Last weekend, we woke up early, packed all our camping gear, and hit the road to the charming village of Buttermere 🌄
Nestled southwest of Keswick in the Lake District, between Buttermere and Crummock Water, this tiny village is ideal for escaping the busy city life and reconnecting with nature 🌿
Here, phone signal and modern amenities are scarce – just a few cozy cafés and restaurants, all framed by the stunning, rugged beauty of the Lake District countryside.
What does Buttermere mean?
Buttermere means “the lake by the dairy pastures,” and its scenic spots attract tourists and passionate hikers from around the world 🌍
Where to camp in Buttermere? – Syke Farm Campsite
Syke Farm is a rustic campsite offering only the essentials, giving visitors a charming throwback to simpler times ⛺
Syke Farm’s simple, no-frills approach is a refreshing change – no electric hook-ups, just a humble plot with a few toilets, showers, and a small shelter 🌿
When you arrive, grab your camping ticket from the café (don’t miss their homemade ice-cream!) and head to the site just past the National Trust carpark.
After picking our spot, we unloaded our gear, inflated the airbed, and relaxed before an afternoon full of adventures.
The rolling hills make the campsite feel cozy and private, yet there’s plenty of space for everyone to pitch comfortably.
As evening falls, the village quiets down, the nearby carpark empties, and you’re left with only the peaceful sounds of wildlife and the gentle river flowing through the campsite 🌊
Buttermere Lake Walk
After a hectic week, we were craving a chill weekend, so a walk around Buttermere Lake felt perfect 🌅
The full loop takes about two hours, but with the stunning views and wild-swimming spots along the way, you’ll want to pause and soak it all in.
We couldn’t help but envy those setting up lakeside barbecues – definitely adding that to our plan for next time 🔥
Guide – Where to start the Buttermere Lake Walk?
Start your walk by passing the Fish Hotel in Buttermere, taking the left-side path opposite the carpark, and follow it straight to the lake 🌊
At the water, choose either the left or right trail for the circular route – we went left.
Halfway, you’ll pass Gatesgarth Farm, a perfect spot for a quick drink and a short break.
Although there’s a brief stretch along the road near the farm, most of the walk stays on the peaceful lakeside path and is easy to follow 🥾
Crummock Water
Just a ten-minute walk past Syke Farm brings you to Crummock Water, a stunning spot to relax and enjoy the sunset 🌅
We didn’t walk much around the lake, but we paused for a peaceful evening break, soaking in the breathtaking views.
We even spotted some campers taking a wild swim – next time, I’ll be ready with my swim shorts for a refreshing dip 🏊♂️
Where do you park at Buttermere?
Syke Farm has a small parking area just past the National Trust carpark, with a small fee that’s cheaper than the main carpark 🚗
If you’re not camping, you might need to use the National Trust carpark, but it’s small, so arriving early is key.
There’s also a free layby beyond St. James Church, though it fills up quickly too.
National Trust Carpark Location
Grid reference: NY 172 169
Nearest postcode: CA13 9XA
Pay and display prices:
Payable every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and Bank Holidays
Up to 2 hours: £3.50
Up to 4 hours: £6
Up to 12 hours: £8
Weekly for this car park: £28
Is Buttermere busy?
Yes, Buttermere can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, and the limited parking makes it even trickier 🚦
Can you wild camp in Buttermere?
Wild camping in England is technically illegal, but many people do it without any problems 🌲
Some Park Rangers are more relaxed, letting campers stay if they’re tucked away and leave no trace.
It’s a bit of a gamble, but as long as you’re clean, respectful, and choose a well-researched spot, you’ll likely be fine.
When we visited Crummock Water, we saw several groups setting up wild camps by the lake in the evening.
Online, this spot seems popular for wild camping, and it’s easy to see why – the views are stunning, and being so close to the water lets you take a dip whenever you like 🏞️
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