After the long wet Autumn the weather systems have changed and we have a winter high-pressure over the country.

It has brought cold winds from the north, clear sunny days and bright, bright mornings.  This one was so good, I made today's walk was an early one.

There's no need to walk far, as a trip to the lake will give me all the beauty I seek.

First light as the sun starts to rise over Rannerdale Knotts and the head of the Buttermere Valley.

Those bright rays of colour have brightened the morning face of Low Fell behind me.

A few minutes later . . . and the sun's rays won't be long in reaching the low lying parts of the valley.

- - - o o o - - -

After breakfast I put on warm winter clothes and head out for a walk to the lake.

The sun is glinting off the heavy frost that sits on the walls next to the house.

The field is also white with frost.

The crows will have meager pickings unless they dig through the cold winter layer.

Rose Cottage and the old Vicarage.

The former is available for holiday-let over Christmas (see their recently announced late booking discount).

The Vicarage will hopefully have residents once again as the Diocese is thinking of re-purposing it as a Retreat / Prayer House.

The paddock has had its winter haircut and hopefully will be set up for a colourful spring when the time comes.

A Cotoneaster bush in the lane catches the frost.

The red berries will make good pickings for some of the birds.

Out onto the fields and a view of Whiteside and Grasmoor.

Both have white summits but the apparent white top of Whiteside is due to the sun peering over the top of the adjacent fell.

A cool wintery look back at my own cottage and the pod in the lower garden.

The natural finish on the wood has mellowed and it hopefully now blends beautifully with the surroundings.

Low Fell once again but now the whole valley is bathed in sunlight.

The mid morning winter sun is not climbing as high in the sky as usual.

In fact by lunchtime it will go behind Mellbreak and cast my garden into shadow for an hour or so.

Dougal waits for me beyond the stile.

Across the fields to Muncaster House.

The house has been sold for some time now but sadly the new owners have not found the time or inclination to move in yet.

Down the Water Board Lane where the dogs find yet more interesting smells to explore.

The beauty of this type of morning is the unusual colour brought on by the deep winter temperatures.

The sheep are hopefully well insulated . . . like me they are wearing wool !

Dougal with the stick, Dylan follows.

I whistle them and they stop for that "dreamy" photo opportunity.

Sometimes photos taken into the sun do actually work well.

High contrasts are the norm however, as with this view of Rannerdale Knotts.

It will be cold up there.

It is certainly cold enough down here to produce thick frost on the bushes.

Crossing the bridge over Park Beck.

The northern slopes of Mellbreak are in deep shadow but the house at Low Park just catches the sunlight this morning.

Down by the Pump House I notice that there's mist rising from the surface of the lake.

The lighter reflection of the grass on The Peel was in fact enhanced by a thin layer of mist over the water.

You can see it better here.

Dougal is enjoying the view as well . . . how his feet don't feel the cold beats me !

The water level has dropped due to the winter dry spell.

A hint of mist perhaps adds to the reflection at the foot of the lake.

The bridges and trees reflect beautifully on the calm water.

With the brightening sun, the mist here has evaporated in just the last few minutes.

An infinity pool effect as the water flows silently over the lip of the weir

and out of sight into the river below.

Just a steady flow over the weir and through the fish ladder.

Those who've bought my 2023 Calendar might recognise this tree.

It has a warmer, more summery aspect on the front cover photo.

Across the fields again towards "Jenkin" and "Grasmoor House" . . . Hunter Davies's old house.

Scale Hill bridge . . . with a quiet River Cocker flowing below.

Not far up the road is the "red phone box" and the cottage where we started the walk today.