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The Buttermere Edge

This stunning walk is a Lake District classic. The edge comprises of the high fells standing over Buttermere and Ennerdale Water. Views along the edge range from as far as Scotland, to the dramatic cliffs of Eagle Crag, Grey Crag, Chapel Crags, and Birkness Combe below. It should be high on any walker's to-do list.

The Edge may be traversed in either direction, with starting points of Buttermere village, or Gatesgarth Farm. A decision had to be made and Buttermere, going clockwise, won.

So this walk starts in Buttermere village with a warm up along the shore line of Buttermere and climbing the old pack horse route to Scarth Gap. Stone pitched paths to Seat, and that on Gamlin End ease you onto the end of the ridge at High Crag with little difficulty. Gone are the rough eroded and loose scree terrors described in the guides of old. The ridge itself is an easy walk. Only the scree down from Red Pike to the saddle with Dodd may give walkers the occasional 'moment'. Even here the loose stone whilst prone to sliding away easily forms steps for any one used to kicking steps in snow. It is all too good to hurry, do so if you must, but the whole of a fine day is easily justified.

Parking in Buttermere village is extensive, but popular at weekends and holiday times. The National Trust pay and display is on the road in from Lorton Vale. A Lake District National Park Authority pay and display behind The Fish Inn and Bridge Hotel in the centre. And a small parking area above the chapel on the Newlands Pass road. The Honister Rambler bus service No.77 operates April to October in both directions from Keswick.