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Buttermere Valley
Tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland, encompassing three lakes
Buttermere, near Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9UZ
Important notice
The last of the larch felling to help stop the spread of Phytophthora ramorum has begun in Holme Wood, please take note of the diversions to the paths.
Opening times for 3 December 2023
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Pay and display National Trust car parks available at Buttermere Village, Lanthwaite Wood and Honister Pass (free for members). There is also parking at Loweswater and Crummock water (not National Trust). We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors.
Toilet
There is a public toilet in Buttermere (small fee)
Dogs
Dogs are welcome to our outdoor properties but please keep them under close control to protect stock and wildlife. Take a look at our Canine Code and enjoy a great day out with your pup!
Accessible path on far shore of Buttermere, Lanthwaite Wood to Crummock Water and Maggie's Bridge car park along Loweswater far shore.
By road
For Buttermere and Crummock Water, take B5289 from Keswick or B5292 from Cockermouth, forking right onto the B5289 at Lorton. For Loweswater, turn off B5289 onto minor road at Brackenthwaite past Scale Hill
Parking: Pay and display (cash only) car parks at Buttermere village (CA13 9UZ) and Lanthwaite Wood (CA13 0RT) near Crummock Water.
Sat Nav: use CA13 9UZ for Buttermere; CA13 0RT for Crummock Water; CA13 0RU for Loweswater
On foot
rights of way link to the Coast to Coast long distance path
By train
Workington station (20 miles to the west) or Penrith station (28 miles to the east)
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Buttermere Valley with your dog
Buttermere is a one paw print rated place. Find out all you need to know about bringing your furry side-kick on an adventure around the lake shores, in the valleys and up the fells.
Highlights
Buttermere
Beautiful lake surrounded by towering fells. Easy, level, round-the-lake-walk passes Sourmilk Gill and a Victorian tunnel.
Crummock Water
One of three lakes in the valley. Walk from Lanthwaite Wood to the lakeshore for extraordinary views down the valley.
Loweswater
Tranquil little lake with accessible walk through Holme Wood, known for deer, red squirrels and Holme Force waterfall.
Things to see and do
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Things to do in Buttermere Valley
Explore the Lake District's Buttermere Valley and discover walks through rugged landscapes, panoramic views, thundering waterfalls and other forces of nature.
Article
Wildlife in the Buttermere Valley
Discover the wildlife you can spot in the Buttermere Valley. Learn how otters have returned and how rangers care for swathes of bluebells to protect them for future generations.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Boating and fishing in the Buttermere Valley
Find out how to get boating and fishing permits for the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater before your visit.
Top trails
Trail
Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water walk
Explore the hills and woodlands on the eastern side of Crummock Water on this circular walk near Buttermere, Lake District.
Trail
Buttermere to Rannerdale walk
This scenic and invigorating Lakeland ridge walk takes you from the Buttermere Valley up to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, offering impressive views over lakes and high peaks.
Trail
Corpse road and tumuli walk
See a traditional farm, walk along an ancient corpse road and discover evidence of human activity dating from the Bronze Age to the Second World War.
Trail
The valley of cinders walk
Enjoy views of Crummock Water and the surrounding countryside on this trail, while discovering an array of medieval archaeological sites in the Lake District.
Places to stay
Watendlath Bothy
A rustic bothy for those who want to spend more time exploring the fells, tarns and peaks of the Lake District.
Watergate Farm
Period features throughout in this spacious farmhouse on the shores of Loweswater.
Holme Wood Bothy
A ‘stone tent’ warmed by a log-burner, set just metres from the shores of Loweswater.
Wasdale Campsite
A peaceful campsite less than a mile from the shore of Wastwater, perfectly placed for challenging bike trails and Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.
Great Langdale Campsite
A relaxed, natural site in the Langdales, a paradise for all kinds of adventures, from meandering trails to major peaks.
Millbeck Towers
An impressive 18th-century carding mill, now a large six-bedroom escape perfect for family get-togethers.
Wasdale Hall Lodge
A stone cottage with traditional furnishings located in the remote valley of Wasdale.
Eskdale Campsite
A tranquil base in the heart of the Lakes, for a holiday walking and exploring the region’s crags, woods and waterfalls.
About Buttermere Valley
All three lakes in Buttermere Valley, and much of their surroundings, are cared for by the National Trust. The fells offer exhilarating and challenging ridgeline walks, and the lakes offer easy lakeshore walking with beautiful views.
Please note the National Trust car park for Buttermere lake and village is just outside the hamlet, 300 yards towards Cockermouth. From there you can walk to two of the lakes – Crummock Water or Buttermere itself..
To launch your own canoe or boat onto any of the lakes, simply purchase a boating permit from the car park machine. To keep the lakes peaceful, a maximum of 10 boats are allowed on the water at the same time, and no powered craft are permitted. Please help keep these beautiful lakes free from invasive species by checking, cleaning and drying your boats, paddles and wetsuits.
History
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History of Buttermere
Delve into the history of Buttermere Valley and learn the fascinating stories of its past inhabitants, such as the beautiful Maid of Buttermere.
Our work
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Our work in the Buttermere Valley
From conservation projects and protecting archaeological features to improving the experience of visitors or laying hedgerows, our work at this special place is rich and varied.
Article
Supernova filmed in the Lake District
Find out about the experience of filming Supernova in the Lake District with writer and director Harry Macqueen.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Buttermere Valley.