Buttermere and Crummock Water
Route facts
Waterways:
Buttermere »
Crummock Water »
Distance: 20 miles / 32km
Duration: 3.5 hours approx.
Circular route from: Keswick
A challenging but ultimately rewarding cycle ride through one of the most panoramic parts of the UK.
This route is undulating and combines the beauty and exhilaration of the climb through the Newlands Valley and pass with a visit to Buttermere village. The return is through Whinlatter Forest Park and uses part of the Sea to Sea cycleway. There are many diversions en route if you have the whole day to spare.
Getting there
Parking: There is parking in Keswick.
Waypoints
1. Keswick to Knott Rigg
Head downhill from the Moot Hall in the centre of Keswick on the B5289 for one mile, turning left on 'no through road' to take the footbridge over the River Derwent to Portinscale. Bear left at the main road and continue through to Stair and up through Gillbrow, following the Newlands Valley for 5 miles. At the summit of this climb is Moss Force, a lovely spot for a rest by the waterfall or a short walk up Knott Rigg and you're on the top of the world!
2. Knott Rigg to Lorton
The descent into Buttermere is smooth, with a steep section at the end. There are two good hotels with bars here for refreshments, The Fish and The Bridge, the latter being open all day. Buttermere is a heavenly place and given time, a walk down to the head of the Lake is well worth while. The path begins at The Fish Hotel and now goes all around the Lake at shore level - thanks to George Benson, who, in the 19th Century had a tunnel blasted through a rock outcrop just to make this possible!
Take care as you head out along Crummock Water - the B5289 can get narrow and better to stop and let any cars pass or walk on the narrow parts. After 2 miles, turn right to Hopebeck and right again in the village. The peak to your right is Grisedale Pike.
3. Lorton to Keswick
At the junction with the B5292 turn right. After a short distance, turn right again to enter the forest, then left, following good tracks. You are now on the Sea to Sea Route. This track brings you back eventually to the road, turn left and climb for a short distance to the Visitor Centre on your right. There is plenty to do at the Forest Park Visitor Centre, try a cup of tea and some home baking. Go through the Centre with the car parks to your right and just keep going. The descent through the forest is sheer cycling pleasure for all abilities. You could spend the day here. The track emerges back onto a road at the bottom - look out for The Bishop, a white painted rock half way up the fellside. Turn right and follow the road through Braithwaite village, Ullock and Portinscale, turning right at the Derwentwater Hotel to cross the footbridge again and return to Keswick.
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