“Here the scenery assumes truly alpine characteristics, yet without sacrifice of the intimate charms, the romantic atmosphere found in Lakeland and nowhere else”
A Wainwright
A wonderful flat walk along the shores of Buttermere, wonderful scenery both of the lake and of the surrounding mountains make this a walk to savour.
The Buttermere lakeshore has a wide variety of walking, from the wooded banks on the southern shores to a short stretch through an old tunnel on the northern shores there is plenty of variety.
“This is superb architecture”
A Wainwright
From Buttermere will will circle the lake in an anticlockwise direction, walking from the village to the foot of the lake and following the lakeshore path through Birtness Woods, keeping an eye out for the many red squirrels in the trees.
The path follows the southern shore of the lake to Peggy's Bridge where we will cross the fields to Gatesgarth Farm.
The scenic path along the northern shore of the lake, the views along this section of the lakeshore are particularly spectacular, with views over the lake to High Crag and High Stile dominating the view.
As the path passes Dalegarth it enters a tunnel for a short while before re-emerging into the sunlight.
As we return to the village of Buttermere we pass an ice cream shop at Sykes Farm where a pit stop can be made.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Bridge Hotel, Buttermere
Postcode: CA13 9UZ
Grid Reference: NY 174 169
Directions
From Keswick: Leave Keswick on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op) Follow this road for approx 8 miles, passing through Rosthwaite to the village of Seatoller, from here the road climbs over Honister Pass, descend the eastern slopes of the pass and continue on this road until you reach Buttermere Village, Free parking will be found to the right as you reach the village, by the church or a larger pay car park will be found if you turn left next to the Bridge Hotel heading to the right of the Fish Hotel (Both hotels operate a clamping system). We will meet outside the Bridge Hotel.
From Cockermouth: Leave Cockermouth on the Lorton Road, leaving town opposite Sainsburys. Follow this road through the village of Low Lorton and continue until a road leads to the left, signposted for Buttermere, follow this road to Buttermere, a pay and display car park will be found to the right, behind the Bridge Hotel, free parking a little further on up the hill after the church. We will meet outside the Bridge Hotel.
Bus Services
A seasonal bus service runs to Buttermere from Keswick, the bus stop is behind the Bridge Hotel.
The 77/77a bus runs between Keswick and Buttermere, this is a seasonal service runnning from East to October.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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