Jaw Dropping Vistas…Crystal Clear Waters and Picture Postcard Villages….

I often get asked by customers where is the best place to visit in the Lakes? Goodness…where do I start? I feel incredibly lucky to have this beautiful part of the world on my doorstep and although at times you just want to keep it all to yourself it is there to be explored by all 🙂

Here are our Top picks 🙂

1. Buttermere

For our website photo shoot with my ‘Bestie’ ‘Partner in Climb’ ‘Adventure Buddy’ it was a no brainer, we had to head north from Lakes Escape HQ to Buttermere one of my favourite places on the planet! Ok so I have a few of those due to suffering a serious case of Wanderlust but this small hamlet nestled between Buttermere ( Lake ) and Crummock Water is picture postcard and not to be missed when visiting the Lake District.  The quickest way to get there is a 30 minute drive from Kendal, north on the M6 turning off at Penrith then heading towards Keswick which takes another half an hour. The longer way is a scenic drive through the Lakes but we recommend this as it gives you a taste of the Lake District.

The drive in through Honnister pass or Newlands is when you really feel that you are escaping into the Lakes. Mountain top vistas and waterfalls are breathtaking.  Newlands pass is a three-mile-long road running along a ledge above the Newlands valley. This a ride that should be taken slowly so you can take in the magical scenery, negotiate the narrow roads and so you can be mindful of the Herdy Sheep on the roads who are never in much of a hurry.  After the jaw dropping descent into the village through Newlands Pass you will arrive in what always feels like a hidden valley but before you head down make sure you pull up and have a cuppa or a picnic, take some time to breathe in the mountain air and pinch yourself 🙂

For those seeking an adrenalin rush then we recommend you drive through Honnister Pass and book the Via Ferrata and Honnister Slate Mine. Not to be missed!!! https://honister.com/

Both routes can be challenging for novice drivers so take it slowly, be mindful of bikers as it is a popular road biking route and only visit in good conditions. Plan ahead and make a judgement call.

There is plenty of parking as you arrive in Buttermere, on the road as you come into the village or by the Fish Hotel one of two places you can grab a bar meal and a well deserved pint and breathe……! Both The Fish Hotel and The Bridge Hotel are dog friendly and serve a wide selection of Local Ales in a relaxed atmosphere.

As well as its hotels, Buttermere has two cafés that sell local products with Syke Farm specialising in ice cream made from the milk from the farm’s herd of Ayrshire cattle. Ice Cream and a Pint what more could you ask for, in what order is for you to decide 🙂

If walking the fells is your thing then you are spoilt for choice as Buttermere gives you access to many of the Wainwrights such as Robinson, Fleetwith Pike and what was thought to be Alfred Wainwrights favourite walk ( and mine ) Haystacks. However if you like flat walking then Buttermere offers one of the best lake walks which will take you approx 3 hours or a wee bit longer if you fancy a dip.

Crummock water which is a 5 minute drive past Buttermere is more suitable for a day by the lake and is more popular with families due to the depth of the water near the shore. Whilst we want you to enjoy your holibobs please remember the deep lakes and tarns in the Lake District can be cold, even on a hot summers day. Always wear life jackets when participating in a watersports such as paddle-boarding and Kayaking, research the Lakes and wear a tow float if Wild Swimming. Safety First!!!

One of the many reasons to visit Buttermere is to see the spring carpet of bluebells on Rannerdale Knotts which can be accessed from the village. The best time to see nature at its best is April/May. Rannerdale Knotts summit offers superb views of Crummock Water, Buttermere and the surrounding fells.

So the big question is can you park your Campervan and stay the night in Buttermere? There are actually no camping sites in Buttermere, just a few pitches for tents at Buttermere YHA. The nearest sites are in Keswick. A particular favourite of ours is Castlerigg and is a short drive to the Stone Circle and near to Walla Crag which is great family walk with birds eye views over Derwentwater.

As with all ‘Stealth’ ‘Wild’ Camping you have to be prepared to move on if you decide to pull up and sleep overnight. It is always worth politely asking at the Fish Hotel if they mind you staying overnight in your camper discreetly if you eat and drink there as some Brit Stops do. This is at their discretion. You will occasionally see Campers pulled up by the lake and on the road as you enter Buttermere but this is not legal and we promote responsible camping therefore this is at your own risk as we are not hiding under the seats watching your every move, just remember you are in our vans!!! We like to keep a good reputation 🙂 By all means have an adventure but remember Campervan Etiquette ( Visit our Tips and Trips on Wild Camping ) as with all road trips you want to leave everywhere just as you found it #leavenotrace 🙂