Buttemere-The best of the Lake District (Buttermere)

Member Name: mqueen

Product:	Buttermere
Date:	24/01/01 (92 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Best of the Lake District

Disadvantages: You'll be sad to leave.

A place of awe inspiring beauty and majesty, Buttermere is situated in an isolated corner of the Lake District. The journey into Buttermere is no less inspiring.

There are two very scenic routes leading to Buttermere.
From Keswick you can travel through Borrowdale up Honister pass. The pass ascends very steeply, and when you reach the top it sweeps down into a valley. You are immediately struck by the very steep sides of the valley and the littering of rocks and boulders. A hint, maybe of past climactic history. The atmosphere is still and quiet, save for the trickle of water along the valley floor. This is a spectacular way to reach Buttermere.

The other scenic route is along Newlands pass. As you drive down the pass, it falls away on the right into the Newlands valley which is richly carpeted with fern and heather. As you come into Buttermere you are met with the towering Red Pike across the lake. The waterfall cascading down the wooded slopes into the lake is tremendous. The view from the top of Red Pike is incredible. You can see into Scotland and across the Irish Sea.

On the opposite side of the lake is Robinson. A brisk climb to the summit will present you with a phenomenal view. Lake Buttermere, Crummock Water, and Great Gable in the distance.

In that quiet moment, as you stand and stare, feel the lush greenery beneath your feet, breathe the clean air, you feel at one with the land, the elements, and with God. It is a heartening experience. This part of the Lake District is virtually unspoilt in it's beauty and splendour. Tourists do come, but don't overrun the area. You can easily feel like the only person there.

After a day of foot pounding in the mountains, down in the village a visit to the Fish Hotel will not go amiss. They serve a superb plate of food at reasonable charge. The Bridge Hotel is also a welcome sight for the foot sore and weary, and will fill you with good ale, food and cheer.


I have spent many good times in Buttermere, and hope to again. I cannot stress enough what an wondrous place it is. When you have been and experienced it, it will stay in your heart forever.

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