Britain : England : Lake District :
Buttermere

Buttermere and Crummock Water

Buttermere lies in the same region as Borrowdale, separated by the steep Honister Pass. The valley contains the lake of the same name, as well as Crummock Water further around. Both sides of the valley are surrounded by high ridges - the Buttermere ridge on the south, and the Grasmoor fells and Dale Head on the north.

Crummock Water and Grasmoor

The Buttermere ridge is a popular route, starting at Red Pike on the west and continuing eastwards for 6km to Haystacks, and sometimes extended further around to Grey Knotts and Fleetwith Pike, giving a walk of over 15km. Once on the ridge, most of the ascent is already done so it's easy going, with great views into Buttermere to the north and Ennerdale to the south.

High Stile, Chapel Crags and Red Pike on the Buttermere ridge, from Bleaberry Tarn

On the north, the Grasmoor fells provide a mixture of routes - the area is scattered with peaks and valleys, so walks of any length or difficulty can be made up.

If it's just a low-level stroll you want, there is a path all the way around Buttermere Lake, along the base of the Buttermere Ridge. If it's been raining a lot (it always does), there are some spectacular waterfalls from High Stile.

Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks from Buttermere

Pubs

The village of Buttermere has a hotel with a pub. Keswick is half an hour's drive away, with pubs, cafés, tea rooms and gear shops.

Maps

Buttermere is covered by these maps:

• OS Outdoor Leisure (scale 1:25,000) 4 : North West Lakes
• OS Landranger (scale 1:50,000) 89 : West Cumbria