The area around Buttermere Village has long been my favorite in the Lake District. I have visited its two adjoining lakes, Buttermere and Crummock Water, many times over the years, but have never stayed for more than a quick day visit. I was determined that we would spend ample time to explore it well, and even planned to come here twice on this trip!
Our first stay was at the historic Bridge Hotel, which did not fail to impress.
Like all of our Lake District bases, Buttermere is surrounded my numerous trails and we were anxious to start hiking. For our first outing, a short morning hike, we aimed for another waterfall: Scale Force. The weather was cool but clear, and we hoped the rain would stay away.
Scale Force is considered the highest waterfall in the Lakes, but because it is broken into numerous smaller falls, its total height can be deceiving from below.
"... a fine chasm, with a lofty, though but slender, fall of water." - William Wordsworth
"Scale Force, the white downfall of which glimmered through the trees, that hang before it like the bushy hair over a madman's eyes." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
After our obligatory photo ops, we followed the trail down Scale Beck to complete the loop that would take us back to Buttermere.
Later in the day, we drove to Bowness-on-Windermere and immediately saw that the 2022 tourist season had begun in earnest. The crowds, traffic, and noise were considerably more than we had seen just a week before.
We quickly opted to get away for a bit, and visited the Windermere Steamboat Museum, to see some of the classic steam-powered vessels and even take one out for a short, rainy cruise on the lake.
Our busy day culminated in a return to our favorite sports pub (the whole reason for our return to “civilization”) and watched Liverpool play Real Madrid in the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final, the team’s final game of the season.
This is Joannie’s newfound half sister and I’m so enjoying your blog. Hugs to you both!
Hi, Vikki – thanks for following along!
Wow Chris this is indeed impressive!!
Yea, Charity, I felt bad when I needed to use the towel – like I was killing a swan!