Buttermere, Lake in Lake District, England
Description
Buttermere is a lake in the Lake District surrounded by steep mountain slopes that rise directly from the water's edge. The valley narrows at both ends, creating a tucked-away feeling that makes the water feel contained and protected by the landscape around it.
History
The name comes from Old English, referring to its historical connection with butter and cheese making in the valley. For centuries, farming families shaped the landscape through pasturing and dairy production in the surrounding hills.
Culture
The Fish Inn's daughter, Mary Robinson, gained recognition in the 18th century and later became the subject of a novel by Melvyn Bragg.
Practical
A walking path circles the entire lake and is accessible to visitors at different fitness levels. The route is well-marked, with several starting points depending on which valley you approach from.
Did you know?
The lake connects to neighboring Crummock Water through a shallow stream, creating a linked water system that moves as one body during heavy rainfall. This connection allows water birds and fish to move between the two lakes.
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The Lake District covers the hills and valleys of Cumbria where lakes sit among mountains. Windermere, the largest, has boats crossing its waters for many years. Derwentwater, near Keswick, attracts walkers who circle its shores on foot. Ullswater offers a more quiet setting, while Buttermere and...
Haystacks
3.2 km
Red Pike
2.2 km
Fleetwith Pike
3.1 km
High Stile
1.9 km
Robinson
2.2 km
Scale Force
3.2 km
Rannerdale Knotts
2.6 km
High Crag
2.1 km
Moss Force
1.7 km
Whiteless Pike
2.9 km
Hindscarth
3.5 km
Knott Rigg
3.2 km
Church of St James
1.1 km
Scale Bridge, Buttermere
1.4 km
Bowderbeck
677 mShieling settlement close to the mouth of Scale Beck
3 kmCrag House And Adjoining Barn
1.3 kmRomano-British farmstead 200m west of Lambing Knott
1.1 kmCroft Farmhouse
1.1 kmRed Pike
2.2 kmThe Lone Tree Buttermere
648 mScenic viewpoint
2.8 kmScenic viewpoint
1.9 kmWaterfall
938 mScale Force
3.2 kmWaterfall
3.2 kmWaterfall
3.1 kmWaterfall
3.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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