CountrysideLake District4.4
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Buttermere Valley holds three lakes, Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater, all of them and much of the surrounding fell country cared for by the National Trust. The name most likely comes from the Old English for 'the lake by the dairy pastures'. Its most famous resident was Mary Robinson, the Maid of Buttermere, whose beauty was written up by Joseph Budworth in 1792 and later by Wordsworth in The Prelude. The easy, level circuit of Buttermere passes Sourmilk Gill and a Victorian tunnel, while Loweswater has an accessible path through Holme Wood, known for red squirrels and the Holme Force waterfall. The Trust's four trails range from the 1.5-mile valley of cinders walk from Cinderdale car park to the 4-mile Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water walk. Dogs are welcome throughout the valley, on a short lead around livestock and ground-nesting birds. Reviewers love the lake and mountain scenery and allow about two hours for the Buttermere circuit. Tips from visitors: the Trust car park is small and fills quickly in holiday periods, and its pay and display machine takes coins, not cards.
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Dog friendly
Starts at Lanthwaite Wood National Trust car park (grid ref NY149215); 4 miles (6.4km), 2 hours 30 mins, moderate difficulty.
Dog friendly
Starts at National Trust car park (grid ref NY172172); 3 miles (4.8km), 2 hours, moderate difficulty.
Dog friendly
Starts at Maggie's Bridge car park (grid ref NY134210); 3.6 miles (5.76km), 2 hours 30 mins, easy difficulty.
Dog friendly
Starts at Cinderdale car park (grid ref NY162194); 1.5 miles (2.4km), 1 hour, easy difficulty; steep drops and uphill sections noted.
