Buttermere.   The Perfect Place

Buttermere is the southernmost lake in a group of three lakes which occupy the Valley of the River Cocker, the others being its twin; Crummock Water and Loweswater further to the north west.

Surrounded on three sides by mountainous fells; the High Stile range to the south west, Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike to the south east and Robinson to the north east, Buttermere is a place of immense scenic value. The village of Buttermere lies to the north west on the plain which now separates Buttermere from Crummock Water.

From the village a path leads around the Fish Hotel to the northern end of the lake, from there an easily negotiable 4.5 mile path circles the lake and provides memorable views every step of the way. Four other paths lead from the main circular path; the Scarth Gap Pass footpath along the south western side leads up to Haystacks and High Crag, also along the south western side is a path leading direct to the summit of High Crag via Burtness Comb. At the bridge over Buttermere Dubs the path can be taken either up to Red Pike or to the north following Buttermere Dubs before rising and opening out on to the fells at the south western corner of Crummock Water. This is also the path up to the summit of Red Pike via Scale Beck and Scale Force.

How to get there

Buttermere is accessible by road from Cockermouth via Lorton Vale, from Keswick via Borrowdale and from Braithwaite via the Keskadale valley and Newlands Hause.
There are several parking bays along the road on the north eastern side of the lake but these soon fill up. A pay car park is available in the village just to the right of the Fish Hotel as you approach.

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Map
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OS Map Explorer Series OL4
Map Ref. NY174164
54.53667°N 3.27667°W