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| A classic Lake District view, looking over Buttermere towards Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks. |
Buttermere - my favourite of all the lakes
Buttermere is possibly my favourite Lake District lakes (I know it's a mere not a lake haha) and a walk around it is one of the best short leisurely walks you can do in the lakes in my humble opinion. What I love about Buttermere is how unspoilt it is - it's not developed like some of the larger lakes and there aren't many buildings around the lake at all. Whilst this walk itself is quite flat - it offers lot's of stunning views, and there is lots of intrigue around the route as you can see in the below photos.
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| I've visited Buttermere a number of times, and on a crisp, clear sunny morning when the lake is mirror like - the place is absolutely magical - there are few places better in the world for me when it's like this |
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| Early morning reflections on Buttermere - total bliss! |
Buttermere Walk overview:
Buttermere Walk Distance: 4.5 miles
Buttermere Walk Time: 2 hours
Buttermere Walk Difficulty: Easy (great for kids too)
Buttermere Walk map route:
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| This map shows the 4.5 mile route around Buttermere lake. I always choose to start from Buttermere village, where there is paid parking (a bit steep at £6), toilets, a cafe and a pub, and then go anti-clockwise. There is also parking at Gatesgarth Farm (which is £4 - but likely to be busier as most walkers who climb Haystacks park here). |
Photos of what to expect on this beautiful Buttermere walk:
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| At the start of this walk the bridge takes you over Buttermere dubs. |
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| There are some nice waterfalls here. This walk route stays low level - but there is a path here that takes a steep walk to Bleaberry Tarn and another that goes in the opposite direction to Crummock Water. All great walks in themselves but for this one we stay close to the shores of Butteremere |
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| A glimpse of Fleetwith Pike in the distance before we enter Burtness Wood. |
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| The first part of the walk is through Burtness Wood, as you will see the walk around Buttermere is quite varied, and this forest section is a nice start. |
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| We did wonder what this pile of sticks was about at first - but it seems there are lots of activities around Buttermere encouraging kids to get creative and explore their surroundings. |
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| The views of Butteremere open out a bit |
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| There are lots of activities like this around Buttermere and I thought it was a great idea for kids to help them enjoy a walk around Buttermere. |
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| Comb Beck waterfalls - and a seat perfectly placed for a rest |
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| Looking up Comb Beck waterfalls |
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| After leaving Burtness Wood the views really open out towards Fleetwith Pike & Haystacks |
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| We leave the shore of the Lake for a little bit on this section and cross Peggys Bridge and head to Gatesgarth Farm. |
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| Looking towards Fleetwith Pike on the left and Haystacks to the right as we cross the bridge |
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| This is the only section of the walk where we are not tracking the lakes edge |
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| We approach Gatesgarth Farm |
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| For a 100m or so the path follows the quiet road quite closely |
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| On this side of Buttermere lake the path is quite different again and a bit more rocky, but still easy |
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| This grassy patch is a perfect place to stop, sit down and take a rest and have some food |
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| Stunning views towards Fleetwith Pike & Haystacks again |
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| The path is now very close to the waters edge |
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| Approaching the tunnel carved into the rock at Dalegarth - something quite different! |
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| It's a bit dark in here and a torch would come in handy or use the light off your phone to avoid the puddles! It's actually lighter than this photo makes out though. |
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| The only boat we see on Buttermere! I love how quiet and under-developed Buttermere is. It's like stepping back in time |
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| As the walk nears the end - we are approaching the popular tree that many photographers come to photograph in front of Buttermere Lake and there are infact 2 photographers setting up their tripods when we arrive. |
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| I love this view with the tree in the foreground, looking over Buttermere towards Fleetwith Pike (near the tree) and Haystacks (Alfred Wainwrights favourite Lake District mountain) to the right of Fleetwith Pike. This spot is a very popular place for photographers and you can see why. After this spot it's back to the car park, where you have the chance of getting a drink or some food at the cafe or pub! |
Happy Hiking!
Post by Stuart Hodgson
'The Hiking Photographer'
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Absolutely loved your post on the hike around Buttermere lake, really fabulous I hope to do it next year! Thanks so much for the great photos.
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