7k Run Buttermere: Scenic Loop Around Buttermere Lake

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience one of the most serene lakeside circuits in the Lake District with this 6.9km loop around Buttermere. This route is a runner's dream, offering a predominantly flat, well-maintained trail that allows you to maintain a steady rhythm while soaking in the high-fells scenery. With only 33m of ascent, it is an accessible choice for those looking for a recovery run or a fast-paced effort away from the steep technical climbs typical of the area. Expect a mix of compact gravel paths and a short paved section, including the famous Hassness tunnel carved into the rock, which adds a unique character to your run.

Buttermere, meaning "the lake by the dairy pastures," has long been celebrated by poets and artists for its dramatic valley setting, flanked by the towering peaks of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks. Unlike its busier neighbors, Windermere and Keswick, Buttermere offers a more tranquil, rugged atmosphere that feels authentically Cumbrian. After finishing your circuit, local runners highly recommend stopping at one of the village cafes for a famous scoop of dairy ice cream or a refueling stop at the Bridge Inn, a historic spot that has served weary Lakeland travelers for generations.