Buttermere is famous for its stunning scenery and is one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. It’s a popular spot, and for good reason! The circular walk around the lake has incredible views, a few beautiful waterfalls, and a cave-like tunnel that the kids love.
Even though Buttermere can be busy, especially on a sunny weekend, the atmosphere is fantastic. The walk provides the perfect mix of wide, flat paths for running around and more adventurous sections that give the kids a real sense of accomplishment. It’s an ideal walk to get fresh air and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the western fells.
The walk starts from the car park. We recommend heading along the path to the lakeside and following the trail to the right to start off with the gorgeous waterfall. The first half of the walk is wide and flat, perfect for little legs to run ahead. It’s a great spot for throwing and skimming rocks in the lake! As you continue, the path leads you through some woods and open fields, where you’ll have to join a quiet road for about a quarter of a mile before rejoining the lakeside path.
A word of warning: the path gets rocky and a bit of a scramble in places. After the scramble, you are rewarded with a brilliant, cave-like tunnel. Even on a dry day, the tunnel can be full of muddy puddles, so bring a torch and be prepared for some serious splashing. The walk continues along the lakeside until you’re back where you started, ready for a well-earned rest.
The Practical Stuff
- Location: Buttermere, Western Lake District.
- Parking: National Trust car park. You can pay by card, or cash is cheaper if you park in the adjacent field.
- Facilities: Public toilets are located in the main car park and are usually very clean. There is a pub with a beer garden right by the car park, and an ice cream van is often on the far side of the lake during nice weather.
- Walk Details: The full circular walk is approximately 4 miles.
- Difficulty: Moderate, mainly due to the short, rocky scramble section.
- Pram-friendly?: No, the full circular route is not suitable for prams, but there are plenty of wide, flat sections to explore near the car park.