Buttermere

Buttermere is a small lake in the Lake District of North West England. It lies at the head of the River Cocker valley, surrounded by high fells. The lake is about two kilometres long and half a kilometre wide, with steep slopes rising from its shores. At one end stands the village of Buttermere, while at the other is Crummock Water. The National Trust owns the lake and the surrounding land. The lake’s name means ‘butter lake’, a reference to the rich pastures that once produced fine butter. Local legend tells of Earl Boethar, who led a guerrilla campaign against Norman invaders in the 11th century. His story appears in novels by Nicholas Size and Rosemary Sutcliff. The Maid of Buttermere, Mary Robinson, was a famous local figure in the early 19th century. A path circles the lake for about seven kilometres, passing through a rock tunnel near Hassness. Walkers are rewarded with views of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks. The village offers a quiet place to rest, with the Fish Inn standing near the shore. Beyond the lake, the fells rise sharply, making this a fine spot for gentle walking or peaceful reflection.