Peter Cox
In 1989, I experienced my first visit to the Lake District when my family and I made an overnight stop in Watermillock during our journey to Loch Lomond. Despite only having time for a quick walk around Ullswater, we were blown away by the breathtaking landscapes and the enchanting atmosphere. It left such an impression on us that we vowed to come back someday for a longer stay to truly enjoy everything the area has to offer.
We returned the following year for a few days at Easter camping beside Derwentwater at the Camping and Caravan Club site at Keswick. I still to this day remember that first morning walking to the lake shore and looking over to see Cat Bells slowly appearing as the mist rose off Derwentwater. And so Cat Bells became our first fell, one of many climbed over subsequent visits to the Lakes.
My father who had over the years a number of different cameras including a very impressive Leica M3 encouraged my interest in photography. My first camera would have been a cheap plastic one as a child but my first proper camera was a Zenit EM, a Russian made SLR. My first digital camera was the Agfa ePhoto 780c a very impressive little camera that I still own today. Of course since then I’ve moved on and now use Nikon equipment.
After many years visiting the Lakes and climbing the fells I rediscovered the beauty of our coastline and for the past few years have been walking the various coast paths from Cornwall in the south to the Cleveland Way in Yorkshire.
Another constant over the years has been my love of the Norfolk Broads. Like the Lake District the Broads is a place to get away from it all and relax.
Walking in the Peak District is also close to my heart. The first place I visited as a ‘serious walker’ was Dovedale, having bought my first walking boots (Cebo’s) in Ashbourne on the day of the walk. To this day they still have the best grip on wet rock although they are no longer in serviceable condition.
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Peter Cox