Things To Do In Buttermere, Lake District

The picturesque village of Buttermere can be found deep in the North West of the Lake District. Lining the Buttermere Valley are some of the best walks, Waterfalls and food in the Lake District.

Away from some of the most touristy areas Buttermere Lake is one of the places you can miss on your trip to the Lakes. Here are our top Things to do in Buttermere, Lake District.

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Things to do in Buttermere

Whether you are here for some serious hiking or a gentle stroll with the family. There are plenty of things to do in Buttermere for everyone.

1. Buttermere Lake Walk

The Buttermere Lake walk is one of the most popular things to do in Buttermere. It is a relatively easy circular walk that takes in the stunning scenery of Buttermere Lake and its surroundings.

The walk starts from the National Trust car park at the head of the lake and follows a level path along the shoreline, passing through peaceful woodlands and tranquil streams. Buttermere lake walk takes approximately two to three hours to complete at a leisurely pace, making it suitable for families and walkers of all abilities.

Whilst walking around Buttermere Lake keep an eye out for the famous standing all alone at the end of the lake.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a scenic picnic spot, the Buttermere Lake walk is a must-do when visiting the Lake District.

Here are your hotel options in Buttermere.

2. Scale Force Waterfall

One of the most impressive waterfalls near Buttermere is Scale Force Waterfall. This high multi-level waterfall is carved into the hillside.

To reach the Scale Force water start your walk from the Buttermere National Trust car park in the Village. Head towards The Butteremere Court Hotel where the walking trail starts.

The route is 2 miles long and crosses the Buttermere Dubbs River which connects Crummock Water Lake to Buttermere Lake. The way isn’t always clearly marked and the walk can get boggy in the wetter months.

We recommend picking up an OS map of the Lake District to help you reach your destination.

Things to do in Buttermere, Scale Force Waterfall

3. Moss Force Waterfall

There are plenty of waterfalls to visit around Buttermere in the Lake District. Each waterfall or Force as they are also called has a different level of difficulty to reach. The easier of which is Moss Force Waterfall.

A short walk of around 40 metres along a dirt trail from the main road. Although there is no official car park, there is a large grass verge where you can leave your vehicle.

4. Crummock Water

Crummock Water is a beautiful lake located just a short distance from Buttermere. The lake is surrounded by some of the most stunning peaks in the Lake District, including Grasmoor, Mellbreak, and Rannerdale Knotts.

One of the most popular things to do at Crummock Water is to take a walk around the lake, which is about 5.5 km long and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

The route is mostly flat but there is a descent down a steep set of steps from Brackenthwaite Hows. The Crummock Water hike also passes through Lanthwaite Wood on the eastern side of the lake. There is a National Trust car park close to the start of the walk.

5. Buttermere Infinity Pool

The Lake District is known for its wild swimming. At Buttermere not only can you swim in the lake, but you get to enjoy its very own infinity pool with a view looking through the Buttermerre Valley and onto Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water.

To get to the Buttermere Infinity Pools, walk along the Wornscale Bothy walking trails from Gatesgarth Car Park. This trail runs to the left of the Warnscale Beck River flowing through the valley. There are many pools you can swim in. The first is halfway along the trail.

There is no official path to the pools from the walking track. We have marked the first pool for you.

6. Fleetwith Pike Walk

The walk to the summit of Fleetwith Pike is challenging, but well worth the effort for the stunning views of Buttermere.

The route starts from Honister Pass and ascends steeply to the summit, taking in the dramatic cliffs of Fleetwith Edge along the way. The summit itself offers panoramic views in all directions, including a bird’s-eye view of Buttermere and Crummock Water.

You can combine this walk to Warnscale Bothy, Dubbs Hut and to the Honister slate mines.

7. Wornscale Bothy

Hidden deep in the hills surrounding Buttermere sits several Bothies. What is a Bothy we hear you say! They are small huts built many years ago for farmers or workers to shelter from the harsh elements of the mountains whilst working in the hills.

Inside you can usually find a small fireplace along with a couple of wooden beds depending on the site of the bothy.

Over the years the locations of bothies have become readily available thanks to the internet. Before it was only if you happened to stumble across one or a local farmer directed you. Warnscale Bothy is no exception. It blends in perfectly with the natural slate landscape.

