Picture Post: Shimmering jewel in a picturesque landscape

But while the dark nights are still closing in it’s easy to forget that the winter months offer some of our most breathtaking outdoor sights – like this one of Kilnsey Crag in the heart of Wharfedale, in North Yorkshire.

The surface of the water of the lake is as smooth as glass and perfectly reflects the crag along with the crisp blue sky and earthy autumnal colours.

Kilnsey Crag is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the Yorkshire Dales. The imposing limestone cliff overlooks a road and the River Wharfe from the west. The Crag itself is around 170 feet high with an overhang of 40 feet.

West from Kilnsey towards Malham Tarn runs the historic Mastiles Lane, a Roman marching road, that later became an important drovers’ way for Fountains Abbey flocks heading to summer pasture on higher ground – today it’s a popular Dales walking track.

The crag also offers a stunning backdrop to Kilnsey Park which offers visitors the chance to try their hand at a wide range of activities, from fishing and walking to pony trekking and cycling.

It’s also home to the Kilnsey Trail where it’s possible to catch a glimpse of red squirrels and rare wildflowers.

In the village of Kilnsey you’ll find the Old Hall which was once a medieval administrative site for the wool trade. Most of the present building, which has been well restored, dates as far back as 1658.

Kilnsey has long been popular with visitors and in July it no doubt attracted many more admirers among TV viewers watching the Tour de France.

Stage 1 of the Grand Départ passed through the village and thousands of spectators camped nearby to watch the race – with many commenting that it was one of the best vantage points along the whole route.

It looked stunning bathed in the warm summer sunshine and, as this picture shows, it looks none too shabby dressed in its winter clothes either.

Technical details: Nikon 
D3s, 17-55mm lens, 200th sec@ F9, ISO 200.