An Epic Langdale Proposal: Waterfalls, Wet Weather, and a Lovely Surprise

Not Your Average Adventure in the Lakes

Ah, the beautiful Langdale Valley. It’s one of those places that always feels like stepping into a dream. Every time I’m there, I find myself pausing to soak it all in—rugged peaks, ancient Lake District stone walls, and that unmistakable Cumbrian charm. So, when Anthony reached out to tell me he wanted to propose to his partner, Billy, during their trip from the States, I was excited.

Now, Anthony had done his homework and decided he didn’t want an ordinary proposal. He had something clever up his sleeve and a very specific location in mind. We talked about options—Blea Tarn was suggested—but Anthony’s heart was set on Whorneyside Force, a secluded waterfall deep in the Langdale Valley. A bit of a trek, he said. “No problem,” I thought, unaware of the mini-epic that lay ahead!

A Typical Lake District Adventure

The day arrived with much of the usual drama the Lakes is famous for. Recent heavy rains meant rivers were swollen, trails were muddy, and the whole landscape was alive with the kind of wild beauty that makes this place so special. I had a grid reference and a pre-downloaded map, which was fortunate because once I got into the valley, there was no signal and zero internet.

All was going well until I realised I’d gone wrong and ended up on the wrong side of the river that was cutting me off from where I needed to be. And what a river it was—raging, impassable, and determined to make my day difficult. What followed was a scene worthy of a comedy sketch. I dashed through farmer’s fields, clambered over barbed wire fences, got thoroughly soaked, and tore my jacket for good measure. My camera bag felt like it weighed a tonne. By the time I found a way across, I looked like I’d been dragged through a bush backwards.

A Proposal With a Difference

Eventually, I reached Whorneyside Force, where I found Anthony and Billy resting on a ridge overlooking the waterfall. They’d had their own adventure getting there, and we all laughed as I explained my escapades. We headed down from the ridge that they were sat on and after a quick breather, Anthony gave me the nod—it was time for the big moment.

Now, Anthony is a man of creativity. Rather than going straight for the traditional down-on-one-knee proposal, he handed Billy an old slide viewer he’d brought with him. Inside were a series of slides showing snapshots from their life together—special moments, milestones, and memories that told their story. Billy clicked through them, smiling and laughing, until he reached the final slide: Will You Marry Me?

Billy’s reaction was perfect—pure joy and surprise, mixed with a good dose of emotion. As he turned, there was Anthony, down on one knee with a ring in hand. Billy said yes, of course, and the waterfall behind them roared its approval.

Capturing the Moment

With the proposal complete, we spent some time photographing the two of them in this incredible setting. The waterfall was a stunning backdrop, though the muddy paths and slippery rocks added a touch of slapstick to the proceedings. We laughed a whole lot, and I really enjoyed getting to know these two!

Here are a few photos from this epic shoot.