These days most of the bothies in the UK are maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association. This Charity regularly visits the bothies to keep up general maintenance. The best thing about the bothies is there is no charge to use, you can just turn up on the day and settle in for the night.

This use of bothies has become popular with hikers around the Lake District.

Things to do in Buttermere, Lake District

This hike to Wornscale Bothy is one of the more challenging and longer walks from Buttermere. It took us 2 hours to reach the Bothy, which included a few breaks to take in the amazing views and snap some photos.

The walking trail to Warnscale Bothy starts from Gatesgarth Carpark.

The track starts with a wide well-maintained path. Follow this track which runs to the leftover Warnscale Beck. This is the river running down the mountain passed Warnscale Bothy. As you make your way higher up you will pass the infinity pools. The path then becomes more slate and steep winding around the face of the mountain.

Closer to the top of the walking trail you will have to cross the river to reach Warnscale Bothy. Find a safe place to cross where there are makeshift stepping stones and low water levels. Make sure you don’t miss it, it is extremely camouflaged.

Inside you will find a fireplace, 2 beds and one of the most amazing views looking straight through the window overlooking Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water.

The alternative route to reach Warnscale is by parking in the Honister Slate Mine National Trust car park up and over Fleetwith Pike until you reach Dubbts hut, then continue down to Warnscale.

All of our Top Things To Do In Buttermere can be found on our Google map below.

Here are your hotel options in Buttermere.

8. Crofthouse Farm Cafe

After all the walking around Buttermere, what better way to refuel than by heading into the heart of Buttermere village? Stop off at Crofthouse Farm Cafe for a cream tea. A very British delicacy and one that we regularly partake in after our hikes.

9. Water activities in Buttermere

Buttermere Lake offers a range of water-based activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. You can rent equipment from the local shops or accommodations and enjoy a day out on the water.

Get your very own SUP Stand Up Paddle Board to explore the lakes

10. Visit a local pub

The Lake District is famous for its cosy pubs, and Buttermere has some great options to choose from. Stop by The Fish Inn or The Bridge Inn for a pint of local ale and hearty pub food.

Honister and Dubb’s Hut

Honister is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Buttermere and the Lake District. This historic slate mine offers a unique experience for visitors, with guided tours taking you deep underground to explore the tunnels and caverns that were once used by miners.

Above ground, you can take a high-wire adventure over the Honister Pass, or enjoy a walk along one of the many trails.

From the slate mines, you can head through the quarry towards Dubb Hut which can be found on the side of Fleetwith Pike. This building was once used as part of the mine but has now been taken over by the Mountain Bothies Association.

It is now used as a stop-off for hikers in the area. Inside is a small log burner and wooden beds.

Outside Warnscale Bothy, Things to do in Buttermere

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Where to park in Buttermere

In the peak of summer, the amount of people visiting Buttermere village increases. Whilst visiting we used multiple car parks around Buttermere and never experienced any issues with parking.

National Trust car park Buttermere

The National Trust car park in Buttermere is a convenient and affordable place to park when visiting the area. Located at the head of Buttermere Lake. Parking fees are reasonable and are used to help maintain the area and its facilities.

From the car park, you can access a range of walking trails that wind through the fells and around the lake, including the popular circular walk that takes in Buttermere, Sourmilk Gill, and Warnscale Bottom.

Best photo spots in Buttermere

Buttermere is a photographer’s paradise, with plenty of stunning scenery to capture on camera. One of the most popular photo spots is the famous lone tree on the shore of Buttermere Lake, which is a favourite among landscape photographers.

Another great photo spot is at the top of Haystacks, a peak that offers panoramic views of Buttermere and the surrounding fells. Additionally, Fleetwith Pike and Wornscale Bothy offer stunning viewpoints, overlooking Buttermere and Crummock Water.

You can use the window inside the Bothy the frame the view of the lakes.

Things to do in Buttermere -Warnscale Bothy Window

Buttermere Accommodation

Buttermere offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors to the Lake District. One popular choice is the Bridge Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Another option is the Croft House Guest Suite, a luxurious and spacious self-contained apartment with a private entrance.

Buttermere YHA

Buttermere YHA is a popular budget accommodation option in a picturesque setting with stunning views of Butterme village and the surrounding areas.

Syke Farm Campsite

For those looking for a more rustic experience, the Syke Farm Camping Ground offers a peaceful and scenic camping experience. Syke camping also offers a glamping experience where you can stay in yurts.