A circuit of Buttermere

A circuit of Buttermere is a short walking route around this popular lake in the English Lake District with some stunning scenery.

On Location: 26th March 2025

Introduction: The circuit of Buttermere (the lake as opposed to the village) is a popular relatively easy walk. It can provide some stunning views of the mountains which surround the lake. Most of the route is along good footpaths but there are a couple of rough sections on the northern side of the water.

Parking: Whilst many folk choose to start and finish this walk in Buttermere village we opted to park at Gatesgarth Farm. GR: NY 1947 1498 What Three Words ///alongside.stored.noting This is a pay and display park (£4.00). Note: this is a cash only machine, no card payments.

Refreshments: There is regularly an ice-cream van parked at Gatesgarth during the day but I believe that there is also a coffee shop there as well in a cabin but it wasn’t open on our visit, it may be seasonal. There are several places to eat and drink in Buttermere village which is an easy diversion halfway through this route.

The route: click on the arrow to play the route. Route files in various formats are available to download by clicking in the Plotaroute.com link at the bottom right

The car park pay machine. We parked up and headed past the ice-cream van to begin out route.

Gatesgarth is a traditional working Lakeland farm. Please follow the signage and use the public footpath.

A good path leads on in the direction of the fells, High Crag on the left, High Stile on the right.

To our left is the fine ridge of Fleetwith Pike. One of my favourite lakeland routes. But that is for another day.

Soon we reach Peggy’s Bridge over the beck in Warnscale Bottom. In a few meters we pass through a gate and take the path to the right. Sheep and Highland cattle graze this area so please keep dogs under close control, preferably on a short lead.

A local Herdwick

As we continue along the path, Buttermere is now on our right. The small white building is Char Cottage, a fisherman’s bothy (private). The name Char is from the Arctic Char, a rare species, left over from the ice age and only found in a couple of lakes in the region, Buttermere being one of them.

We continue along the good path towards the woods. Rannerdale Knotts is the low fell in front of us.

Across the water is the impressive Hassness Country House under Goat Crag.

A look back at Fleetwith Pike. This is a walk to take your time and enjoy the surroundings.

Char Cottage again. It looks boarded up but it still is in use.

Fleetwith Pike and Horse Close wood.

We are now in Burtness Wood and we took the path down to the right towards the lake edge. Both paths join again in a short distance.

Mellbreak is the fell in the distance as we stroll along the lakeside path.

High Snockrigg in the Spring sunshine reflected in the water.

On leaving the woods we cross the small footbridge over a tributary of Sour Milk Gill.

Directly after, the next bridge crosses Buttermere Dubs. For those wishing to visit Buttermere village, carry straight on. We then turn right on the far bank.

Like others, we want to keep to the lake shore. Not a bad coffee stop.

This is the famous “lone tree” at Buttermere. One of those iconic locations in countless photographs. Over the past few years this birch has lost most of its limbs and now looks rather sad.

With a bit of exploration, other good subjects can be found nearby.

This is possibly my favourite view from the day. I liked the way the over hanging bough frames the scene. All it needs is more atmospheric light or weather.

Looking back to the bridges I loved the strong sunlight on the shoreline trees.

We pass through the gate and turn to the right.

We are now in the woods of Pike Rigg. The walking is easy going.

After a few hundred meters the path passes through a low 30m tunnel to bypass a steep crag. Supposedly it was cut in the 19th century by labourers from Hassness House, apparently to keep them busy in the winter months.

Just after the tunnel there are a couple of rough sections of the path which would be awkward for those with limited abilities. Otherwise, this would be a really easy route.

We are now back on the shore of the lake. High Crag Buttress ahead.

A beautiful day to take in this walk. Haystacks is the fell in front of us now.

Following the good path around the lake we stop often to take photos.

It will be rare to find yourself alone on this walking route.

Haystacks in the afternoon light.

The famous “Buttermere Pines”, another iconic photographers location in the area. A line of Scot’s Pines with Haystacks as a backdrop.

There now follows a short section of road walking which unfortunately cannot be avoided. Keep to the right hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic.

For part of this section a rough path runs alongside the road in the direction of Gatesgarth.

The view of Fleetwith Pike once again.

And then we are back at the start point at Gatesgarth Farm.

This circuit of Buttermere is a very enjoyable walk and ideal for a family outing as it has plenty of interest. Be prepared for it to get busy though, especially in high season.

I hope that you have found this post of interest. Feel free to leave extra information or advice about this route in the comments.

Thanks for reading

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