Lake District: heaven on the rocks

The 'Priest Hole' Cave, Dove Crag, Dovedale. The history behind the cave remains a mystery. It is probably a natural cavity which has been modified by generations of hill users for use as a shelter Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk The Lakeland crags attract climbers of all levels. Here local stoneworker and rock climber Dave Birkett battles a vicious overhang on Cam Crag above Wasdale Screes Photograph: Alastiar Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastiar Lee/guardian.co.uk The view from the top of Nab Scar above Rydal Water, in spectacular autumn colour Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk Chapel Stile in the mist, Great Langdale. This shot illustrates the fact that you do need to get some height in order to apreciate the scene Photograph: Alastiar Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastiar Lee/guardian.co.uk For many, Buttermere occupies the most beautiful and tranquil dale in the Lake Distict. This shot captures the head of Lake Buttermere flanked by Grasmere, Robinson and Fleetwith Pikes Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk One of Lakeland's most impressive hills - Blencathra or Saddleback. The weather clears after an autumn storm enhancing the hill's distinctive scalloped flanks Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk Tucked away out of sight in the hanging valley of Comb Gill above Borrowdale lies one of Lakeland's most aesthetic - and fleeting - climbs. When caught in the wintery maw of a hard frost 'Raven Crag Gully' is transformed: the final slab becomes a rippling cascade frozen in mid-flight - providing the Lakeland climber with a glittering prize Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk Smouldering summits as seen from the top of Great Gable Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk Panoramic view from just below Helvellyn's summit. The popular Striding Edge and St Sunday Crag take centre stage. Being on the tops in late evening light can be a magical experience, just make sure to bring a head torch to get down Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk Scafell Pike reveals itself after a winter storm in a 360-degree panorama from Bowfell's summit. Everywhere you looked something was happening, as if you were surrounded by a fast-moving light show Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk Grizedale Tarn as seen on the descent from Dollywaggon Pike. Windermere and Morecambe Bay glisten distantly beyond the snowy mountains Photograph: Alastair Lee/Frances Lincoln Limited Photograph: Alastair Lee/guardian.co.uk