Recommended Ordnance Survey Maps - Outdoor Leisure Map 4 - North Western Area (1:25,000)
Start and End Point - Buttermere Car Park, Buttermere (NW - 174169). Cost £2 per day. There are public amenities at the car park.
Distance - 4.7 miles (7.6 kilometres)
Time - A leisurely 6 hours (including half-way refreshment break)
Maximum Height Achieved - 410 feet, 125 metres above sea level
Total Ascent - 240 feet, 73 metres (minimal)
Accommodation - Fairly limited in Buttermere. Try the walker-friendly Fish Hotel (07687 70253) or the Bridge Hotel. Keswick may prove a suitable alternative. See Accommodation Guide. There is a campsite adjacent to the car park in Buttermere.
Public Transport -
By Rail - Stations at Windermere and Penrith
By Bus -
Tourist Information Offices - Seatoller - 017687 77294 or Keswick - 017687 72645
Buttermere is a stunning village deep inside the Lake District. It is warm, friendly and a perfect base for a wide variety of walks. This walk was undertaken on 3rd May 1999, a Bank Holiday Monday. The weather was simply stunning - unusual for a British Bank Holiday! Although a small village far removed from the bustling hordes of Ambleside and Bowness, it is very popular. Maybe that has something to do with the location. Situated amidst breathtaking scenery, Buttermere is a delight that is every bit as good as the anticipation built on the journey. I arrived, with family, via the beautiful Honister path (from Borrowdale). I would recommend this way in every time, if travelling from Keswick by car. It is slightly longer, but affords excellent views of the North Western fells. The way back to Keswick via Braithwaite is equally beautiful, but much gentler.
The conditions, as already mentioned, were perfect. Blue skies, sunshine and mid 20's all added to the best day of the year. The walk described below is a short walk, travelling clockwise around the lake. Why clockwise? My personal opinion is that the clockwise route offers all the best angles for the most striking views. There is virtually no ascent, making it suitable for all the family, even the younger legs and the paths are clear and simple making the route very easy to follow. Although there are some that only venture out for the high peak scrambles, this walk is a 'must' for everyone, often quoted as the best level walk in the Lakes. The walk starts and ends in Buttermere, with a mid-walk break at Gatesgarth, where a mobile refreshment van is located. Buttermere has good facilities for both the start and end of the walk. The patio of the Fish Hotel is worth particular note for a beer and the perfect finish to any walk.
If you are preparing to take children on the walk, take plenty of drinks and treats to keep the interest maintained. A good idea would be to take some bread to feed the ducks at various points along the walk. Remember that little legs get tired quickly, but young walkers are very resilient if kept interested and hydrated. It is always a good idea to have a drink before setting off to prevent dehydration, especially on warmer days. Try never to shout or rebuke them, especially if you want them to join you again! Have the patience of a saint and you'll have walking partners for life!
P.S. All photographs are point and click. Click on them for a larger, more detailed image.
Map
Starting from the car park, walk back through the entrance and up towards the B5289 and the Bridge Hotel. At the Bridge Hotel, turn right (South West) towards Syke Farm. Turn right into the farmyard and follow the signs around the farm buildings towards the lake shore.
A well-constructed bridleway leads down to the northern corner of the lake and offers wonderful views back across the pastures towards Buttermere and the fells surrounding Crummock Water. The lambing season, pictured in this walk, often provides some hilarious, often touching but always picturesque moments.
Upon reaching the water, there is often a choice of paths. Odd sections can be undertaken at the waters edge, whilst a distinct path is always the familiar reserve. As you may gather by the number of photographs, the panorama is stunning. Views back towards the north make the most of the morning sun, whilst views across the lake are simply stunning. Dodd, Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag are prominent across the water, with Hay Stacks and Fleetwith Pike standing guard at the southern end of the lake.
An impressive narrow tunnel (apparently cut during the Victorian era, according to a fellow walker) through a rocky outcrop awaits at Dalegarth, just beyond half distance to Gatesgarth. This area is a little rocky, but the path remains well defined throughout, giving impressive views of the deep and clear water below.
Keep following the footpath through Crag Wood and over the incredibly bouncy wooden footbridge. The path meanders past a shale beach and then onwards towards the B5289. It is necessary to use the road at this point for 400 metres to reach Gatesgarth Farm and cottages. At Gatesgarth, there is usually a mobile refreshment van, selling ice cream, drinks, hot dogs etc. It is a pleasant place for a stop at the side of Gatesgarthdale Beck.
At the side of the farm, a clearly signed gate guides you onto yet another well maintained path (South West) towards Buttermere Fell. Head along the path and cross the footbridge that traverses Warnscale Beck. It is worth pausing for a moment to satiate oneself with the wonderful Buttermere vista atop the footbridge. Turn right at this point (North West) along the path that rejoins the shoreline of Buttermere. There is a good picnic point approximately 800 metres from the footbridge at the waters edge. Carry on along the path, crossing Comb Beck and through the tranquil Burtness Wood, a National Trust area that is always open. At the far most North Western edge of the lake, follow the path round the lake and over the footbridge that crosses Buttermere Oubs and Sourmilk Gill. An obvious track will now take you back to Buttermere, where a café and a choice of hostelries await. A perfect day was crowned on this day in the flawless setting of the Fish Hotel, sat outside in the afternoon sun with a traditional beverage (or two)! I found the hotel to be friendly and welcoming, hence the praise here.
This walk and pictures are protected by copyright©. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited without the prior permission of the author. If you wish to use this document, then click the contact link on the main pages. I would also like to hear your comments and thoughts. If you use this document for your walk please give me feedback (good or bad). If you have very good quality photographs and a good narrative and want them on these pages, contact me also.
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Author - Antony Towers - 12th June 1999. I hope you enjoy this walk either virtually or in reality as much as I did. Your safety is your responsibility. Always use a map, compass and be equipped for the conditions. Conditions can change very quickly, even at low levels. Check the weather conditions before setting off and always be prepared for Mother Nature.
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