BELONGING TO THE LAKE DISTRICT
Mark Hetherington
Having walked, climbed, and run in the Lake District for over forty years, I have developed a deep-rooted appreciation for its breathtaking landscape. In today’s chaotic world, full of noise and distractions, I believe it is essential for our wellbeing to find ways to relax and calm our busy minds. Despite the growing popularity of the Lake District, it still retains its allure, and one can still find moments of peace and tranquility, even at popular locations, provided one knows where and when to visit. I do love to travel to photograph other areas, both in the UK and mainland Europe, but when I return to my hometown in the Lake District, I realise that the Lakes is where I feel most at ease, as well as where I belong.
I have such an affinity for the Lake District, having formed core memories there at an early age, when I started fell walking with my late father, which transitioned into rock climbing, and then later, I also discovered the joy and freedom of fell running. The Lake District is an area I know well, and this familiarity drives me to continue to explore the landscape, now with my camera, to document and showcase the wonderful landscape of mountains, valleys, lakes, streams, and tarns in all seasons. I particularly love photographing the Lake District at sunrise as this is when I can escape the crowds and soak up the peace and tranquility, which brings me a great deal of happiness and sometimes lasting images of beautiful moments in time to reflect on.
This article first appeared in the PRISMA Newsletter, 13th of July 2025.