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Buttermere Valley
Tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland, encompassing three lakes
Buttermere, near Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9UZ
Opening times for 19 February 2025
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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 allowed
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
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.
Article
Car parks near the Borrowdale Valley
There are three National Trust car parks in Borrowdale and Derwent Water to choose from. Find out parking costs and how to find each of the car parks.
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.
Article
Wild camping in the Lake District
Find out more about wild camping in the Lake District, whether it's right for you and how to do it legally, safely and responsibly.
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
Article
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 Bunkhouse
A rustic bunkhouse 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 mile from Wastwater, close to challenging bike trails and Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.
Great Langdale Campsite
In the dramatic Langdale valley, a natural playground of trails, summits, waterfalls and small lakes, all accessible on foot.
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
Low in the valley, with trails by the river and up through the fells to small mountain lakes. Village pubs are a short stroll away.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
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
Article
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
Article
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.
Derwent Invasives Partnership (DIP)
The Derwent Invasives Partnership was set up in 2022 to better coordinate the invasive non-native species management, prevention and awareness raising efforts of partners across the Derwent Catchment including the National Trust and the West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Learn more about what we are doing to look after our waterways and wetlands here.
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.