Buttermere, HAystacks & wild swimming

Lake District

Buttermere, located in North Lake District, has so much to offer and it never disappoints.

One of our favourite, remote places in Lakes is Buttermere where we love to go camping and exploring the areas. With no phone reception, it is a perfect place to go and relax, enjoy the nature and the lakes.

We have been to Buttermere couple of times, in summer or winter there is something to do.

Camping in Buttermere is a truly magical experience. Surrounded by towering peaks and nestled in a beautiful valley, Buttermere offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Lake District. There are several campsites in the area, each with their own unique charm, making it easy to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent. During the day, you can explore the surrounding hills and mountains, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. And at night, you can gaze up at the stars in the clear night sky and listen to the peaceful sounds of nature. Whether you're an experienced camper or a first-timer, camping in Buttermere is an experience you won't soon forget.

In between the Crummock water and Buttermere lake, we found Syke Farm, a beautiful working farm with camping and accommodation for everyone’s budget.

Last time we’ve been to Buttermere we have hiked the Red Peak but this time we wanted to explore more and decided to do the Haystacks and combine the walk with some wild swimming.

The route starts from the campsite and first we stopped at the Syke Farm cafe where you can find delicious food, homemade ice cream and amazing cakes and other treats.

From the Cafe, follow the road B5289 Honister Pass. It is an easy 2-3 miles on the road up to Gatesgarth car park. The car park is decent size however it can be very busy mostly on a sunny summer day. Near the car park, we have stopped for ice cream, get some energy before the climb.

As you start to climb, you can see the Warnscale Beck river and it’s beautiful infinity pools.

It was very busy as it was very warm outside and a lot of people were enjoying a swim in the nice cold water.

I found a lovely place further up and took a dip. The water it was lovely and it was the perfect place to chill and enjoy the lovely views towards the valley and Buttermere lake.

After my quick swim in the river, we carried on towards Haystacks. The ascent it is rocky and medium level ( for me) in terms of difficulty.

We stopped at Warnscale Bothy to catch our breath and for some water and noticed few people have camped there before. It is not the most luxurious accommodation but if you need a shelter during bad weather this small cabin can be very useful.

Once we reached Haystacks summit, the 360 views were very impressive.

After Haystkacs we continues on the path until we reach the trail towards High Stile, where we started to decent.

Once you reach to the bottom of the mountain near the lake, turn left and follow the path through the woodland.

Before we entered the woodland, we have noticed there is a nice little waterfall and decide to come back next day and check out this river.

The route was around 8.5 miles but with small detour from the path to search the perfect spot for wild swim I think we did more than 9 miles.

The next day we walked again through the woodland and went to up the river. This time the river was not very big but I’ve found a nice little pool to take a dip and cool down.

There are few places around the lake with lovely sand beach where you can go and relax, paddleboard or just enjoy the views.


Nestled in the heart of England's Lake District, Buttermere is truly a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil getaway. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely stroll around Buttermere Lake, immersing yourself in the serenity of the ancient forests, or conquering the nearby peaks like Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike, there's no shortage of natural wonders to explore. The cozy village pubs provide the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure, offering scrumptious local cuisine and warm hospitality.

With its breath taking landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant outdoor activities, a holiday in Buttermere promises to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.