Travel bucket list idea:
Walk around Lake Buttermere
Buttermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)
The famous ‘Sentinels’
Last updated: 26 March, 2024
This 4.5-mile circular walk around Lake Buttermere, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, starts and ends in pretty Buttermere village, and takes in wonderful views of the craggy peaks of Littledale Edge, Dale’s Head and Mellbreak, skirting the shores of beautiful Lake Buttermere. Ideal if you want to be surrounded by mountain scenery without actually having to do any climbing.
Halfway around at the southern tip, you’ll pass the ‘Sentinels’, the Lake District’s most photographed trees. Also look out for the ‘lone tree’, another highly-photographable feature.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours
Getting there & doing it
One popular starting point is the National Trust car park in Buttermere village. Walking Britain has a map and directions if you need it, but it’s straightforward – just follow the lake!
When to do it
Walking is superb all year round. Summer (usually) brings good weather but crowds. Winter offers invigorating walking conditions and fewer crowds, but be prepared for snow on the Fells.
