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Buttermere LakeNaturePhoto Wikimedia Commons

Buttermere Lake

United Kingdom

9 story sections

You can tell from the meaning of the name, “the lake by the dairy pastures” that Buttermere is something special. Even by the high standards of the Lake District, you will find the scenery around here breathtaking. Ringed by crags and peaks, Buttermere is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the Lakes which is why this perfect little lake was known to the early tourists as “the quintessence of natural beauty”. When you see it, you will understand why - even in the rain!

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to Buttermere, a small but perfectly formed lake located in the northwestern part of the Lake District National Park. Often described as one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the entire region, Buttermere is…

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  2. 2Buttermere Village & St James Church

    Our journey begins in the small village of Buttermere, nestled between the lakes of Buttermere and Crummock Water. This tiny settlement is the heart of the valley, providing a few essential amenities like the Bridge Inn and…

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  3. 3Sour Milk Gill & The Path to Red Pike

    As we leave the village and head toward the western shore of the lake, we encounter Sour Milk Gill, a dramatic white ribbon of water that tumbles down the hillside from Bleaberry Tarn above. The name 'Sour Milk' refers to the…

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  4. 4The Wooded Shore & Managed Landscapes

    Walking along the southwestern shore, the path enters a beautiful section of managed woodland. This area is a mix of deciduous trees and conifers, some of which are being reforested with native saplings to ensure the long-term…

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  5. 5Gatesgarth Farm & Highland Cattle

    At the southern end of the lake, we reach Gatesgarth Farm, a working hill farm that has been a part of the valley's history for generations. The farm is famous for its iconic Highland cattle, whose long horns and shaggy coats…

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  6. 6The Fanny Mercer Memorial

    Just a short distance from Gatesgarth Farm, on the lower slopes of Fleetwith Pike, stands a poignant reminder of the dangers of the fells: the Fanny Mercer memorial. Fanny was a young servant girl from a visiting family who, in…

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  7. 7The Buttermere Tunnel

    Continuing along the eastern shore, the path encounters one of the lake's more unusual features: the Buttermere Tunnel. This is a short, hand-cut passage through a rocky spur that drops directly into the water. …

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  8. 8Film Locations: Mission Impossible & 28 Days Later

    In recent years, Buttermere's dramatic and 'pristine' appearance has made it a favorite location for major film productions. Most notably, the area was used extensively for the filming of Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible – Dead…

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  9. 9Closing

    As our circuit of Buttermere concludes, we hope you have been touched by the quiet majesty and pastoral beauty of this valley. From the historic stone of St James Church to the shaggy coats of the Highland cattle at Gatesgarth,…

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What is Buttermere Lake?

Buttermere Lake is a place in United Kingdom with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationUnited Kingdom
TypeNature
Story sections9
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates54.5312, -3.2647
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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