Here are a couple with a bit more work done on them. I think there's a noticeable difference, or is it just wishful thinking?

Derwentwater peninsula



Reflections



Waiting for the ferry

Thanks for the comments, on both sets so far posted, David. One more set still to come, but I will review those first in the light (excuse the pun!) of your comments. The autumn colours looked a bit cold to me straight out of the camera, so I adjusted the white balance to warm them up and probably overdid it. I'll have another go at these, too. I'd be glad of a reminder of the technique you demonstrated using layer masks. I've got the hang of the high pass filter you showed me, but can't quite remember the steps involved in the other. Just an outline would be enough to bring it back - I think I'm missing a step in the process which is quite frustrating!
Your comments are always useful, David - I'm learning all the time. Thanks again.

With these, I tried to bring out the gorgeous colours - a shame the skies are so dull, which is why I've tried to hide them in some, maybe too much. Please say what you think, good or bad!

Distant ferry on Derwentwater



Ferry arriving on Derwentwater



Ramshackle landing stage



Derwentwater peninsula



Reflections



Waiting for the ferry

Thanks for the kind words, Nigel. Cropping off some sky certainly makes a big difference and concentrates the eye better. On the other hand, I think you lose some of the sense of airiness which the big sky gives, so I'm not sure which I prefer. Here's one cropped version:




Perhaps it should have a bit taken off the bottom too to bring the back of the field onto the bottom "third" line. Here's what that would look like:




I quite like this - it seems to bring more focus to the grandeur of the mountain backdrop in the morning light than the others do. Thanks for the suggestion!

I doubt you're missing anything at all, Phillip. My comment was not based on anything more technical than personal experience and preference - I didn't even know the formula you quote existed. One reason why I am far happier to read and learn from what is posted on the Forum on "technical" issues than comment myself is my own lack of awareness at the moment.

Patrick, in fact only the Bassenthwaite shot was with the Sigma. FYI, settings were 16mm, f/11, 1/800sec, ISO 1600.
Looking at the Exif data for yours, it seems that you don't have the most recent firmware update for your K-5ii, though I wouldn't claim to know how much difference that would make, if any. Did you use a tripod? Shutter speed at 1/125sec I would say was too slow otherwise.

Managed a bit of time in the Lakes last week. one lovely evening and morning, the rest either dull or very wet! Here are a few from the short sunny bit first. All comments welcome. Taken with K-5ii and either Sigma 10-20 or Pentax 18-135.

Evening sun on Bassenthwaite Lake



Morning sun on Skiddaw (1)



Morning sun on Skiddaw (2)



Morning sun on Skiddaw (3)



Morning sun on Skiddaw (4)



Morning sun in Braithwaite

Thanks for the sentiment, Carl - you're absolutely right, I was on the verge of getting quite negative about the whole episode! Good to feel there are people out there rooting for you!

I would like publicly to thank David Storm for the time he has spent with me trying to resolve issues with my new DA*300 lens. Today's conclusion was that the recalibration at the Pentax Service Centre seems to have done the trick and I went off to nearby RVCP to put it to the test. Dragonflies are probably not a sensible choice of subject, but there were so many around that I couldn't resist trying! A couple of swans thrown in for good measure. All comments, particularly re. sharpness, welcome.
All taken with K-3 and DA*300. The dragonflies were so close that getting any DoF was nigh impossible.

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I go with Bill here. If the light in the first post is as you saw it, I think you were fortunate to witness that and should stick with it. Lake District light can come in all hues, some of which may well look unrealistic to anyone who wasn't there. Capturing the moment, in Bill's words, is usually my aim with landscapes, so if this was the moment .... I like it anyway.
On the other hand, as I remember from a few years ago, that climb up from Honister to Dale Head is a pig - if it had been me the colour would have been a reflection of my complexion!