Buttermere Circuit
Cumbria
The Buttermere circuit is one of the great low-level lake walks in the Lake District, looping the full 7.2 km perimeter beneath a ring of high fells including Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks and High Stile. The route is mostly flat with just 90 m of climbing, combining lakeside paths, short woodland sections and a dramatic tunnel cut through the rock at the northern end where the path passes through the base of the crag. The setting is exceptional: still mornings produce mirror reflections of the surrounding fells on the lake surface, and the scale of the mountains above gives the walk a grandeur that belies its easy going. The village of Buttermere sits at the southern end with a handful of welcoming establishments.
This is a dog friendly walk that delivers some of the finest scenery in the national park without demanding any serious climbing. The lakeshore carries a cool, slightly mineral smell after rain, and dogs tend to work the margins intently as the route switches between open water and sheltered woodland. The lake is accessible at multiple points for swimming, and most of the route allows off-lead walking for dogs with reliable recall. Leads are needed near the farmland at the southern end where livestock graze close to the path, and through Buttermere village itself. The flat, well-maintained paths suit dogs of all ages and sizes, making this an ideal choice for older dogs or those who want a proper Lake District experience without the fell climbs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Café and pub in Buttermere village; the Bridge Hotel and Fish Inn both welcome dogs
- Parking
- Pay and display at Buttermere village (CA13 9XA); also some free roadside spots nearby but limited.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Buttermere Circuit, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in CumbriaDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Buttermere Circuit. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
All dog friendly hotels in CumberlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Buttermere Circuit dog friendly?
Buttermere Circuit is a great choice for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness on our directory. The lake is accessible at multiple points for swimming, the flat and well-maintained paths suit dogs of all ages and sizes, and there are dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Buttermere village, including the Bridge Hotel and Fish Inn.
Can dogs be off lead at Buttermere Circuit?
For dogs with reliable recall, most of the 7.2 km route allows off-lead walking. The exceptions are the farmland at the southern end, where livestock graze close to the path, and through Buttermere village itself, where leads are needed.
What should I know before visiting Buttermere Circuit with my dog?
The main thing to be aware of is the livestock near the southern end of the route and through the village, so keep leads handy for those sections. Parking is pay and display at Buttermere village (CA13 9XA), with some limited free roadside spots nearby. The route is largely flat with only 90 m of climbing, making it accessible for older dogs or smaller breeds who might struggle with the bigger fell walks in the area.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Gatesgarth Car Park, Buttermere, Cockermouth, CA13 9XA, United Kingdom
54.5405, -3.2762
Get DirectionsWhat’s Nearby?
0.1 mi awaySyke Farm Campsite
Cumbria
A traditional, dog friendly campsite in the village of Buttermere, with panoramic views of the mountains and lakes and plenty of walks nearby where dogs can run free.
Walk1.7 mi awayHaystacks from Gatesgarth
Cumbria
Wainwright's favourite fell in miniature Lakeland perfection, a short but rewarding dog friendly climb above Buttermere.
Walk3.6 mi awayLoweswater and Holme Wood Circular
Cumbria
Dogs can paddle in Holme Wood's shingle bays on this gentle 6.8km circuit of quiet Loweswater, complete with red squirrels and the Holme Force waterfall.
Walk4.2 mi awayEnnerdale Water Circuit (Western Lakes)
Cumbria
Remote, spacious and with excellent lake access and off-lead potential throughout; the lack of facilities is the only meaningful limitation.
Walk4.8 mi awayCat Bells
Cumbria
Open fell with good off-lead freedom, but limited water on the ridge and sheep on the lower slopes keep the score from going higher.
Walk5.1 mi awaySeat How Summit Trail, Whinlatter Forest
Cumbria
No livestock in the plantations means dogs can range freely for most of this Whinlatter forest climb to Seat How's rocky top above Bassenthwaite Lake.