The Lake District | Buttermere Circuit

Walk description:

Set in magnificent surroundings, this 4 mile circular walk around Buttermere lake will easily win your heart over. With good paths underfoot we will have plenty of time to enjoy the views.

Leaving the National Park Authority car park, we will pass through some gates and walk along a gravelled path to the shoreline of Buttermere. This wide and easy to follow track will carry us along the north eastern flanks of the lake, under impressive conifer trees and through ancient woodland, with sights continuously evolving over the water. If we are treated with a still weather day you can expect a mirror-like reflection on the surface that is hard to beat! We will be sure to take our time here, allowing for photography stops and stone skimming competitions!

Soon the trail emerges from the tree cover and ahead looms the stunning summit of Fairfield, behind which sits Honister Pass, a notorious route that is by no means easy to cycle up! For those who are interested, we will divert off the trail 100m and up to a small pool in Comb Beck that offers immense views over the valley.

Back on the main trail we will pass the northern turning for a path that takes walkers up Haystacks, a popular fell in the area and the resting place of Alfred Wainwright, a legend in the Lakes. For us, we will now take the trail past the northern tip of the lake, and then turn south, still on good paths but now looking back over our journey so far.

One of the main highlights of this stretch is a dark tunnel through which the footpath passes, cut into the rock. It is often wet underfoot which adds to the drama!

Passing through a series of gates and across open farmland, home to the iconic Herdwick sheep, we will arrive back at Buttermere village in time for a brew and ice cream!

Whether you attend alone or with friends/family, you'll soon get to know everyone in the group and enjoy a stress-free day.

Places are always limited on our walks, so do book on as soon as you can!

Walk length: 4 miles

This walk is graded as EASY due to the limited amount of elevation and good quality paths under foot.

We expect this walk to take 2-3 hours with breaks.

Date and time: 

Sunday 26th November 2023. Meet at 09:45am, start walking at 10:00am

Start/finish location: 

National Park Authority car park, Buttermere, Cockermouth CA13 9UZ

OR if this car park is full, please use:

Buttermere National Trust Car Park, Cockermouth CA13 9XA - if you end up parking here please come and meet us outside of the main toilets in the National Park Authority car park. This is where we will begin out walk at 10am.

This is a pay and display car park so please bring CASH. Cars are left at owners own risk. We advise you to leave no valuables in your vehicle.

Getting to car park: 

Please use google maps or similar to direct you to the car park. We advise you to arrive early due to car parks filling up.

The National Park authority car park is to the right of and behind The Buttermere Court Hotel.

The National Trust Car Park is on the main B5289.

Toilet stops: 

There are public toilets at the National Authority car park. They cost 50p to use. Otherwise wild wees are required!

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share them too!

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything you feel the walk leader should know about. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Hill and Moorland Leader. 

Due to the nature of walking in an outdoor area there is often a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. Any queries please get in touch. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by us and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

Cars are left at the owner's own risk.

Weather:

Our walks are weather dependant. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the day before and will send you an email if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund. We may cancel up to 12 hours ahead of an event due to personal injury or safety concerns re the weather and will notify you by email.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.