The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Buttermere

Buttermere offers a fantastic selection of routes suitable for families. Our guide features nearly 200 hiking trails in the area, with over 35 specifically categorized as easy, making them perfect for all ages and abilities. You'll find plenty of options for gentle strolls and more adventurous family outings.

The Buttermere loop is an excellent choice for families. This popular route is approximately 7.8 km (4.5 miles) long, mostly flat, and takes about 2 hours to complete. It offers continuous scenic views of the surrounding fells and is suitable for all skill levels, including those with younger children.

Yes, Buttermere is home to some beautiful waterfalls that can be enjoyed by families.

Sour Milk Ghyll features a series of cascading waterfalls accessible from some hiking routes, particularly on the path towards Bleaberry Tarn and Red Pike. Another notable waterfall is Scale Force, the tallest in the Lake District, which plunges 51 meters into a secluded gorge. It's accessible via a scenic walk from Buttermere village along Crummock Water.

Beyond the stunning lakes and fells, you can discover unique natural features. The Borrowdale Valley offers picturesque views, and you might even spot interesting geological formations like Foxes Rake. For those interested in gorges, there are several in the wider area, including Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls and Black Moss Pot.

Absolutely! A unique feature on the footpath around Buttermere Lake is the Buttermere Tunnel, a 15-meter-long tunnel carved in the 19th century, adding an interesting element to your lakeside stroll. Buttermere Village itself is charming, with a small church and local amenities. Nearby, the Seathwaite Farm area also offers points of interest.

The trails around Buttermere are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars from over 2,400 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning, accessible scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the variety of routes suitable for different family needs, from gentle lakeside walks to more challenging fell adventures.

For families looking for a bit more challenge with rewarding views, the trails leading to Haystacks are a great option. The Haystacks Summit – Innominate Tarn loop from Gatesgarth is a moderate 7.7 km hike that takes around 3 hours and offers fantastic vistas. Another similar option is the Innominate Tarn – View of Buttermere loop from Gatesgarth, which is slightly longer at 8.8 km.

Buttermere is beautiful year-round, but for family hiking, late spring (May) is particularly special when Rannerdale Knotts is ablaze with bluebells. Summer offers warmer weather for wild swimming in the lake. Autumn brings stunning foliage. Always check local weather forecasts, especially for higher fells, as conditions can change rapidly in the Lake District.

Yes, there are several options for overnight stays. You can find hostels like YHA Black Sail Hostel and YHA Borrowdale Hostel, which are popular with hikers. For a more rustic experience, there are also bothies like Dubs Hut Bothy in the wider area.

Absolutely! Buttermere Lake's clear waters are inviting for wild swimming, especially during warmer months. The area also offers opportunities for exploring the region's mining history at the nearby Honister Slate Mine, which even has a thrilling Via Ferrata for adventure seekers. The combination of serene lakes, dramatic fells, and charming village amenities makes it a great destination for varied outdoor activities.

Yes, Buttermere is accessible by public transport, though services can be less frequent than in larger towns. The Honister Rambler bus service (77/77A) connects Buttermere with Keswick and other villages, making it possible to reach the starting points of many walks without a car. It's always advisable to check the latest bus timetables before your visit.

There are several parking options available in and around Buttermere village, including a National Trust car park. Another common starting point with parking is Gatesgarth, particularly for routes heading towards Haystacks. For specific routes, details on nearby parking are often provided in the tour descriptions. Always arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.