Lake District - Mountains & Mines

An on-location workshop for up to 6 participants.

Tickets are now on sale. Bookings can be made direct with the RPS by phoning 0117 3164 464, or emailing info@rps.org with details of your booking request and a member of the booking team will get back to you regarding payment. This is an interim arrangement until the new RPS IT system is operational. Thank you for your forbearance.

This workshop is led by Ade Gidney FRPS.

Force Crag mine was the last working metal mine in the Lake District. It was mined for lead from 1839 to 1865, other metals including zinc & barites from 1867 until its closure in 1990.

From Braithwaite we will take the old mine track (easy walking) 3km to Force Crag mine at the head of Coledale Beck. Here there are opportunities to capture the old mine buildings (from the outside) surrounded by fells in a dramatic location. 

We will also be able to explore the levels and waterfalls of Force Crag. We will experiment with wider views and detailed shots of both the buildings, streams and waterfalls.

From the mine we will make the climb up to Coledale Hause, Sand Hill and ultimately Grizedale Pike (791m). On this section of the walk we will have commanding views of the surrounding fells towards Skiddaw to the North East, Hellvellyn to the East & Buttermere fells to the South.

Depending on the conditions we will discuss & experiment with the merits of black & white for this type of landscape photography.

In the event of poor weather preventing walking onto the high fells we will still be able to visit Force Crag mine, Coledale Beck and Low Force waterfall.

This workshop includes walking on the higher fells of the Lake District &  is not suitable for people of limited mobility. It involves walking over uneven, fell footpaths with some steep paths up and down.

Not suitable for wheel chair users.

Participants should bring a packed lunch with plenty of additional snacks, a hot drink and water. 

Camera equipment should be kept to essential minimum e.g. body, wide angle and medium telephoto lens, filters if used (not essential). 

Tripod may be useful but is certainly not essential, if carried should not be  of the large heavy variety. 

The workshop organiser will carry a tripod and some filters which participants are welcome to use.

Participants should have with them waterproof clothing, several warm layers of clothing (including at least one spare), hat and gloves. Stout shoes or walking boots suitable for rocky and/or wet terrain.

Walking poles are not essential but can be beneficial if owned. 

Pay & display parking on the school carpark (£3 cash or scan QR code).

There is also free parking at a small car park 100m out of the village towards Whinlatter, however this is often full.

No public toilets available. (The great outdoors is available).

Ticket prices for this event include a £2 carbon offsetting charge.  For more information click here.

Carers and helpers

Any person who has a health condition or disability and needs a carer or helper may bring them along to an RPS Landscape Group event without charge. You must book a carer/helper ticket for your helper.

The carer/helper is there to assist you and will not be given any tuition or be permitted to participate in the photographic discussion. Attendance is free of charge but any out of pocket costs such as meals, transport or accommodation will be borne by the attendee.

Your data

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By booking this event you are deemed to consent to this transfer of your data.