Michael Cartwright Photography
The North Lake District – Bassenthwaite, Ullswater & Martindale
Following the continued success of my South Lake District workshops, I’m pleased to introduce this North Lakes photography workshop — offering the same relaxed format and hands-on tuition, but based in a different part of the National Park. We’ll be focusing on classic northern locations, quieter shorelines and expansive fell views, all from a comfortable base in Braithwaite.
The Lake District is a fabulous place to visit at any time of year, but the autumn months can be simply stunning. From rugged high peaks and quiet valleys to reflective lakes, tarns and classic fell views, the photographic opportunities are endless.
Due to the continued success of my South Lake District photography workshop, I’m pleased to introduce this North Lakes workshop — exploring an area I know well, having both run workshops here and spent many years returning for photography holidays.
The North Lakes offer a slightly different feel to the South: broader valleys, dramatic open landscapes and a calmer pace, with excellent access to some of the Lake District’s most iconic and photogenic locations.
Accommodation & Base
We’ll be staying at The Royal Oak in Braithwaite, ideally located between Bassenthwaite Lake and Keswick. This central position allows easy access to a wide range of North Lakes locations while keeping travel times short — particularly useful for sunrise and sunset sessions.
Braithwaite sits at the foot of the northern fells and provides a relaxed village base, making it a great place to unwind between shoots. The Royal Oak is well regarded for its warm welcome and comfortable rooms.
Accommodation is single occupancy, breakfast is not included as this can limit out photography opportunites. There are plenty of cafes in the area where we can go for breakfast after our sunrise session.
Locations & Photography Opportunities
Over the three days, we’ll explore a variety of classic and accessible North Lakes locations, chosen to suit the light and weather conditions on the day. Areas we’re likely to visit include:
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Bassenthwaite Lake
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Castlerigg Stone Circle
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Tewet Tarn
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Ullswater
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Martindale Valley
These locations offer a mix of wide lakescapes, intimate tarns, dramatic fell backdrops and quieter viewpoints, all within easy reach of our base.
As with all my workshops, the itinerary remains flexible and responsive to conditions, allowing us to make the most of the best light available.
Travel
Complimentary travel from Teesside in our comfortable minibus is included, or you’re welcome to meet us in the Lake District on day one if you prefer.
Group Size & Tuition
A maximum group size of 6 ensures plenty of hands-on help throughout the workshop.
Each day I’ll offer guidance on:
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composition
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use of light
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camera settings
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creative decision-making
All instruction is tailored to the conditions and to individual experience levels, with plenty of time for questions and one-to-one support in the field.
Workshop Schedule
We’ll set off early morning on Monday and return home mid-afternoon / tea time on Wednesday.
A £50 deposit secures your space.
DETAILS
Travel: Provided in our comfortable minibus
Pick-up Time / Location: Approx. 8am from your home (to be confirmed closer to the time)
Travel Time: Approx. 1.45 hours
Basic Itinerary
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Monday: Arrive mid-morning, full day shooting until sunset
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Tuesday: Full day shooting from sunrise to sunset
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Wednesday: Sunrise shoot, breakfast and morning session then travel home
Plenty of comfort breaks are built in between sessions.
Maximum Number of Attendees: 6
RECOMMENDED KIT
Full kit recommended.
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Lenses covering approx. 18mm–200mm
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Tripod essential
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Filters recommended (ND and polariser)
A polarising filter will be particularly useful for emphasising autumn colour and reducing surface glare on lakes and tarns.
Our main focus will be landscape photography during sunrise and sunset, but long exposure filters and a macro lens are good options for creative opportunities during the middle of the day.
Walking boots and suitable outdoor clothing are essential.
TERRAIN / FITNESS
We’ll largely stay on good paths close to lake shores and accessible viewpoints. You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this workshop.
COST & PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Total Cost: £495
Includes:
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Accommodation
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Travel to and from Teesside if required
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All local travel in the Lake District
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Photography training and guidance
Does not include:
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Drinks, snacks or evening meals
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Entrance fees to heritage sites
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Insurance
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Use of camera equipment
Deposit to book: £50
Balance of £455 due: 1st September 2026
(An email will be sent closer to the time with payment details.)
Testimonials
I have just returned from a trip to the Arctic Circle arranged by Michael. The best I can say is that this was a trip of a life time! The tour was friendly with lots of laughs. Michael, Scott & Joe passed on their knowledge freely. Nobody was left out, there was something for everyone to do and along with the photo opportunities we had great fun on snowmobiles at midnight on a frozen river going from Finland to Sweden, a dog sled ride through a frozen forest , reindeer sled ride and so much more.
Would I recommend Michael Cartwright Photography?? Hell yes!! A trip I will never forget & many new friends made.
Mike Cook
Over the last 18 months I have been on a number of courses, workshops and photography holidays with Michael Cartwright and his team Scott Bonner and Joe Fletcher. Over that time my photography skills have really improved with their generous and friendly help and support. I have learned so much and met some great people along the way. The latest holiday in Arctic Finland / Sweden has been the icing on the cake. Well organised from start to finish with a range of activities and challenges. It was the most wonderful experience and I have some photographs that I really like. Huge thank you to the team and I can wholly recommend Michael Cartwright Photography!
Gill Davidson
Michael has a unique ability to take complicated subject matter and deliver it in a simple, passionate and infectious manner. He has taken me on a journey with his workshops from ‘extreme novice’ that was absolutely clueless to a confident enthusiast. I will be eternally grateful for all of Michael’s efforts in going the extra mile throughout my learning journey. He is a credit to his profession and he sets the standards for the rest of his industry to follow. Oh, and he is a thoroughly likeable chap too!
Stephen Smith
Great weekend away and I’m really pleased with my photographs! Thanks for a fantastic workshop, everything was first class, including the hotel, the food and the weather! I really enjoyed learning about different ways to compose my photos for a more professional feel. The workshop was well planned and was extremely informative and interesting. The fact that Michael kept a close eye on everybody's progress was an extra bonus. Thanks Michael
Uma Mannan
Both myself and my husband have been friends of Michael's for many years now during which time we have been on numerous photography trips with him!
We have thoroughly enjoyed every single trip from the Lake District, Paris, Budapest but my absolute favourite was the trip to Finland, we may not have been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights but what a fantastic adventure it turned out to be!! Each trip has been made extra special with the fabulous group of people that we have had the pleasure of making friends with, aside from that there is of course the excellent opportunity to take some amazing photographs of simply stunning scenery and architecture. The trips are always well organised and thoroughly thought through from beginning to end, as well as coming away with some truly amazing photos you will for sure meet some lovely people and make fantastic memories......
Jayne Stephenson
I attended my first camera course as a complete beginner, I didn’t even know how to turn the camera on! The initial course was perfect for me, very well explained throughout and left me wanting to know more. Michael and the team are brilliant teachers, they are all very patient and we have a lot of laughs along the way. Since learning how to use my camera I have progressed on to landscape workshops and now class myself as being very confident with my kit. I’ve joined Michael on many occassions and would definitely recommend these workshops!
John Conlin