This Buttermere Lake Walk is one of the Lake District’s most picturesque and accessible trails. In this guide, I share everything you need to know about walking Buttermere Lake, including where to park and what to expect, plus things to look out for on the route.
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Buttermere Lake Walk FAQs
Buttermere Lake Circular Walk Distance
To complete Buttermere Lake circular walk, the total distance is approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km).
Buttermere Lake Walk Difficulty
One of the best things about this Buttermere Lake walk is that it’s accessible for all the family.
To navigate the shoreline trail takes minimal effort. The terrain is flat with no dramatic ascents but still provides terrific vistas of the surrounding scenery.
Of course, you could make your hike more challenging by including one or more of the surrounding fells. But for the purpose of this article, we will be talking specifically about the Buttermere Lake trail.
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How Long to Walk Buttermere Lake
Naturally, this will vary from person to person. But on average, it takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to complete this Buttermere Lake circular walk.
But there’s no need to rush. There are plenty of places to stop and take a rest, which I recommend so you can sit back and enjoy the tranquillity.
Parking at Buttermere Lake
If you’re travelling by car, there are several pay & display car parks in Buttermere village and a couple near Gatesgarth farm on the opposite side of the lake.
Prices vary, but at the time of writing, the cheapest was by Gatesgarth Farm, where it is £4 to park for the entire day. There are also various National Trust car parks in the area.
Buttermere Lake Dog Walking
If you’re looking for a suitable place to walk your dog, Buttermere Lake is more than ideal.
The terrain is flat and easy to navigate, and the refreshing lake water provides hydration and a fun place to cool off.
But please, keep your dog on a lead. Dozens of sheep roam freely around Buttermere Lake, and some have been k!lled because of irresponsible owners.
Food & Drink in Buttermere
Buttermere is a small and charming village with very few amenities around. There are, however, two cafes where you can get refreshments and one pub that also serves food.
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Buttermere Lake Circular Walking Route
- Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
- Walking Time: 1.5 – 2 Hours
- Difficulty: Fairly Easy
- Starting Point: Sykes Farm Tea Room – Buttermere Village
- View Map
Our favourite Buttermere Lake walk begins at Sykes Farm Tea Room in Buttermere village. This is strategic since the tea room is the perfect place to stop for refreshments after your walk!
Alternatively, you can start at the opposite end of the lake near Gatesgarth Farm. It doesn’t really matter as it’s a circular route, but either way, I recommend stopping off at Sykes Farm.
From the tea room, it’s around a 10-minute walk to get to the shoreline. I recommend walking clockwise around the lake for what I believe to be the best views, but again it doesn’t matter too much.
The trail hugs the lake for almost the entire walk, weaving in and out of the woodland and providing dramatic views of the adjacent fells.
There are plenty of photo-worthy moments, so I suggest keeping your camera handy. The views only intensify the further south you go, dominated by the intimidating Fleetwith Pike ridge.
Neighbouring Fleetwith Pike is Haystacks – Alfred Wainwright’s favourite peak and where his wife scattered his ashes in 1991.
“One can forget even a raging toothache on Haystacks.” – Alfred Wainwright
As you reach the southern end of the lake, you will need to walk on the road for around half a mile or so. It’s not far, but take care as there is no path.
Once you reach Gatesgarth farm, you’ll find a footpath on the right-hand side that leads you to the western shoreline. Enjoy more pleasant scenery as you head back toward the village and perhaps find a spot to relax and take a dip.
One thing to look out for on the approach to Buttermere village is Scale Force waterfall. It can dry up during the warmer months, but it’s still worth seeing.
End your Buttermere Lake Walk with tea and cake or an ice cream at Sykes Farm Tea Room. This place is incredibly charming, and everything is made fresh on the neighbouring farm.
Buttermere Lake Circular Walk Map
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Enjoy this Buttermere Lake Walk
That’s everything you need to know about walking Buttermere Lake in the Lake District. Check out our Lake District series for more travel tips and advice.
If you love the Lake District, you’ll also love the Peak District! Check out our peak district series.
If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.
Planning a trip around the UK?
Check out our England series for more travel tips and advice.
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