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Buttermere

Top 4 Lakes around Buttermere

Best lakes around Buttermere are found in the Buttermere Valley, located in the northwestern Lake District National Park. This area is characterized by its motorboat-free lakes, including Buttermere Lake, Crummock Water, and Loweswater, set amidst dramatic fells and ancient woodlands. Buttermere Lake itself is encircled by towering fells such as Haystacks, offering a classic Lake District landscape. The valley provides diverse natural settings, from rugged mountainsides to gentler, rolling hills.

Best lakes around Buttermere

  • The most popular lakes is Buttermere Lake, a trail that offers an easy-going circuit of approximately 6 km. This allows visitors to experience the beauty of Buttermere, which lies at the foot of spectacular fells.
  • Another must-see spot is Burtness Wood, a forest. Visitors can expect a peaceful woodland experience with surreal light shining through the trees and the lake glistening in the background.
  • Visitors also love Buttermere and Crummock Water, a trail. This area is special for its beautiful circular walks with opportunities to sit and admire the lake views.
  • Buttermere is known for its diverse natural lakes, including Buttermere Lake, Crummock Water, and Loweswater. These offer a variety of experiences, from dramatic mountain backdrops to tranquil, gentler landscapes.
  • The lakes around Buttermere are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and over 140 photos shared across 5 highlights.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

Buttermere Lake

Highlight • Trail

As one of the few lakes in the national park that you can walk all the way round, Buttermere is well worth a visit. At 4 miles (6 km), the easy-going circuit allows you to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Buttermere, which lies at the foot of some spectacular fells, including Wainwright's favourite, Haystacks.

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Burtness Wood

Highlight • Forest

This peaceful woodland is a lovely part of the Buttermere circuit. With surreal light shining through the trees and the lake glistening in the background, it is a magical place to hike.

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Lovely place for a Wild Swim after a walk in the fells, great to look back on everything you’ve walked while swimming around. It does get deep after about 20 m and can be very cold especially in February when my Wife and her Sister did it. Take a warm drink and warm clothes to get into afterwards. If you just fancy the swim the car park at Buttermere is only 1/2 mile away.

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Lovely stretch of road running near to the water. Chance for a bit of respite in between Newlands and Honister.

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Popular around Buttermere

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Mountain Hikes around Buttermere

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Tips from the Community

Little legs lottie 🥾
March 20, 2026, Buttermere and Crummock Water

Beautiful circular walk with plenty of stops to sit and admire the lake.

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Many places to stop and admire the Views

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Lovely place for a Wild Swim after a walk in the fells, great to look back on everything you’ve walked while swimming around. It does get deep after about 20 m and can be very cold especially in February when my Wife and her Sister did it. Take a warm drink and warm clothes to get into afterwards. If you just fancy the swim the car park at Buttermere is only 1/2 mile away.

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Andy
January 13, 2024, Burtness Wood

Great views and easy walking

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Andy
January 13, 2024, Buttermere Lake

Views of Haystacks.Wainwrights resting place

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Su Shaw
November 5, 2022, Buttermere Lake

Excellent flat walk. Only one short tricky section over some rocks - probably because the water was high. Would have been no issue when water levels were lower.

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Stephen
April 14, 2022, Buttermere Lake

Amazing walk nice and easy.

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Lovely stretch of road running near to the water. Chance for a bit of respite in between Newlands and Honister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lakes for walking in the Buttermere Valley?

For an accessible and scenic walk, Buttermere Lake offers an easy-going 4.5-mile (7km) circular path, suitable for most abilities, with constantly changing views and a unique tunnel section. Crummock Water also has an approximately 8-mile circular walk, providing fantastic views and woodland experiences.

Are there any quiet or less-frequented lakes in the area?

Yes, Loweswater is known for its tranquil environment and is often described as peaceful and less frequented by tourists. It offers a quieter experience with gentler, rolling hills and a popular path circling the lake through Holme Wood.

What natural features and landmarks can I see around Crummock Water?

Crummock Water boasts dramatic scenery with Grasmoor to the west and Mellbreak to the east. A significant natural feature is Scale Force, the Lake District's tallest single-drop waterfall, which feeds into Crummock Water. The Rannerdale Valley, known for its vibrant bluebells in May, is also accessible from here.

What kind of wildlife can be spotted in the Buttermere Valley?

The Buttermere Valley is rich in wildlife. Around Loweswater, you can find various birds, including pied and spotted flycatchers and green woodpeckers. Holme Wood, near Loweswater, is one of the last strongholds for red squirrels.

Are there family-friendly activities or walks around the lakes?

Many areas are family-friendly. The 4.5-mile (7km) path around Buttermere Lake is generally easy and suitable for families. Burtness Wood, part of the Buttermere circuit, offers a peaceful woodland experience that families can enjoy.

Can I go wild swimming in the lakes?

Yes, Buttermere Lake is a popular spot for wild swimming due to its clear, cold waters. There's even a specific Buttermere Wild Swimming Spot highlighted by visitors, though it can get deep and cold, so warm clothes and a hot drink are recommended afterwards.

What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?

The area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find various road cycling routes, including loops around Buttermere Village and Crummock Water, as well as mountain biking trails, such as those around Loweswater. For more details, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Buttermere or MTB Trails around Buttermere guides.

Are there any notable waterfalls in the Buttermere Valley?

Yes, the Buttermere Valley is home to several impressive waterfalls. Scale Force, near Crummock Water, is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Lake District. You can also find Holme Force within Holme Wood near Loweswater, and the Buttermere infinity pool and Moss Force are in the Buttermere area. Consider exploring Waterfall hikes around Buttermere for routes.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Buttermere?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning reflections of mountains and trees in the calm waters, especially at Buttermere Lake. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the diverse walking opportunities, and the chance to sit and admire the lake views, particularly around Buttermere and Crummock Water.

What is the best time of year to visit the Buttermere Valley?

The Buttermere Valley offers beauty year-round. Spring is particularly lovely with bluebells in the Rannerdale Valley near Crummock Water. Summer provides ideal conditions for walking and wild swimming. Autumn brings stunning foliage, and even winter offers dramatic, peaceful landscapes, though conditions can be challenging for hiking.

Are there places to eat or stay near the lakes?

The charming village of Buttermere, situated between Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water, offers pubs and cafes. While specific accommodation details are not provided, the village serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding lakes.

What are the best viewpoints in the Buttermere area?

The view from Rannerdale Knotts, located between Buttermere and Crummock Water, offers panoramic vistas of three lakes and several prominent peaks. Additionally, the View of Fleetwith Pike from Buttermere provides spectacular scenery across the lake towards Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Buttermere? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

St John'S Castlerigg And WythburnBorrowdaleAbove DerwentButtermereKeswickLoweswaterLortonUnderskiddawBassenthwaiteWythopBlindbothelEmbletonDeanIreby And UldaleCaldbeckDerwent WaterCockermouthBrighamPapcastleSetmurthyBridekirkLittle CliftonGreysouthenWinscalesBothel And ThreaplandBlindcrakePlumblandBlennerhasset And TorpenhowBewaldeth And SnittlegarthThirlmereBoltonsGreat CliftonGilcruxAllhallowsBroughtonLoweswater

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