Walks and parking
Buttermere walks and where to park
The lake circuit keeps you low while Rannerdale Knotts takes you onto a ridge. The shorter route is not necessarily the easier one: Rannerdale has a steep descent, and even the lakeshore circuit includes obstacles.
By Lakes Parking ยท Sources checked
Access notices
Seasonal lakeshore diversion
The National Trust closes a short permissive path on the north edge of the lake from April through June for nesting birds. Follow the signed alternative during that period and check for other notices on the day.
Read the official noticeDo not assume the summer shuttle is running
The published 2026 season for the weekend Cockermouth-Buttermere shuttle ended on 31 August. Check current operator timetables for your date rather than relying on a summer itinerary.
Read the official noticeButtermere lakeshore circuit
A circuit around the lake with woodland and a short rock tunnel. The National Trust describes a road section and a rock step that may require hands. It should not be advertised as a fully step-free circuit.
- Distance
- About 7km / 4.5 miles around the lake
- Time
- Around 3 hours: National Trust suggestion with stops
- Terrain
- Mostly level, but includes road, tunnel and a short scramble
- Start
- Buttermere village; follow the signed approach to the lake
National Trust: lake walk, obstacles and seasonal diversion
Parking: National Trust Buttermere village car park, CA13 9UZ
The car park is outside the village towards Cockermouth, not directly on the shore. Add the approach and return to your time allowance.
Official parking informationButtermere to Rannerdale Knotts
A ridge circuit with a return beside Crummock Water and through woodland. The National Trust rates it moderate but describes it as strenuous, with a steep stone-pitched descent that can be slippery when wet.
- Distance
- 4.8km / 3 miles, circular
- Time
- 2 hours: National Trust estimate
- Terrain
- Grassy tracks, a stile and steep stone-pitched descent
- Start
- National Trust car park, grid reference NY172172
National Trust: Rannerdale route, map and terrain
Parking: National Trust Buttermere village car park, CA13 9UZ
The official route starts and finishes at this car park. Consult the route map rather than choosing a similarly named lakeside parking area.
Official parking informationBefore setting out
These are planning summaries, not turn-by-turn navigation or confirmation that a route is open. Use the linked official map and current notices. Check the weather, daylight and the abilities of your group; carry suitable footwear, clothing and navigation. Published distances and times may exclude the approach from your parking space. Allow longer for breaks and difficult conditions.
Where to park in Buttermere
The National Trust village car park serves these walks, but parking at a different operator is not covered by National Trust membership. Check the car-park name before paying and include the approach to the lake in your plan. If designated parking is full, change destination or use a confirmed bus service rather than blocking narrow roads, passing places or farm access.
National Trust: valley parking and visitor information
Compare Buttermere car parksWhich Buttermere walk should I choose?
Choose for terrain and ability, not simply the shortest mileage. The lake circuit is lower-level but includes obstacles; Rannerdale is shorter but involves a ridge and steep descent. For mobility requirements, consult the official accessibility information for a suitable section rather than assuming either complete circuit will work.
About this guide
A source-checked route comparison, not a first-hand trail survey. We link to route publishers and parking operators, and flag restrictions known on the review date. We have not measured these routes or verified step-free access. Check the latest official advice before every visit.