The Buttermere Edge

A circular high-fell route of 8.4 miles (13.5 km) starting and finishing in Buttermere village, with about 945 m of ascent. A GPS trace often reads nearer 8.2 miles, which is normal variation rather than a different route. You climb from around 115 m at the village to roughly 780 to 800 m on the ridge and back down again.

About 2 km of lakeshore walking leads to the old packhorse path up to Scarth Gap. From there the day is all ridge: Seat, then the steep pull of Gamlin End onto High Crag, the rocky crest over High Stile, a dip and climb to Red Pike, a detour out to Dodd, then down past Bleaberry Tarn and beside Sour Milk Gill, crossing streams and fields back to the village. The high section looks down on Buttermere and Crummock Water on one side and Ennerdale Water on the other, with Eagle Crag, Grey Crag, Chapel Crags and Birkness Combe in view.

This is a hard mountain day rather than a long walk. Expect stone-pitched paths, rough boulder ground, steep sections that are rocky and sometimes loose, and broken ground on parts of the ridge. There are precipitous drops close to the path in places. The descent from Red Pike and the detour to Dodd has loose stones and some exposure. Boots with good grip, a map and compass, and the ability to use them are all worth having.

In poor visibility the broken ridge is noticeably harder to follow, and the drops nearby raise the stakes. A clear day is materially better for both navigation and photography. Wind on the crest can be much stronger than in the valley, so it is worth checking the forecast and being willing to turn back at Scarth Gap.

Red Pike's ruddy rock and scree, the combe walls below High Stile, and Bleaberry Tarn late in the route are the standout subjects. Early and late light along the ridge works well, though the descent afterwards deserves daylight.

There is no dependable water on the route. A tarn sits between Seat and High Crag and there is a boggy patch near Red Pike, but neither should be relied on, so carry everything you need for the day. Dogs are legally welcome throughout the Buttermere valley and should be kept on a short lead and under close control around livestock, ground-nesting birds and wildlife. Bear in mind that the steep ground and drops near the path make the high route potentially dangerous for dogs.

The walk begins in Buttermere village. The main durable parking nearby is the village car park at grid reference NY172172, a short walk from the start, and there is a further marked car park behind the Fish Inn and Bridge Hotel. Valley parking is under pressure at weekends and holidays. Use marked lots only and keep farm gateways and emergency access clear. If the forecast is poor or you want a gentler day, the Buttermere lakeshore loop is much shorter and easier and keeps the same views of the fells from below.