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.

A majestic waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs surrounded by lush vegetation.
Two people standing on rocks near a tall cascading waterfall in a mountainous landscape.
Two people share a special moment in front of a cascading waterfall.
A surprise proposal moment captured in front of a majestic waterfall.
A person in a red plaid shirt smiles joyfully by a rushing mountain stream.
A hiker in a blue shirt uses binoculars to look up while standing on a rocky mountain trail.
A scenic proposal moment unfolds in front of a dramatic waterfall.
Two people engaged in a heartfelt moment by a scenic mountain waterfall.
Two people celebrating a special moment in front of a cascading waterfall.
A touching exchange between two people with a misty waterfall in the background.
A joyful embrace shared between two people with a magnificent waterfall in the background.
A romantic moment shared between two people at the base of a beautiful waterfall.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple sharing a tender kiss in a foggy outdoor setting.
A couple stands together on rocks in front of a majestic waterfall in the mountains.
Two people embrace while standing on rocks in front of a cascading waterfall.
Two people celebrating with raised arms in front of a powerful waterfall.
A couple shares an intimate moment while standing on rocks before a dramatic waterfall.
An intimate moment shared between a couple in blue and red shirts by a cascading waterfall.
A black and white photo of figures silhouetted against a dramatic mountain waterfall.
Two people share a happy moment while standing on a wooden bridge in the mountains.
A couple shares a joyful laugh while standing on a mountain trail.
A dramatic landscape view of a Scottish valley with mountains and flowing streams.
Two people embrace while enjoying panoramic views of a mountain valley.
A romantic moment shared at a scenic mountain overlook with dramatic cloudy skies in the background.
A playful piggyback ride along a hiking trail surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.
A joyful interaction between two people on a wooden bridge in the mountains.
A couple embracing while enjoying panoramic views of a Scottish valley.
A black and white portrait of two people sharing an intimate moment on a misty hillside.
Two people resting together on rocky terrain with mountains and cloudy skies in the background.
Two hikers taking a break while sitting on a rocky outcrop in the Scottish highlands.
Hiker leaping across a muddy puddle on a mountain trail with backpack.
Hikers taking photos in rugged mountain terrain on an overcast day.
Two people sitting and laughing together on a wooden bench in the highlands.
Hikers resting against an old stone wall in a scenic mountain valley.
Sheep grazing among rocks on a grassy mountainside under cloudy skies.
Person standing on wooden footbridge over rushing mountain stream.
Two people embracing on wooden bridge over mountain stream.
Hikers enjoying scenic mountain views from wooden footbridge over rushing stream.
Couple standing on rustic bridge with dramatic mountain landscape in background.
A romantic moment captured in black and white as a couple embraces on a wooden viewing platform overlooking mountains.
Hikers crossing a stone bridge over a stream with mountains and cloudy skies in the Scottish Highlands.
Two people share a joyful moment while hiking in the green mountainous landscape.
A playful piggyback ride along a mountain trail surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscape.
A black and white capture of a piggyback ride along a mountain path with dramatic scenery.
Two hikers walking along a winding path beside a stream in a dramatic mountain valley.
Two people sharing drinks and toasting at an outdoor pub table with stone building in background.

A Proper Pint

To celebrate, we headed to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, a proper Lake District pub with a roaring fire and plenty of character. Over a pint, we swapped stories about the day’s adventures. I’ll admit, when I asked for a shandy, the barman gave me a bit of stick—but after the day I’d had, I wanted something refreshing and reckoned I’d earned a splash of lemonade in my beer!


Reflections

This proposal wasn’t just about the question—it was about the journey, the creativity, and the connection between two people. The challenges we faced only added to the magic of the moment, and it was both a pleasure and a privilege to be part of it.


Anthony and Billy, thank you for trusting me to capture your special day. The Langdale Valley worked its usual magic, and I’m so glad I could help you create memories that will last a lifetime.


If you’re planning a proposal in the Lakes, let’s chat. Whether it’s a hidden waterfall, a quiet tarn, or a dramatic mountain ridge, there’s no better place for a romantic adventure—and I promise I’ll bring a sturdier jacket and be more prepared next time!