The best mountain hikes around Buttermere

Buttermere offers a diverse selection of nearly 30 mountaineering routes, catering to various skill levels. These routes explore the dramatic fells and serene lakes of the northwestern Lake District.

Yes, while many routes are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy mountaineering route available. For those new to the fells, the area also offers less strenuous walks, such as the scenic Buttermere lakeshore path, which is suitable for all ages and abilities.

For experienced mountaineers, Buttermere presents numerous challenges. Routes like the Haystacks (598 m) – Grey Crag Climbing Routes loop from Gatesgarth offer rugged terrain and climbing opportunities. The region is also known for its rock climbing and scrambling venues like Birkness Coombe, Honister Crag, and Buckstone How, with routes such as Oxford & Cambridge Direct on Grey Crag providing excellent Severe-graded rock climbs.

Many of the mountaineering routes in Buttermere are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Haystacks (598 m) – Blackbeck Tarn loop from Gatesgarth and the challenging Buttermere – Red Pike loop from Buttermere.

Buttermere's routes are rich with natural beauty. You can encounter the pristine Buttermere Lake, the tranquil Burtness Wood, and impressive waterfalls like Sourmilk Gill Waterfall cascading down Red Pike. The region also boasts Scale Force, the tallest waterfall in the Lake District.

Absolutely. Buttermere is home to several captivating waterfalls. Sourmilk Gill is visible from the lake and easily accessible. Scale Force, the Lake District's tallest waterfall, is also accessible via a scenic walk from Buttermere village. Moss Force is another easily reached waterfall just north of Buttermere.

The mountaineering routes in Buttermere are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Users frequently praise the dramatic landscapes, the diverse terrain ranging from serene lake shores to challenging fells, and the rewarding views from peaks like Haystacks and Red Pike.

While many mountaineering routes are challenging, Buttermere does offer options for families. The relatively level 4.5-mile (7km) Buttermere lakeshore path is a popular choice for its scenic beauty and accessibility. For slightly more adventurous families, easier fells like Rannerdale Knotts offer panoramic views with less strenuous climbs.

The Lake District is beautiful year-round, but late spring to early autumn generally offers the most favorable conditions for mountaineering, with longer daylight hours and milder weather. Late spring is particularly special for seeing the famous bluebell display at Rannerdale Knotts.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore unique points of interest. The Buttermere Tunnel offers an interesting passage, and the Honister Slate Mine, a short drive away, provides guided tours and adventure activities like a Via Ferrata. The Warnscale Head Bothy also offers a unique mountain shelter experience with incredible views.

The duration of mountaineering routes in Buttermere varies significantly based on difficulty and distance. For example, a moderate route like the Haystacks (598 m) – Blackbeck Tarn loop from Gatesgarth can take around 3 hours, while more difficult and longer paths, such as the Buttermere – Red Pike loop from Buttermere, might require over 5 hours.

Many of the higher fells surrounding Buttermere provide expansive views that encompass both Buttermere Lake and its larger neighbor, Crummock Water. Routes ascending peaks like High Stile or Grasmoor will reward you with immense panoramic vistas over the entire Buttermere Valley, including both pristine bodies of water.