Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater occupy the long glaciated valley leading North and West to Cockermouth and the coast. Buttermere and Crummock Water, originally one large lake, are separated by material brought down by the mountain streams over thousands of years.

Beautiful Buttermere, set in its amphitheatre of mountains, is a tranquil scene, made more dramatic by the play of light and shade in the narrow valley.  In the village of the same name there is a choice of places to eat and stay. Call into the tiny St James Church to have a look at the dedication to the Lake District's best known fell walker, guide book author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright. Look out of the window and see his favourite mountain Haystacks where his ashes are scattered.

The low level walk round the lake is a delight, especially if it begins and ends in the hamlet of Buttermere itself. There are footpaths around both Buttermere and Crummock Water and to nearby Scale Force the highest waterfall in the Lake District. The walk around Buttermere only takes about 2 to 3 hours set amongst some of the finest scenery in the Lake District. Click here for a lovely walk around Buttermere with the option to extend the route to Scale Force. Much popular high level walks start from the valley and can often be linked into The Honister Rambler bus service which follows a circular route from Keswick through Borrowdale and Buttermere. A short walk from Honister up to the top of Fleetwith Pike gives views over Buttermere, Crummock, Loweswater and the coast of Scotland.

The much larger neighbouring lake, Crummock Water, is closely followed by the road, with many vantage points looking towards the dramatic slopes of Melbreak and easy access to the Rannerdale valley. Be careful; the hardy Lakeland sheep wander on the unfenced roads. Small and picturesque settlements are scattered across the widening valley where the waters from the third lake pass through. Here in springtime explore Rannerdale Knotts to see the stunning carpet of ancient bluebells.

Loweswater is unique within the Lake District, as it is the only lake that drains towards the centre of Lakeland - to Crummock Water which it was once joined to.  Red squirrels, whose favourite habitat is coniferous, can be found in the locality.It is one of the quieter lesser known lakes set in woodland and surrounded by rolling grassy fells giving views out to the coast, to the Isle of Man and over the Solway Firth to Scotland.Nestled in a wooded valley in the far west of the Lake District, in the Vale of Lorton, Loweswater is a peaceful lake that is often bypassed. At approximately 1 mile in length, 1/2 mile wide and 60 feet deep, it provides an excellent lake circuit for walkers.