Buttermere, nestled in a secluded valley in the English Lake District — voted by the public as one of "Britain's most beautiful landscapes". Buttermere Lake lies quietly between two great peaks, Fleetwith Pike and High Stile, with a lone pine reflected in the emerald water. Wainwright called it "the quietest corner among the mountains". Here you will find Scale Force, the Lake District's highest waterfall (52-metre single drop), the tragic love story of Mary Robinson, the "Beauty of Buttermere", the stone church celebrated by Wordsworth and Coleridge, and Haystacks — Wainwright's favourite fell, where his ashes were scattered on the summit at Innominate Tarn, to rest forever among the mountains. This 2-day, 1-night classic tour includes a lakeshore walk, waterfall exploration, bluebell valley discovery, and Via Ferrata climbing.
Walk around England's most tranquil lake, discover the Lake District's highest waterfall, and summit Wainwright's favourite fell Haystacks.
Start from the National Trust car park in Buttermere village (postcode CA13 9UZ) and walk anticlockwise around the lake — this is the direction Wainwright recommended as "the best viewing direction". The full circuit is 4.5 miles (7 km) and takes about 3 hours. Most of the path is level and easy, except for one section requiring a short scramble known as the "Rock Step". Along the way, you pass through a stone tunnel carved by a 19th-century Manchester mill owner — the tunnel is narrow enough that you must stoop to pass, adding a touch of adventure. The lone pine on the western shore and the near-vertical cliffs of Fleetwith Pike reflected in the water create the classic postcard view. Keep an eye out for sandpipers nesting along the lakeshore — from April to late June, a section of the northern bank may be closed to protect their nests. In the afternoon, visit St James' Church — a stone church built in 1848, with stone quarried from Sourmilk Gill. Inside, you'll find a 1820 organ and the Wainwright Memorial Window (the windowsill bears an inscription: "Pause and remember Alfred Wainwright... lift your eyes to Haystacks his favourite place 1907-1991"). Then follow Scale Beck upstream for 2.5 miles (4 km) to Scale Force — the highest waterfall in the Lake District, with a single drop of 52 metres (170 feet). In rainy season, the cascade roars like a white dragon plunging from the sky, echoing through the gorge. In the evening, stroll along the eastern shore of Crummock Water to Lanthwaite Wood, settle on a lakeside bench facing the Grasmoor crags to watch the sunset. If you're lucky enough to visit in late April to early May, the slopes of Rannerdale Knotts are carpeted with millions of bluebells, turning the entire valley into a sea of purple.
Set off early from the Gatesgarth Farm car park (postcode CA13 9XA) to climb Wainwright's lifelong favourite fell — Haystacks (597m). This 8km circular route takes about 4-5 hours. The first half crosses Peggy's Bridge over Warnscale Beck before ascending steeply. At Scarth Gap col, turn left onto the true scramble section — you'll need both hands to grip the jagged ridge. The summit is a labyrinth of rocky tors and emerald tarns. Wainwright's ashes were scattered at Innominate Tarn — he wrote: "For a man trying to get a persistent worry out of his mind, the top of Haystacks is a wonderful cure." From the summit, Buttermere Lake glows like a jewel set between giant peaks, with Pillar and Great Gable saluting in the distance. After descending, drive over Honister Pass (350m elevation, one of Britain's steepest roads with gradients of 1:4) to reach Honister Slate Mine — England's only working slate mine and home to the country's first Via Ferrata. Follow a guide along the miners' historic route up Fleetwith Pike, using steel ladders, cables, and suspension bridges fixed to near-vertical cliffs. After 3 hours of thrilling ascent, stand on the Sky Walk glass platform 600 metres above ground, with Borrowdale Valley spread beneath you like a miniature model. Those afraid of heights can choose the Classic route instead. In the afternoon, hire a kayak on Crummock Water (requires a £5/day permit) and enjoy this motor-free lake in solitude, or finish your journey with a cup of tea at the Lanthwaite Wood lakeside café.
The Bridge Hotel dates back to the 11th century; in 1734, Reverend Robert Walker obtained a licence and established the Bridge Inn, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the Lake District. The restaurant specialises in local Cumbrian ingredients: Herdwick lamb HotPot (slow-cooked for 3 hours), Buttermere Ayrshire handmade ice cream (from Sykes Farm), and Lakes Distillery whisky. The bar stocks over 20 malt whiskies and local cask ales, with window seats facing Red Pike and High Stile. Budget £15-£30 per person.
Buttermere's oldest inn, dating back to the 12th century, once the home of Mary Robinson, the "Beauty of Buttermere". Run by the Richardson family since 1968, Jean and John have worked here for over 55 years. The pub displays Mary's portrait and story panels. The menu features classic Lake District pies (Cumberland sausage pie, shepherd's pie) and fish & chips. The outdoor garden overlooks Haystacks. Budget £10-£20 per person.
A simple tea room beside the Lanthwaite Wood car park on the eastern shore of Crummock Water. Serves hot drinks, homemade cakes, sandwiches, and soup — the perfect refuelling stop after a walk around Crummock. Open until dusk in summer, with outdoor wooden tables facing the lake and Grasmoor crags. All profits go towards maintaining National Trust footpaths. Budget £5-£12 per person.
Handmade by Sykes Farm using milk from their own Ayrshire cows, exclusively available at the Bridge Hotel. Flavours include classic vanilla, honey lavender, and blackberry — rich, creamy, and smooth. The farm shop also sells homemade cheese, eggs, and jams, perfect as souvenirs. Single scoop from £3. Farm shop opening hours limited (usually 10:00-17:00).