Holiday rentals in Buttermere

Nestled in a valley between Crummock Water and the idyllic lake that gives it its name is Buttermere, a picturesque village in the western corner of the Lake District, about 30 minutes from the larger market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth. Here you can feel truly at one with nature, in a tranquil setting where there are just a few farms and houses, a chapel, and two inns surrounded by rugged peaks and unspoilt landscapes.

Many are drawn to this part of the Lake District for the many amazing walks on offer. The path around Buttermere Lake is considered to be one of the best in the Lake District, not just for its relatively easy rating but because it offers stunning views along the way. The Buttermere to Rannerdale walk climbs to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, offering breathtaking views over three lakes and the Cumbrian peaks. The walk to Scale Force, which is hidden in a tree-lined gorge, leads you to the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Lake District.

The most pleasant time to stay in a Buttermere cottage is from late March to June, or in September and early October, when the days are generally mild and offer ideal conditions for the many walks on offer. Note that the path along the north end of Buttermere Lake closes from April to June so that the resident sandpipers can nest in peace. You can still walk around the lake, but your access will be more limited. July and August are the warmest months, when you can expect plenty of sunny days to explore the surrounding area, but the weather can be changeable, so it’s always a good idea to pack a jacket along with your sunscreen. Winter will greet you with cold conditions, rain, and snow, so make sure you come prepared with your best waterproof gear. This time of the year can be beautiful, though, with snow on the hills and mist on the lake creating memorable vistas.

Buttermere Lake

The seven-kilometre walk around Buttermere Lake offers spectacular views over the water and surrounding area. You’ll pass Fleetwith Pike, a near-vertical cliff from the summit towards Honister Pass. The contrast of green fields with the black rock where Fleetwith meets Haystacks provides a unique landscape. A highlight of the walk is the tunnel through a rockface, which was carved for a local landowner in the 1880s.

Crummock Water

Starting from the nearby Lanthwaite Wood car park, take a short walk that opens up to a glorious view of the Crummock Water. From this spot, you’ll also enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding area, including Grassmoor, Rannerdale Knotts, Red Pike, and Mellbreak. A little further on, you’ll find a shingle beach, which is popular for swimming in summer; from here, you could continue to the 14-kilometre walk around the lake.

Scale Force Walk

Starting from the Buttermere village car park, this path heads along Crummock Water to Scale Force, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Lake District. At a height of around 50 metres, the waterfall carves through a rugged gorge and is a truly spectacular sight. From Buttermere, the walk there and back should take around two hours, although there are many other paths you can include, including a hike to the summit of Red Pike.