Buttermere

Buttermere is a lake in England's Lake District, in Cumbria, beside the village that shares its name. It covers roughly 0.9 km², stretches about 2 km, reaches 0.54 km at its widest and plunges to 28.6 m at its deepest. The surface sits near 100 m above sea level. It is one of the few lakes in the region you can circle entirely on foot, ringed by steep fells that make for some of the park's most photographed scenery.

What will you see at Buttermere?

Fleetwith Pike rises sharply above the southern shore and anchors the classic view across the water. Across the valley, Sourmilk Gill tumbles down the fellside from the direction of Bleaberry Tarn, dropping several hundred metres. A short detour with a wooden bridge brings you to its foot. The lake drains through the small Buttermere Dubs stream into neighbouring Crummock Water, and the River Cocker carries the water on to Cockermouth.

Can you walk all the way round?

Yes. The loop is roughly 6 to 7 km and usually takes two to three hours, so it suits families. The path mostly hugs the shore, with a short stretch beside the road, a few rocky sections and a passage through a tunnel cut into the rock. Most people go anticlockwise. Gatesgarth, at the southern end, makes a handy midpoint and has extra parking.

Haystacks and the Wainwright connection

Buttermere is the starting point for popular climbs of Haystacks, the favourite fell of guidebook author Alfred Wainwright. His ashes were scattered there. In St James' Church in the village a memorial plaque is placed so that a window looks out toward the fell. Combining the lake circuit with an ascent of Haystacks makes a day of around 14 km with more than 700 m of climbing. A longer high-level option follows the ridge from High Stile to Haystacks.

How do you get there and where do you park?

Reach Buttermere by car or on seasonal local buses; the approach roads are narrow. The village has a pay-and-display car park, and the National Trust runs another. The lake is owned by the National Trust, which also looks after much of the surrounding land. Arrive early on weekends and in school holidays, as spaces fill quickly.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the best light and the thinnest crowds, and dawn often brings a mirror-calm surface. Summer is the busiest period. Lake District weather changes fast, so pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy boots, since paths can be muddy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Buttermere walk take? About two to three hours at an easy pace, over a distance of several kilometres.

How deep is Buttermere? The maximum depth is 28.6 m, and the lake is about 2 km long.

Is the walk suitable for children? Yes. The loop is easy, though it has rocky patches and a short roadside stretch, so keep younger children close.

Can I climb Haystacks from Buttermere? Yes, the route begins at the village or at Gatesgarth. The ascent is steep, with minor scrambling near the top, so wear proper footwear.