A STUNNING corner of England, Furness can compete with the best of Britain's beauty.

With Buttermere in Cumbria voted as one of the UK's best sights this week, local photographer Philip Hatfield has put forward some of his favourite spots in Barrow and the surrounding area.

Having used photographs of Walney in a calendar for the last three years, Mr Hatfield spoke fondly of the island.

He said: "There are lots of nice, beautiful places on Walney, but it's a limited area with the entire population in the middle bit.

"It can be difficult to get the views but I combat that by getting up at 5am.

"Going up Red Mans Way is great too, when you walk up and go to the top of the old iron works. It's really nice when you're there looking over the channel to Walney."

Mr Hatfield has been a professional photographer since 1970, and has amassed a wealth of insight into the area's beauty.

He said: "Another nice one I really like is Walney Bridge when you can see Piel Island.

"I've got a cracking shot of the moon over the island that I'm really proud of - it's so good it looks as if it's been photoshopped, but I promise it hasn't.

"That's another of my favourite views. I do love Piel Island."

Fellow photographer Graham Kidd also has a soft spot for Walney.

He said: "Walney Beach is one of my favourite views in Barrow.

"When the sun is going down and when there's not quite a plain blue sky but a little bit of cloud, it's just fantastic.

"Further afield, Blea Tarn is another of my favourite places. When the water is calm it is very peaceful and the reflections are brilliant."

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock also thinks the area has a lot to be proud of.

He said: "With its stunning coastline, rolling hill and breathtaking vistas, there are few corners of England that can match Furness for natural beauty.

"Whether it's the architectural grandeur of Furness Abbey or the natural splendour of the Duddon Valley, you can hardly turn a corner around here without stumbling upon another example of wonder in our patch of Cumbria."

This week, a poll of more than 2,500 people listed Buttermere seventh in a list of the top 10 greatest views in the UK.

Other views in the list include the prehistoric monument Stonehenge in Wiltshire, Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia, which features the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres, which was rated highest.

Mr Kidd said: "I've never actually been to Buttermere, but I'm hoping to get up there this spring.

"I have always wanted to go and see the Buttermere Lone Tree.

"Crummock Water is another place on my list. I've seen photos taken there and I'm keen to try myself."

The poll also found Britons under the age of 55 take an average 1,071 photographs each year on their mobile phones.

Mr Kidd's advice for taking the perfect snap is simple.

He said: "I look at the weather forecast and I always try to get out early morning or in the evening.

"When there's no wind and the sun is shining then it's just about getting the right catch.

"It doesn't seem as windy at daybreak and the morning conditions are brilliant."

For Mr Hatfield, however, one of the best spots is out of reach for the public.

He said: "I had to go and photograph when I was freelancing at the top of the clock tower at Barrow Town Hall.

"It's just a shame it's not open to the public.

"Unfortunately these things never quite go to plan and I was stuck up there for six hours before I got my shot, and it was on my birthday too.

"Luckily it was a beautiful day. I had a drink and a sandwich, my MP3 player and you really get some nice views of Barrow from up there."

To see more great shots of Furness go to www.nwemail.co.uk/

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