Buttermere - Local Info
Walking
There are numerous walks starting from just outside the door ranging from easy strolls around Buttermere to more challenging High Fell walks. Haystacks, forever associated with Alfred Wainwright forms part of the classic High Stile ridge walk. Detailed routes and maps are available from reception.
24 Peaks Challenge
The 24 Peaks Challenge is a tough physical challenge set in a stunning location in the heart of the Lake District and starting at Buttermere. The challenge involves walking up 24 peaks in the Lake District, each over 2400 feet in height in a 24 hour period. Please visit www.24peaks.co.uk for further info.
Winter activities
Chapel Crags on the side of High Stile is an ideal Winter Climbing venue, easily approached from Buttermere. This location offers plenty of low and mid grade lines. There are plenty of great low level walks too, for those with less winter experience.
Climbing
Buttermere offers superb climbing on High Crag, Eagle Crag and Grey Crag, the Honister Boulders are a popular spot for bouldering. Gillercombe Buttress and The Great Napes are easily reached from the head of the valley. The road side crags of Borrowdale are 7 miles away.
Cycling/Mountain Biking
Spectacular road cycling over some of the most famous passes in England or out towards the pastoral idyll of Loweswater. Mountain Biking is well catered for with plenty of natural trails as well as the purpose built tracks at the Whinlatter Mountain Forest. Bike hire: www.cyclewise.co.uk or 017687 78711.
Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water
£1 off any adult fare (on any round trip sailing from Coniston Pier, valid until end Oct 2010 except bank holiday weekends on production of your YHA membership card' www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gondola
Fred Whitton Challenge
This famous endurance event takes place in early May each year. It’s a 112 mile ride over all the principle mountain passes of Lakeland. The ‘4 Seasons Fred Whitton Bike Tour’ is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, groups and clubs to complete this challenging event over one or more days. Buttermere is an ideal location to break the tour with a well deserved overnight stop.
www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk
Wildlife
The famous Bluebells of Rannerdale are nearby. These bloom from early May into June and offer one of the best displays in the country. Red Squirrels often visit Buttermere and can be seen in the grounds along with woodpeckers.
Honister Slate Mine
Experience guided tours of this working slate mine, try the adrenalin-inducing via ferrata, or just enjoy the stunning setting at the top of the pass. Located 4 miles from Buttemere
Tel: 017687 77230 Visit www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk
Jennings Brewery Tour
Sample some local beers from this brewery which has been located in Cockermouth since 1874.
Tel: 0845 1297190 www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk
Wordsworth House
Visit William Wordsworth’s childhood home, situated 10 miles away in Cockermouth.
Tel: 01900 820884
Trotters World of Animals
Great for family days out. All sorts of animals from wallaby’s to lemurs to emus. Located 15 miles to the north.
Tel: 017687 76239 www.trottersworld.com
Lakeland Sheep & Wool Centre
Located 10 miles away in Cockermouth, find out all you wanted to know about the great variety of British Sheep
www.sheep-woolcentre.co.uk
Lake District Coast Aquarium
See the fish being fed at this Maryport aquarium, 15 miles away.
Tel: 01900 817760 www.lakedistrict-coastaquarium.co.uk
Read YHA Buttermere's Access Statement