Buttermere and Buttermere village
Buttermere 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. 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.
Food and drink
Visit one of many great lunch stops in Buttermere including The Bridge Hotel, The Buttermere Court Hotel, Croft House Farm Café and Syke Farm Tearoom.
Toilets
Located behind the Bridge Hotel and beside the Buttermere Court Hotel.
Grid reference: NY 172 169, nearest postcode: CA13 9XA, What3Words: ///attend.bikers.swims
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.
If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat and a drink, the Kirkstile Inn is a popular spot for walkers.
Bassenthwaite Lake
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 FE 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.
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’.
Travel around the Northern Lakes
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!
Walks and rides routes in the Northern Lakes
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.
