Crummock Water
A tranquil Lake District gem offering stunning fell views, peaceful lakeside walks, and wild swimming opportunities away from the crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crummock Water
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Lake District gem offering stunning fell views, peaceful lakeside walks, and wild swimming opportunities away from the crowds.
"An underrated location near the famous Buttermere lake, Crummock water has lots of beautiful trails looking over its glistening black water."
🚗 Parking Options
Lanthwaite car park is a great starting point for woodland walks. Free car parks are also available.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Trails
Enjoy easy-to-follow paths around the lake, perfect for leisurely strolls or runs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crummock Water Lakeside Walk
Full circuit around the lake
A peaceful 11.5-mile circular route offering diverse scenery, from woodland to open fells.
Rannerdale Knotts Viewpoint
Ascent from Lanthwaite or Rannerdale
Climb for breathtaking panoramic views over Crummock Water and the surrounding fells.
Wild Swimming Opportunities
Various access points along the shore
Brave the cold for an invigorating dip in the clear waters of Crummock Water.
Mellbreak and Crummock Water Circular
Starting from Buttermere village
A rewarding hike with insane views, combining lake shores with challenging fell ascents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Buttermere Crowds
Best Footwear for Lakeside Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Options
Lanthwaite car park is a great starting point for woodland walks. Free car parks are also available.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Trails
Enjoy easy-to-follow paths around the lake, perfect for leisurely strolls or runs.
🏊♀️ Wild Swimming
Access points are available for a refreshing dip; be prepared for cold water!
📸 Photography Hotspots
Capture breathtaking views of the lake and fells, especially during sunrise and sunset. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Options
Lanthwaite car park is a great starting point for woodland walks. Free car parks are also available.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Trails
Enjoy easy-to-follow paths around the lake, perfect for leisurely strolls or runs.
🏊♀️ Wild Swimming
Access points are available for a refreshing dip; be prepared for cold water!
📸 Photography Hotspots
Capture breathtaking views of the lake and fells, especially during sunrise and sunset. +1
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Many visitors bring their dogs to explore the trails and enjoy the scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Crummock Water is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and being a less crowded alternative to nearby Buttermere. Visitors love the scenic walks, opportunities for wild swimming, and the breathtaking views from surrounding fells. Some minor drawbacks include the potential for cold water during swims and the need for appropriate footwear for varied terrain.
"Absolutely stunning. A mixture of beautiful water views and fairytale forest. I leave about 4 hrs to walk around the whole lake. You can also stop in buttermere for something to eat."
Hannah Brockway
"Lovely water. We parked in a small, free carpark to walk up Rannderdale Knotts. The view from above was absolutely stunning over Crummock Water."
Donna W
"Crummock Water is an absolutely stunning and peaceful spot in the Lake District—perfect if you're looking to escape the crowds. Surrounded by dramatic fells like Grasmoor and Mellbreak, the views are breathtaking and the atmosphere is incredibly tranquil. There are some lovely walks around the lake, and the area is ideal for wild swimming, picnics, or just soaking in the scenery. Highly recommend if you want a quiet, natural experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the Lakes."
Chris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crummock Water is easily accessible from Buttermere village, often described as a short walk or a starting point for longer circular routes. Many visitors park in Buttermere and then walk to Crummock Water.
Lanthwaite car park is a popular choice, especially for accessing woodland trails leading to the lake. There are also smaller, sometimes free, car parks available along the roadside.
While public transport options might be limited directly to Crummock Water, you can reach nearby Buttermere village via bus services from Keswick or Cockermouth, and then enjoy a walk to the lake.
A road runs along parts of the eastern shore of Crummock Water, offering scenic drives and access to viewpoints. However, the full circuit is best explored on foot.
Yes, Rannerdale Knotts can be accessed from various points, including near Lanthwaite car park or roadside parking areas, offering different perspectives of the climb and the views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Crummock Water itself is a natural landscape and does not have an entrance fee. However, parking at designated car parks may incur charges.
As an open natural area, Crummock Water is accessible at all times. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No, booking tickets is not required for walking around Crummock Water. It's a public access area for everyone to enjoy.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment, follow the Countryside Code, and be mindful of wildlife.
Yes, the National Trust operates a car park near Crummock Water, which is a convenient starting point for many walks and family outings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The full 11.5-mile circular walk around Crummock Water is highly recommended. For shorter options, consider walks from Lanthwaite car park or ascents like Rannerdale Knotts.
Yes, parts of the walk around Crummock Water are relatively flat and easy, making them suitable for families with young children. However, some sections might be more challenging.
Absolutely! Crummock Water is a popular spot for wild swimming, offering a refreshing experience. Be prepared for cold water and always swim safely.
Yes, there are numerous scenic spots along the shores of Crummock Water perfect for picnics. Enjoying a meal with a view is a popular activity here.
Many visitors find Crummock Water to be a more peaceful and less crowded alternative to the nearby Buttermere lake, offering a tranquil experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for photography, casting a warm glow over the lake and fells. Golden hour is particularly stunning. +1
The reflections of the fells in the water, the woodland paths, and panoramic views from higher ground like Rannerdale Knotts are all incredibly photogenic.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the Lake District National Park Authority for current guidelines on drone operation in the area.
The summit of Rannerdale Knotts provides an iconic viewpoint. Also, many spots along the western shore offer stunning perspectives of the fells.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on the fells. A polarizing filter can enhance the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
While the full 11.5-mile circuit might be too long for very young children, shorter walks along the lakeshore are very manageable. Remember to pack snacks, drinks, and appropriate clothing for unpredictable Cumbrian weather.🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
You can enjoy long, contemplative walks around the lake or tackle more challenging fell climbs like Mellbreak for a sense of accomplishment. The opportunity for wild swimming also appeals to adventurous spirits looking for a unique experience. +1 Always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry essential safety gear.🐶 Dog Owners
The lakeside trails and surrounding fells provide diverse environments for your canine companions. Most visitors report that their dogs have a great time exploring the area. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails Around Crummock Water
Many visitors also enjoy shorter walks starting from car parks like Lanthwaite, which lead through beautiful woods and along the lakeshore. For those seeking more challenging hikes with rewarding vistas, consider ascending Rannerdale Knotts. This popular fell offers breathtaking panoramic views over Crummock Water and the surrounding fells, including Grasmoor and Mellbreak.
These routes are well-documented, and many online resources and apps can guide you. When planning your walk, remember to wear appropriate footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots, as some paths can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
The Tranquil Charm of Crummock Water
The lake is surrounded by dramatic fells, including Grasmoor and Mellbreak, which provide a stunning backdrop and opportunities for more adventurous hiking. Beyond walking, Crummock Water is a fantastic spot for wild swimming. The clear, albeit cold, waters offer an invigorating experience for brave swimmers.
+1 Many visitors also enjoy picnics by the lakeside, soaking in the natural beauty and enjoying the quietude. It's worth noting that there have been concerns raised about potential development works by United Utilities that could impact the natural state of Crummock Water.
Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the delicate ecosystem and to practice responsible tourism to help preserve this beautiful location for future generations.Photography Opportunities at Crummock Water
For the best light, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset, when the landscape is bathed in warm, soft light, creating dramatic reflections on the water's surface. Key viewpoints for photography include the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, which provides an unparalleled vista of the entire lake and valley.
Don't forget to capture the charming wooden bridges and the woodland scenery near Lanthwaite car park, which add a fairytale element to your shots. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive landscapes, while a polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit