A small lake circled by woodland and surrounded by fells, Buttermere is surely one of the most beautiful places in all of the Lake District. Best visited in May or June, when the light of sunset shines down the valley, you are sure to witness views that will last a lifetime.
Here then, are the best viewpoints in and around Buttermere
Disclaimer: these guides are here to give you an idea or flavour of where you can go or what you can do. They are not meant as walking guides and are in no means substitutions for navigation skills and proper preparation. If you are unsure of your ability to undertake any route, consider joining a group or hiring a guide.
Haystacks
Situated at the southern end of the Buttermere Valley, Haystacks is probably best known as the final resting place of Alfred Wainwright, a man synonymous with the Lake District and its fells.
While the summit is beautiful, giving amazing views of Red Pike and the Buttermere and Ennerdale valleys, the walk up from the lake is also of equal beauty, when the soft light of a late spring evening fills the valley.
Low Fell
As its name suggests, Low Fell is quite a low fell. At the North West end of the valley, it provides the same view as Haytacks; but from the other end of the valley.
While you wont get much in the way of views from the walk up, the summit provides beautiful views of the valley, with the rocky form of Great Gable rising behind it.
Buttermere Pines
Standing on the beach at the northern end of the lake, looking south, you can see a line of Scotts Pines, also referred to as the Buttermere Pines or the Sentinels. On a still day, you can see the reflections of these mighty trees in the water as well as the twin-peaks of Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike behind them.
Gillercomb Head
Between Grey Knotts and Green Gable, this viewpoint is one of the best around. With views down both the Ennerdale and Buttermere valleys, this lesser known viewpoint is definitely not to be missed.
A relatively short walk from Honister Slate Mine will get you here, where there are plenty of rocky outcrops to sit on and watch the sun set down the valleys.
Whiteless Pike
To the north of Buttermere, lies Whiteless Pike, a moderately sized hill that gives views down the Buttermere valley and over to the high fells behind.
While the views from the summit are beautiful especially looking back at the ridgeline, the best views are from Whiteless Breast part of the way up the fell where you can look over towards the Gables and the Scafells over High Snockrigg.
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