We spend a lot of our time creating professional video content for clients across Cumbria, but on this occasion, we decided to turn the cameras on ourselves and document something a little more personal.
Our latest family trip took us to Haweswater and Mardale Green, one of the Lake District’s most stunning yet often overlooked locations. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, dramatic landscapes and deep-rooted history, it is a place that offers far more than first meets the eye.
A Family day out at Haweswater
Exploring Haweswater and Mardale Green
What made this visit particularly special was the opportunity to explore more of Mardale Green, the historic village that lies beneath Haweswater Reservoir. When water levels drop, parts of this lost village slowly reappear, offering a rare glimpse into the past.
With the reservoir sitting at around 65 per cent capacity during our visit, we were fortunate enough to see remnants of walls, foundations and pathways that are usually hidden beneath the water. Walking through these remains gives a real sense of connection to the history of the area and the community that once lived there.
Haweswater has a unique feel compared to other parts of the Lake District. It is quieter, less commercial, and allows you to truly take in the surroundings without distraction. That sense of space and stillness is something we wanted to capture through this film.
Filming Haweswater from the Ground and the Air
To truly showcase the scale and beauty of Haweswater and Mardale Green, we used a combination of ground-based filming and aerial drone footage.
From the ground, we focused on the finer details. The textures of the landscape, the remains of the submerged village, and the quiet moments make this location feel so special. These shots help tell the story on a human level, allowing you to feel part of the experience.
Taking to the air gave us a completely different perspective. Using drone footage, we were able to reveal the full scale of Haweswater Reservoir and how the exposed sections of Mardale Green sit within the wider landscape. The contrast between water, land and history becomes far more powerful when viewed from above.
This blend of ground and aerial video is something we regularly use in our client work, and it was great to apply the same approach to a personal project. It allows us to create a more complete and immersive story, showing both the detail and the bigger picture.
The Ever-Changing Nature of Haweswater
One of the most fascinating things about Haweswater and Mardale Green is that no two visits are ever the same. The landscape is constantly changing depending on water levels, weather and light.
One day, we hope to capture a clear view of the legendary Mardale packhorse bridge, which only becomes visible when the reservoir drops significantly lower. Unfortunately, it did not reveal itself this time, but that is all part of the experience.
It is this unpredictability that makes Haweswater so special. Every visit offers something new, whether it is a different view, a different mood, or a different piece of history emerging from beneath the water.
Why We Created This Film
Although much of our work focuses on helping businesses tell their stories, this project was a reminder of why we started in the first place. A passion for capturing moments, places and stories that deserve to be seen.
Filming Haweswater and Mardale Green allowed us to combine that passion with the techniques we use every day in our professional work. The use of cinematic ground footage alongside aerial drone shots helped us create a film that not only documents the location but also conveys the feeling of being there.
A Place Worth Visiting
If you have never visited Haweswater and Mardale Green, it is well worth the trip. Whether you are interested in history, landscape photography, walking, or simply enjoying a quieter part of the Lake District, it offers something truly unique.
And if you time it right, you may just catch a glimpse of what lies beneath the surface.
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