Buttermere, England, United Kingdom

Buttermere

Buttermere is a small National Trust lake with no motorboats or sailing boats, hemmed in by the High Stile ridge, Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike. Most swimmers get in at the village end, where the lakeshore path gives plenty of easy exits. Park at the pay-and-display car park just outside the hamlet, carry cash, and expect cold water even on a warm summer's day.

Directions

Photo: Julian Herzog · CC BY 4.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 77/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 11°C, wind 6 km/h, UV 0. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Calm, settled weather; the national park advises swimming along the shoreline so you can get out easily, and entering slowly.
Getting in: The lake is owned by the National Trust and swimming is allowed; the Lake District National Park Authority lists it among the quieter lakes, with no sailing boats or powered craft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and rowing boats need a permit). A path of about 7 km runs right round the lake, including a short rock tunnel at Hassness.
Parking & transport: National Trust pay-and-display car park (cash only) at Buttermere village, postcode CA13 9UZ, about 300 yards outside the hamlet towards Cockermouth; free for National Trust members. No overnight parking. A weekend and bank-holiday shuttle bus has run in summer (3 May to 31 August in 2025).
Water quality: Not a designated bathing water, so it is not routinely sampled by the Environment Agency.
Watch for: Cold water shock: the national park warns the lakes can be very cold even on hot days
Blue-green algae can form in Lake District lakes during warm, dry weather; do not swim if you suspect it
Maximum depth about 28.6 m
Facilities: Public toilet in Buttermere village (small fee) · Level lakeshore path, with an accessible section on the far shore