations that were a photographer’s dream.

During my stay, I found a lovely one-bedroom cottage in the center of Keswick, offering a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. It provided the perfect balance of rest and rejuvenation, ensuring I was ready to embark on exciting journeys into nature.

Venturing beyond Keswick’s boundaries, I discovered a treasure trove of breathtaking spots. Castle Rigg, an ancient stone circle, held an air of mystery and whispered tales of bygone eras. Ashness Bridge, an enchanting stone arch, nestled amidst lush greenery, proved to be a picturesque frame for capturing unforgettable moments. And Cat Bells, a majestic fell, beckoned me to conquer its heights, rewarding me with awe-inspiring panoramic views.

Yet, Keswick itself was not to be overshadowed. The town’s charming streets, lined with local shops and inviting cafes, offered a vibrant atmosphere. The town square buzzed with life, allowing me to immerse myself in its unique character and soak up its rich stories.

In Keswick, I discovered that beauty and adventure were not confined to the surrounding landscapes alone. It was a destination that embraced both nature’s wonders and the warmth of a welcoming community, making it a remarkable starting point for my Lake District exploration.

My Journey Along Hadrian’s Wall

From the enchanting landscapes of Keswick in the Lake District, I embarked on a captivating adventure to explore the historic Hadrian’s Wall in northeast England. Blending my love for landscape photography with a fascination for ancient history, this journey allowed me to witness the grandeur of this iconic Roman frontier.

Choosing Carlisle as my base, I delved into the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall, captivated by its enduring mystique. Starting at Hare Hill, I followed the wall eastward, capturing reference shots at various turrets and sections, immersing myself in the rich history of this engineering marvel. At Birdoswald Roman Fort, I marveled at the breathtaking blend of architectural mastery and the surrounding countryside, capturing the sun’s rays illuminating the intricate stonework.

Heading west to Bowness on Solway, I sought to capture a moody sunset against the dramatic backdrop of the coast. Patiently waiting for the sun to break through the overcast skies, I discovered a captivating foreground element—a moss-covered rock in a pool of water reflecting the ever-changing clouds. The resulting images encapsulated the ethereal beauty of the moody sunset at Bowness on Solway.

Undeterred by the initial fog, I ventured to Sycamore Gap in Northumberland. Although I missed the morning shoot, I returned in the evening, carefully composing shots that showcased the iconic Sycamore tree within the gap, accentuated by foreground rocks. Bracketing and focus stacking techniques ensured optimal image quality, capturing the essence of this legendary location.

Throughout my exploration of Hadrian’s Wall, I encountered both challenges and rewards. Composing shots of iconic subjects pushed my creative boundaries, while the ever-changing light presented opportunities for unique and breathtaking captures. Each moment was a reminder of the rich history and natural beauty intertwined along this historic landmark.

Captivating Eskdale: A Journey through Tranquil Beauty and Majestic Landscapes

My journey through Eskdale in the Lake District was a captivating chapter of my exploration. Nestled within this picturesque valley, Eskdale offered idyllic charm and a gateway to breathtaking adventures. Choosing self-catering accommodation over camping provided the convenience and comfort I desired.

Exploring Wast Water in the evening, despite the heavy fog, allowed me to capture unique shots of rugged rocks and experience the warmth of a nearby pub. The next day, I embarked on a challenging ascent to Stanley Ghyll Waterfall and captured the essence of its cascading beauty. Gill Force mesmerized me with its interplay of light and water.

An adventure to Hardknott Pass rewarded me with breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to capture the grandeur of the region. At Wast Water, a captivating sunset unfolded, showcasing the majestic mountains and their reflection on the tranquil lake. Riston’s Force waterfall provided a powerful encounter with nature before bidding farewell to Drigg Beach and the captivating Thwaites Fell.

As my Lake District journey concluded, the enduring majesty of Ribblehead Viaduct in North Yorkshire reminded me of the harmonious blend of human craftsmanship and nature’s grandeur. Throughout my road trip, I realized that exploration reveals hidden treasures and transforms our souls. The beauty of our planet lies not only in the destinations we visit but in the transformative experiences along the way.

Dallington Forest Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in the High Weald

After my recent excursion to the captivating landscapes of the Lake District, I found myself drawn back to the enchanting embrace of Dallington Forest as spring neared its end. Although I had hoped to capture the lingering beauty of wild garlic, it had gracefully passed its peak. Nevertheless, I saw this as an opportunity to explore new areas and scout promising locations for next year’s display of bluebells and fragrant garlic.

Venturing deeper into Dallington Forest, I followed the meandering path alongside the Willingford Stream. While my search for the perfect bluebell and garlic haven proved elusive, fate had another surprise in store for me. As the evening light painted the surroundings with a warm glow, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a delightful small waterfall, gracefully cascading in tranquil harmony.

In that moment, I knew I had discovered a scene worthy of capturing, and my creative instincts kicked in. With a touch of dedication, I meticulously composed the frame, removing any distracting elements that hindered the waterfall’s exquisite charm. Armed with my trusty Leatherman multi-tool, I carefully trimmed back a few intrusive holly branches, allowing the waterfall to become the undeniable focal point of my composition.

