A Guide to Buttermere in the Lake District

Flora

Whilst the Lake District fells and valleys are a joy at any time of year, spring is the season when nature’s beauty bursts forth in all her glory with Buttermere no exception. Pastoral landscapes and the lake shores are dotted with wildflowers and wild grasses – a picture of tranquil, bucolic beauty.

Perhaps the most magical is the Rannerdale hillside between Crummock Water and Buttermere from April to May when it erupts into a vibrant display of bluebells. These violet-blue flowers are protected by law and managed by the National Trust. Overzealous admirers off-trail can damage the delicate plants, so visitors are urged to stick to the clearly defined paths.

From July to September, swathes of sweet, magenta-coloured heather blaze in full bloom. But visitors arriving after the flush of summer will not be disappointed; the slowing down of summer flora makes way for autumn’s calming orange hues before transitioning into winter’s hibernation.

Fauna

Brown trout and Arctic char (among other fish) swim under the glittering surface of the lake’s clear waters. Observe closely, and you might just hear a ‘plop’ or see the tell-tale white splash of underwater life, briefly surfacing.

England is a land beloved for birdwatching. Protected lands within the national park offer sanctuary for many species. In the Buttermere area, listen to the titters of many species such as woodpeckers, blue tits, sandpipers and pied flycatchers – just some of the spring-time birds around Buttermere.

Sandpipers are ground-nesting birds that lay their speckled eggs on Buttermere’s northern lakeshore shingle. This area should be avoided from April to June to protect these vulnerable birds. Walking around the lake is still possible by taking the slightly longer route which passes through the Buttermere hamlet.

Distance: Multiple route options, with the shortest at 8km / 5miles
Elevation: 597 m (1959 ft)

Visiting the Lake District wouldn’t be the same experience as it is today without famous fellwalker Alfred Wainwright, renowned for his hand-drawn pocket guidebooks. Walk in his footsteps to climb Haystacks, Wainwright’s favourite fell top (and where his ashes are scattered) – a satisfying hike from the Buttermere valley. Whilst a linear path is possible, a circular route takes in the best of the region.

All hikers heading up to Haystacks or beyond should be experienced and prepared. Higher paths are not waymarked, and even on a summer’s day, rain and clouds can roll in leaving unsuspecting hikers disorientated and vulnerable – a compass and basic navigation skills are a must while hiking on the fells. If you aren’t interested in navigating, the best way to explore Buttermere and the fells is with a hiking guide, whether you choose a private trip or prefer to join a guided walking trip in the Lake District.

From Gatesgarth, either head directly to Haystacks or combine with neighbouring summits. For those less comfortable with heights and exposed rocky steps, the Haystacks summit on the north side is best avoided.

The easiest linear route still involves 500 meters (1600ft) of ascent and a rough and uneven path. From Gatesgarth, take the path towards Warnscale Beck. The gradually steepening ascent tops out near the Dubs Hut Bothy, part of the Honister slate mine, the perfect shelter in rainy weather. The small slate building is also of interest as a place of local industrial mining history. For those keen to experience even more adventure, staying a night in the bothy is possible.

From the bothy, the path to Haystacks continues over undulating ground, passing Black Beck Tarn (a tarn is a small body of water, much like a large pond) and its smaller, more famous cousin, Innominate Tarn, before steepening again nearer the top. On a clear day, pause en route to watch the tiny vehicles below against a wondrous lake and mountain backdrop. This route is just under 5km/3 miles long, and can then either be reversed or linked to a variety of circular options. The quickest is a tricky rock-strewn descent over the north side of Haystacks to Scarth Gap Pass. Continuing down across Buttermere Fell (another Norse word, referring to the hillside), re-cross Warnscale Beck, via Peggy’s Bridge, near the lakeshore.

Alternative Routes & Extensions

Other circular options include linking the prominent Fleetworth Pike 648m or continuing over Scarth Gap Pass to the much more committing High Crag, High Style and even Red Pike. For those wishing to extend the distance without any additional challenges, park near Buttermere village and combine the lake circumnavigation with a Haystacks ascent.

Cycling in Northern England.

With its dramatic landscape and steep passes to the south and northeast, keen, fit and experienced cyclists will relish the challenges of biking the shores, hills and laneways around Buttermere. Whilst it’s possible for more sedate rides on the roads of the eastern shores, it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll likely be sharing the road with cars and buses.

For mountain bike lovers, the Whinlatter visitor centre (a thirty-minute drive from Buttermere via the stunning Newlands Pass road) is a great place to enjoy off-road biking at all levels. Learn more about cycling in Northern England in our insider’s article detailing the best route of the region, including in the Buttermere area. Want to keep reading? Take a peek at our other top cycling routes in Northern England here.

There are a number of parking options for those visiting the region by car. The most reliable parking is either at Gatesgarth (at the south end of the lake) or the National Trust car park just to the north of the village. There are a few other smaller car parks or large lay-bys at which you might park, but lakeside parking is limited – see below for more details.

For those who want to avoid cars and be more sustainable, the public bus service is a great option, including the free spring and summer shuttle bus from the nearby town of Cockermouth.

With its pleasant high street shops and riverside park walks, Cockermouth – which is also the birthplace of famous Lakeland poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy – is an enjoyable town to visit in its own right. As well as being an environmental thumbs-up, the shuttle service, which also stops at the famous Rannerdale Bluebells, is ideal if your time is limited and you’d like to avoid the stress of daytime driving and parking.

Useful Resources

• The North Lakes – Explore and Visit | Lake District National Park
• Buttermere Valley | National Trust