The hunt for a perfect vista will never be complete, especially with our forever changing landscape, unpredictable weather conditions and level of accessibility. However, throughout my experience of being a landscape photographer and an avid hiker, these are my top 10 locations for landscape photography, hiking, wild camping and even open water swimming for some spots!

No. 1 Durdle Door

Located on the coast of Dorset, the Jurrasic Coast hosts many spectacular rock formations. Durdle Door is most likely the more popular one but for great reason. Beautiful clear water, a pebbly yet soft beach, incredible caves cut into the rock faces and fantastic weather from the south of Britain. This is the top of my list because it was a bucket list location for so long, and when I finally got there I was presented with a spectacular sunset, clear sky at night where I could see the milky way with just my eyes! Followed by a beautiful sunrise. I also slept on the beach over night, although i’m not sure if this is prohibited or not so do so at your own risk.

No. 2 Derwent Edge

Over 500m above sea level in the Peak District, Derwent Edge remains one of my favourite places. This boasts incredible vistas all around the peaks looking over two reservoirs, and being able to point out many other hills and rock formations from afar. It is especially beautiful in late summer when the heather is in its full bloom. Not forgetting the many gritstone formations like the one in the image, ‘Salt Cellar’ and others including Coach and Horses. This is particularly popular for wild campers because the rocks provide excellent cover from the wind.

No. 3 Mam Tor

An iconic spot in the Peak District for almost all abilities of hikers. this provides the best view for the least amount of work in my opinion. You can park just below the steps to climb up to the trig point and you are at the top, of course you can make a much longer walk if you like. A very popular spot to catch cloud inversions during the autumn and winter months, which I am still yet to capture… maybe then it will climb the rankings!

No. 4 Buttermere

Another easy to get to spot, this time in the Lake District. Suitable for prams and wheelchairs which makes this spot even better. Buttermere has incredible views of Wainwrights like Haystacks, High Stile, Robinson and Dale Head. A popular area of wild campers, swimmers (although very shallow for quite a distance) and dog walkers. Depending on the time of the year, the sun can rise just between the mountains. From the other side there is a popular spot called Warnscale Bothy which is mostly a sunset photograph location but still looks great in the mornings.

No. 5 St Michael’s Mount

Cornwall has some of the best beaches in the UK and this is no different. The mount joins land when the tide is out and becomes and island when tide comes in. A truly spectacular place to visit if you have never been. Recently has become more of a tourist location but you can still find times when it is empty… like this photo in the middle of the night.

No. 6 Over Owler Tor

More beautiful rock formation in the Peak District surrounded by heather. This spot is one of my personal favourites because I met my all time favourite photographer, Nigel Danson. It also has many other beautiful areas around it such as paddle gorge, carl walk, and a birch tree woodland which looks excellent on a misty morning. When you get there at the right time, you can get some incredible conditions like this image here.

No. 7 Chrome Hill

Also known as the Dragon’s back, or Parkhouse Hill, this spot is most common for sunrise where you can catch some low hanging mist or cloud either side of the hill. Not far from buxton, this can be quite a trek, however the views are definitely worth it. Be wary of the cows as you may have to pass through some farmers fields depending on the route you take. This is the most photographed angle due to the large sycamore in the foreground, and I can see exactly why.

No. 8 Windermere

Windermere has some incredible sights all the way around it, this particular part was just at the side of the road. And although I got extremely lucky with these conditions, I have no doubt this looks beautiful no matter the conditions. I suppose the best way to view the mere is by boat, you can hire them and explore it as much as you like. Or you can hike the surrounding mountains and get a look at it from that perspective. Either way, i’m sure you won’t regret it.

No. 9 Whithorn

On the south west coast of Scotland hides this beauty. I haven’t travelled Scotland very much but I explored this area while on a camping trip. It seems quite remote, taking very long and narrow country roads to get to a campsite. The jagged, rock faced cliffs can be quite humbling when you get up close to them as the water blasts against them. On the evening I took this photo the sea was relatively calm. We also got a view of dolphins and seals in the early mornings.

No. 10 Catbells

Last and by no means least is Catbells in the Lake District. The views from here are quite incredible. You get a full three-sixty panorama of surrounding mountains and Derwent water. Fantastic for hikers and for photographer, I recommend a telephoto lens if you want to pick out some smaller details in the distance. However, it is also a hotspot for cloud inversion in autumn and winter which I have yet to capture. The parking is relatively close to the start of the climb if you get lucky, if not you have may a longer distance to walk. But that’s no issue, right?

My top 10 landscape locations in the UK