As the sun bid farewell and the gentle sounds of nature enveloped me, I couldn’t help but revel in the sense of satisfaction that accompanies such unexpected discoveries. This humble waterfall, nestled within Dallington Forest’s verdant embrace, became a testament to the serendipitous moments that nature graciously offers to those willing to wander and seek.

Seaford Head Thrift

Social media is a good source of discovering new locations to go and photograph. So it was with the sea thrift at Seaford Head. Dog walkers posting their mobile phone shots all over the countryside are your location scouts. With springtime over in the woodlands of the high weald was searching for something new to point the camera at. A social media post caught my eye so decided to give Seaford head a visit. Arrived not long after 6AM and sunrise was already long over. The intention was to walk the cliff edge from Seaford Head to Cuckmere Haven checking for these vibrant cliff edge flowers.

Most clumps of the Sea Thrift are close to the Seaford Head end and within areas fenced off due to cliff erosion and danger. Still managed to steal a few shots of the sea thrift catching the morning golden light with Seaford head and a sea stack in the background. Some technical challenges in the form of needing to focus stack for front to back sharpness but a little breeze moving the flowers and plus lots of seagulls flying through the frame in the background. A beautiful mornings walk along Seaford head.

Seven Sisters Cliff Walk: Seeking Sea Thrift Amidst Scenic Splendor

Embarking on a late-morning adventure during the May bank holiday weekend, I knew it might not be the ideal time for a photo walk from Birling Gap to Cuckmere Haven. Nevertheless, my quest was to uncover new compositions featuring the beloved sea thrift along the cliff edges of the Seven Sisters. The sun embraced the day with a warm, golden glow, accompanied by a gentle sea breeze that whispered promises of the impending summer. With each step, I knew that breathtaking vistas awaited me on this scenic hike, taking me up the brows and down the bottoms of the Seven Sisters’ undulating landscape.

As I ventured further along the rugged path, the search for sea thrift proved elusive. However, the views back to Birling Gap offered a captivating composition that begged to be captured at sunrise, during the perfect time of year. While the distance from Birling Gap to this spot was considerable, the allure was undeniable.

Exploring Lympne and Stutfall Castle in Kent: A Photographic Journey

Recently, I had the opportunity to reunite with a friend in Folkestone, which led me on an exciting adventure through the eastern part of Kent. It had been quite a while since I ventured that far east, so I decided to make the most of the occasion. After our meeting, I set out to explore some locations in Kent that had long been on my photography bucket list.

One of my intended stops was the remains of St Mary’s Church in Hythe. However, to my disappointment, the site was completely fenced off, situated close to residential areas, making it impossible to find suitable compositions for my photographs. Undeterred, I moved on to my next destination: the intriguing Roman remains of Stutfall Castle, alongside the captivating Lympne Castle.

Upon arrival, I parked my car and embarked on an enchanting evening stroll along the banks of the Royal Military Canal. As I ventured further, breathtaking views of Lympne Castle emerged, with the remains of Stutfall Castle prominently positioned in the foreground.

Although the entire area was fenced off, hindering my photography prospects, I couldn’t help but feel fortunate to have witnessed such captivating subjects and successfully scouted out these fascinating locations in Kent.

Exploring the East Sussex Cliffs: Birling Gap to Beachy Head

On the last day of May, I embarked on another captivating cliff-edge walk, this time from Birling Gap to Beachy Head. The purpose was twofold: to seek out picturesque compositions and to uncover the hidden flora that graced the cliff sides. The route along the East Sussex cliffs proved to be a treasure trove of stunning vistas and natural beauty.

Underneath the radiant sun, I embraced the lovely morning, immersing myself in the invigorating blend of fresh air, warm sunshine, exercise, and, of course, photography. As I gazed westward, the Seven Sisters and Seaford Head stood as majestic focal points, with the charming Belle Tout Lighthouse adding its enchantment to the foreground.

Panoramas came to life in this picturesque setting, where soaring seagulls and graceful sailing boats painted the sea with captivating tales. Walking eastward, the iconic Beachy Head and its lighthouse emerged, capturing the essence of coastal allure. Although sea thrift eluded me on the cliff’s edge, I found solace in the swaying long grass, the daisies, and what I believe to be the alluring Purple Loosestrife.

The morning walk unfolded in beauty, yet a longing stirred within me to experience the cliff’s edge in the early hours, with the rising sun casting its golden glow. By finishing the walk around 10 AM, I managed to avoid the inevitable crowds that flock to the cliffs on warm early summer days, savoring a more serene and intimate connection with the landscape.

As I reached the car, a realization struck: my cap was nowhere to be found, and my bald head bore the gentle touch of a sunburn. Yet, even this small setback could not diminish the joy and fulfillment that accompanied the exploration of nature’s wonders.

End of May

That concludes my photography adventures during May 2023. I may be overseas during June and July taking a much needed break. But will be taking my camera with me. Enjoy summer.

Check out the Cumbria landscape photography gallery

Check out the East Sussex landscape photography gallery

Check out the Kent landscape photography gallery

Check out the 2023 landscape photography gallery