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Buttermere In The Lake District: Walk Of The Week


This varied route in the Lake District incorporates a ridge walk along Rannerdale Knotts with spectacular views down to the bluebell fields in spring, returning via Crummock Water. The expert’s view

Paul Delaney, Upland Footpath Supervisor: “This walk is what we would call a ‘cheap’ walk – for a minimum amount of effort you are rewarded with almost every element of a perfect Lakeland day. The walk starts on open fell and gradually rises to a short, rugged ridge offering spectacular views of major peaks and down to three lakes.

“In spring, the view includes one of the finest displays of bluebells in the Lakes. The valley floor is nearl entirely covered with bluebells; local legend attributes this to the spilt blue blood of the Normans in the 13th century.

“Although not strictly part of the route, at the end of the walk my wife and I always treat ourselves to some homemade icecream available at one of the farms in Buttermere village – quite possibly the main reason my wife comes out in the first place!

“My top tip for first-time walkers would be to bring the right equipment. It may be warm and dry when you set out, but Lakeland weather can change very quickly, so be prepared.“

Essentials

Start: National Trust car park at Buttermere

Grid ref: NY172172

Maps: Landranger 90 & Explorer Ol4
Download an OS map of this walk
© Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey. All rights reserved. OS licence no. AL 100018591

Getting there

Buses: Regular buses from Keswick (77/77a) and Cockermouth (949) to Buttermere village, which is a very short walk along a quiet road to the start point

Cycling: On-road National Route 71, three miles from Buttermere village via B5289

Road: From Keswick by either Newlands pass or Honister pass, from Cockermouth by B5289 via Lorton

Local facilities

  • National Trust car park at Buttermere. Non-NT car park in Buttermere village with WCs and camping available below the car park.
  • Cafés, hotels and bars in village.
  • Dogs are always welcome under close control, but please do not allow any dog to leave a mess on the paths and near any picnic areas.

Distance, terrain and accessibility

Three mile (4.74 km) round walk; approximately one-and-a-half hours with a climb and drop of 296m. Quite strenuous route in all weathers. Most of the route is on easy grassy paths, with a steep stone inclined descent of Rannerdale Knotts (the first path to be repaired ever fixed under the Fix the Fells project in 2001). Good walking boots and a full set of waterproofs are needed.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Herdwick sheep

Beatrix Potter’s beloved Herdwick sheep, for which she won many breeding prizes, can be seen grazing on the fells all year round. Lambs are nearl all born in May and their wool, which is initially almost black, gradually turns lighter with age.

Wainwright’s memorial

Alfred Wainwright (1907-1991), author of the “Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells”, made this area famous with his hand-written and hand-drawn guides to the lakes. There is a memorial to him at the church in Buttermere village and his ashes were scattered on Haystacks, his favourite mountain in the Lake District.

ROUTE AND DIRECTIONS

1. From the starting point at the National Trust car park in Buttermere, head straight across the road to a stile. Cross over the stile and follow a narrow grassy track until the path starts to steepen.

2. As the path steepens take the left hand track leading to the ridge; this is a good point to pause and look over to Buttermere Lake and the surrounding hills.

3. From the beginning of the ridge, follow the gentle climb up to the summit, offering great views of both the Secret Valley and Crummock Water. Soon you reach the summit cairn (we’d appreciate it if you didn’t add stones to the cairn; paths need stones much more than cairns!).

4. From the summit follow the narrow, winding, grassy track downwards. In wet weather this can be boggy in places and the short grass can become slippery. This will ltake you to the very steep stone inclined section, which in wet weather can become very slippery so great care should be taken. When you leave the pitched section follow the track downhill until it branches left and gently descends towards the road. Cross over the road and head through the gate leading to the lake edge, following the edge until you see a gate to your left heading into the woods.

5. Go through the gate and follow the permitted path through the wood. The path briefly leads to the lakeshore again before re-entering the wood. Take the path to your left leading through Nether How wood to a footbridge.

6. Cross the bridge and follow the path to the right through the woods leading back to the starting point.

A wonderful walk enjoyed by many visitors to the Lake District and perfect for guests that stay in Lake District Holiday Cottages and especially pet friendly ones.

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