Based in the beautiful Buttermere valley set amidst a dramatic landscape of high fells. This superb 20k course starts with a circuit around the whole of Buttermere Lake in a clockwise direction

Statistics

2 - 3

hrs

337

m

336

m

4

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Moderate

Description

https://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/buttermere10 The route starts from the iconic lakeside setting of Buttermere with it's crystal clear waters and views across to the popular fells of Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike.

The initial section follows Buttermere shoreline in a clockwise direction on well surfaced lakeshore trails. There are several gates to go through, where you can catch your breath and also a small tunnel under the rock, which adds an interesting element to the route.

The trail is a bit more technical here with a few rocky sections until you reach the bay where the view opens out. The lakeshore path flattens out following an easier gravel trail from here.

It continues along through fields until you reach the road.

Follow the road for about 1 km until you reach Gatesgarth farm, where you rejoin the footpath to continue around the lake. The route then returns along the lakeshore through Burtness Wood.

You will pass the cascading waterfall of Sourmilk Gill and continue along the rocky track.

Conditions underfoot now turn more challenging, over rocky and uneven terrain, as the trail contours along the western shoreline of Crummock Water. With the mighty Grassmoor on the east and the steep flanks of Mellbreak on the west, the views along this section are simply stunning, although full concentration is needed to negotiate the testing terrain. After crossing the gravel beaches on the northern shores of Crummock Water, the terrain becomes less technical.

The route follows the pine clad shoreline of Lanthwaite Wood to reach Cinderdale Common & a welcome refreshment point. A steady climb leads into the beautiful Rannerdale Valley, crossing the beck & contouring round the base of Rannerdale Knotts. The final short climb is a section of pitched steps reaching above Hause Point.

A fast grassy descent leads back to Crummock lakeshore, passing through the woods & fields to reach Buttermere village.

Then follows the main track to the lakeshore field at Buttermere, to a well deserved finish...