The three lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and nearby Loweswater combine with open countryside and mountains to make this area perfect for walkers, hikers and climbers.
If you are planning to visit the Lakes, why not book into a Windermere spa hotel and explore at your own leisure.
Situated just 15 minutes drive from Keswick and Cockermouth, Buttermere is a small hamlet with a church, two hotels and several B&B´s. A campsite and a youth hostel are also situated close by and offers visitors a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. The walking around Buttermere can be challenging, particularly if you head for the high peaks, but there are plenty of gentle slopes to suit all abilities.
The famous Buttermere slate has found its way around the world in the form of roofing slate, and green slate is mined at the Honister Slate Mine, situated at the head of the valley. The mine is open to the public and provides a fascinating insight into slate mining.
Buttermere and Lorton Valleys
The Buttermere and Lorton Valleys offer areas of outstanding natural beauty which is totally unspoilt by mass tourism or commercialism. Buttermere and the Lorton Valleys offer visitors a taste of the real Lake District, and one which writers and poets fell in love with many years ago. The history and romance of the Lake District is beautifully illustrated at Buttermere and Lorton, and regular visitors to the area return to the area again and again.
The valley has been described as having lakes like a string of pearls, and each appears to be connected to the next. Surrounded by crags and rolling fields, Buttermere was regarded by Wainwright, Britain´s most famous walker, as being his favourite spot.
The Famous William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth´s connection with the Lake District is well documented. He was born near Cockermouth and often frequented Buttermere and Lorton. If you fancy a tipple, take a trip to the Fletcher Christian Pub, named after a local resident who became famous for his part in the uprising in Mutiny on the Bounty.
If you want to know more about Wordsworth, why not book into a Windermere hot tub hotel?
Just a short journey from Borrowdale, is the dramatic Honister Pass, famous for its slate quarries, mines and exhibitions, and the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. Buttermere and Crummock Water are now separated by land, and have steep fell sides and waterfalls.
Set among mountains and a tranquil backdrop of valleys and fells, Buttermere continues to attract visitors from all over England. If you want a gentle stroll around the lake, enjoy the low level walk which begins and ends in Buttermere, where you can also find some great pubs, restaurants and places and accommodation. If you are feeling fit, enjoy the popular high level walks from the valley which can be linked by taking the Honister Rambler bus service which transports walkers from Keswick to Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Crummock Water
Crummock Water is a much larger lake with many vantage points. Take a hike around the dramatic slopes of Melbreak and the Rannerdale Valley, and explore the small and virtually unvisited settlements across the valley. High and Low Lorton combine to make the first large village in the valley, which is set at the foot of the Whinlatter Pass, leading to Keswick. This traditional area of the Lake District offers visitors plenty of amenities and attractions plus some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District.
If you are planning to visit the Lakes, Windermere is the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore the region. Windermere spa hotels provide luxurious accommodation in a scenic location.