Top Ten Hikes in the Lake District: Buttermere

Buttermere Circular and The Bridge Inn, Buttermere

Begin your hike in Buttermere Village, a stunning location surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain scenery and nestled at the foot of Buttermere Lake. The village offers a great starting point with its olde-worlde atmosphere and convenient access to hiking trails. From here, head towards Buttermere Lake, following the path along the southern shore, which offers views of the surrounding fells and expansive waters. 

The Buttermere Circular route takes you around the lake, offering a peaceful and scenic walk with some gentle climbs. As you make your way along the shoreline, enjoy views of Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks and High Crag, with their dramatic ridgelines towering above the lake. You’ll also pass through Hassness Tunnel, built in the 19th century to give the owner of the nearby Hassness House direct access to the lakeshore. 

Continue following the path, which weaves through fields, woodlands and along the edge of the water, taking in the ever-changing landscape. The route will lead you towards Buttermere’s northern shore, where you’ll pass Scarth Gap and begin the ascent towards Honnister Pass, offering a great vantage point over the surrounding valleys. 

Along the way, be sure to stop and soak up the stunning views of Haystacks, which inspired the works of William Wordsworth, as well as the rugged beauty of the Western Fells. Once you reach Honnister Pass, start your descent towards Buttermere Village and back to Grasmere. 

You’ll be greeted by the welcoming sight of The Bridge Inn, a pet-friendly pub offering light bites, hearty meals and more. 

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Scenic views: Stroll along lakeside paths with reflections of the surrounding fells
• Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike: Enjoy views of these peaks as you pass through woodlands
• Hassness Tunnel: Pass by this 30-metre tunnel carved through solid rock

KEY INFORMATION:

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Walking time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Starting point: Buttermere village
• Pub: The Bridge Inn ///basin.verifying.moods
• AllTrails: Route link