Pictures of Buttermere

About Buttermere

Even when swirling mist rolls in over the stark fells surrounding Buttermere, the little hamlet remains serene in its simplicity and beauty. These same fells, streaked with snow in winter can make Buttermere a lonely place but in the summer months, it becomes a fell-walkers paradise. Magically set between Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water, the hamlet attracts visitors from all over Europe.

The charms of the hamlet include a bright little beck spanned by an old stone bridge, beside which sits the lovely creeper-clad, Bridge House Hotel. A stone's throw away from the hotel is Ghyll Wood, carpeted with a mass of flowers in spring and summer. The friendly Fish Inn lies at the heart of the hamlet, it has a nearby camping site and a path leading to both Buttermere Lake and, magnificent Scale Force Waterfall. A path to the right of the Fish, takes you to Crummock Water.

The famous Red Pike from which tumbles the foaming waters of Sour Milk Gill are close by and both lakes are overlooked by High Stile and High Crag. However, dominating the scene is haunting Mellbreak, which looks down gloomily over Crummock Water.

The poet Wordsworth wrote eloquently of Buttermere, especially the little church which he found deeply inspiring. Crowned with a two-bell tower, the church was built in 1841 to replace a church from the 15th-century. The church has many treasures amongst which is a commemorative plaque to Alfred Wainwright, famous 20th-century author of the Pictorial Guides to the Lakes. Alfred Wainwright died in 1991 at the age of 84, he had loved and tramped the Lakeland fells for decades.

With a charm and natural beauty quite unequalled, it is not surprising that many artists have been inspired to paint this special landscape. The magnificent painting by Turner, hanging in the Tate Gallery, shows to full advantage the sheer beauty of Buttermere Lake.

Things to do include: lakeside walks, Fell walking, Fishing, Boating, a visit to Lingholm Gardens or the Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre.

Buttermere Videos