Walk

Buttermere Circuit

Cumbria

Dog Friendly Rating:8/10Excellent lake access, good off-lead stretches and dramatic scenery; leads needed near farmland at the southern end and through the village.

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.

Elite Paws Luxury Dog Drying Coat

£28.99

View on Amazon

LumoLeaf Portable Dog Water Bottles

£24.29

View on Amazon

Mud Daddy 8L Portable Pet Washing Device

£49.99

View on Amazon

OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness

£38.99

View on Amazon

Hands Free Lead

£29.95

View on Amazon

Dog Treat Pouch

£9.99

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently 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.