Today I’m turning my attention back to the English Lake District and a book published earlier this year that would make an excellent gift for anyone who loves this most beautiful corner of England.

In “Lake District Mountain Landscape” Alastair Lee has produced a remarkable assembly of outstanding views of the Cumbrian fells and mountains. A Westmorland Gazette reviewer wrote, “No-one leafing through this collection of inspirational images can fail to be impressed by the mood and majesty of the mountains that Lee has managed to capture through his lens.”

In addition to his great skill as a photographer, Lee is a climber, and this shows through in his treatment of many of the high peaks.

Whether you’re already a lover of the Lake District, are planning to visit in the future, or simply know someone who’s a Lakeland fanatic, this is a failsafe gift book either for them or for yourself.

Recently I’ve posted several articles here with reference to Coniston. They’ve included one on visiting Coniston in the winter, another linking to our lake district site about the Coniston Coppermines, and yet another with photos of the John Ruskin monument in Coniston churchyard.

I was reminded again of Coniston yesterday when I picked up my copy of Practical Photography for January 2010. Out of the packet fell a 40+ page guide to landscape photography – “Landscape Answers”. Toward the end of the booklet is a section entitled, “Where can I shoot an iconic landscape?” Among the nine suggested locations is Coniston Water.

Absolutely right. A good choice. I can’t wait to get back there in a few weeks’ time. After all I must introduce my new camera to the Lake District at the earliest possible opportunity