Buttermere lake and village
The name Buttermere came directly from joining the Old English word “butter lake” and mere.
The classic U-shaped valley is surrounded by a dramatic fell landscape, with Buttermere lake nestled at the bottom and the village of Buttermere between Buttermere and Crummock Water.
Buttermere lake
Buttermere lake lies at the foot of some spectacular fells, including Wainwright’s favourite, Haystacks. It’s also one of the few lakes you can walk all the way round, taking four miles.
Buttermere village
Buttermere village is small and characterful, and offers a few amenities. From Buttermere village, the climb to Rannerdale Knott provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding area. Enjoy the fabulous Rannerdale bluebells in the spring.
Honister Pass
This high pass runs between the head of Borrowdale and the head of Buttermere. Once horse-drawn coaches followed this route on the ‘Keswick Round’. The road is steep and should be driven with care. The Buttermere shuttle bus from Cockermouth runs over the summer season and is a great stress-free way to travel to and from Buttermere.
More lakes to explore
Red squirrels, woodland, lakeshore views and quiet fells await in the lesser-explored northern areas.
Take in the landscapes with a circular walk around Crummock Water or Loweswater. Bassenthwaite, the only official ‘lake’ in the Lake District, is a National Nature Reserve and is a great location to spot wildlife away from the most popular areas of the Park.
Crummock Water
Crummock Water lies between Loweswater and Buttermere. It is two and half miles long and three quarters of a mile wide. At 140 feet deep, this clear, rocky bottomed lake is flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate. It is owned by the National Trust.
The River Cocker starts from here and flows towards Cockermouth where it joins the River Derwent. Crummock Water is fed by numerous streams including the beck from Scale Force, the tallest waterfall in the Lake District with a drop of 170 feet.
A nine mile round the lake walk is possible with great paths through Lanthwaite Woods.
Loweswater
Loweswater is situated in a wooded valley in the Vale of Lorton. It is approximately one mile long, half a mile wide and 60 feet deep. A walk around the lake is around four miles, most of it on footpaths. It passes through Holme Wood, a fine mixed woodland.
Loweswater is the only lake that drains towards the centre of Lakeland to Crummock Water, which it was once joined to. Red squirrels enjoy the coniferous habitat and can be found in the area.
Bassenthwaite
Northwest of Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake is the only official ‘lake’ in the Lake District – the others are all called meres, waters or tarns. The area is designated as a National Nature Reserve, and is a great place for birdwatching. Until recently you could view the nest from viewpoint at Dodd Wood managed by Forestry England and supported by the RSPB and LDNPA until the birds decided to nest in a location less visible.
You can take a paddleboard, kayak, canoe or rowing boat out onto Bassenthwaite Lake, you just need to buy a permit online first.
Heading out on the water?
Visit our swimming in the Lake District page to see which bodies of water you can and can’t use in the Lake District.
Familiarise yourself with the swim safe code, some simple guidelines to help keep you and others safe.
- Be seen in the water and have support
- Be water wise in open water
- Look out for blue-green algae
- Be mindful of other water users
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Avoid cold water shock
- Float to live
Travel around the Northern Lakes
The quieter valleys in the Northern Lakes are excellent areas for walking, cycling or exploring on one of our accessible Miles Without Stiles Routes.
In summer, the Buttermere from Cockermouth shuttle bus runs through the Buttermere Valley. If you are arriving by car, make sure to park in designated car parks and not along lanes or outside farm gates.
Buttermere shuttle bus from Cockermouth
A scenic, sustainable way to travel
Make your journey to Buttermere part of the adventure! The Buttermere to Cockermouth shuttle bus is a convenient service that lets you sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views, without the hassle of parking. With affordable fares, a park-and-ride option, and easy connections to other bus routes, getting to Buttermere has never been easier. Whether you’re here for a lakeside walk, a peaceful retreat, this shuttle bus is the perfect way to travel while helping protect this special place. Hop on board and let the Lake District unfold before you!
Routes in the Northern Lakes
Routes throughout the Northern lakes take you around lakeshores, through wildlife-rich woodland and villages, with optional elevation.
Find one of our accessible Miles Without Stiles routes, join a free guided walk or discover a route to walk, run or cycle.
Walking routes
Buttermere to Rannerdale Knotts walk is moderate walk that’s 4.8 km long and takes about 2 hours, with views over Buttermere and Crummock Water. View the walk on the National Trust website.
We also have our walks and rides in the Lake District National Park. Filter our walks and rides routes by location, length and accessibility. Plan your trip with our route information and map.
Miles without Stiles routes, easy access routes
- 25. Buttermere Lakeshore Miles Without Stiles route – an easy walking route around the whole lake, its about 7km and takes around 3 hours. The walk is relatively easy and level with a great ‘reward for effort’ ratio. The views mean that your photos make it look like you’ve been somewhere much more rugged!
- 26. Loweswater Miles without Stiles route – an easy walking route, 4km along the Western shore of Loweswater.
