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.
Last updated: August 6, 2026
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Beautiful circular walk with plenty of stops to sit and admire the lake.
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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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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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Lovely stretch of road running near to the water. Chance for a bit of respite in between Newlands and Honister.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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