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Trip Report
Lake District Adventure: Embracing Enchanting Lakes, Tárns, and Mountain Vistas
6 days swimming in lakes and tarns surrounded by beautiful mountains
+ 5
EuropeUnited Kingdom2 days / September 2022
Highs & Lows
Blea Tarn small and serene
The weather is very changeable
Itinerary Overview
When we arrived in the Lake District we stayed in Keswick so we were able to better prepare ourselves before heading to more remote places. In the morning we left early and took a local bus so we were able to get to our campsite in Buttermere to hike the two lakes (Buttermere and Crummock Water) during the day. This valley is a quiet and serene place to swim with two lakes to choose from surrounded by rolling hills. On the third morning we took a local bus to Seathwaite and stared our ascent of Scafell Pike using the corridor route. We decided to wild camp for two nights near Sprinkling Tarn (on the way up Scarfell Pike) and near Blea Tarn (following the descent) as we wanted to be immersed in our surroundings. Although the weather can be grey it brings an atmospheric feel to the scenery. From Blea Tarn we were kindly offered a lift to Ullswater were we spent our last evening. We were in the village of Glenridding during the day and camped in Patterdale with a view down over Ullswater.
Cockermouth Wild Camping: Immersing in the Beauty of Sprinkling Tarn and Blea Tarn
1+The quaint town of Buttermere is in the middle of two lakes (Buttermere and Crummock Water) with hiking trails throughout taking you to a waterfall and countless peaceful places to swim; it is worth spending the whole day. The trails are maintained allowing you to wander aimlessly and feel restored by the surrounding nature. Buttermere itself is located on a local bus route making it accessible to all (be aware not to visit in mid summer).
Patterdale Rowing boat hire and swimming
1+In the village of Glenridding we were able to prepare ourselves for the day to purchase items for a picnic and wine. We had booked a rowing boat with St Patrick’s Boat Landing to explore Ullswater and its islands. We spent half of our day on the lake rowing to areas inaccessible by foot, swimming in the shallows and dining in the midday sun. Although the village itself is crowed whilst on the lake with the expanse of water it felt calm and soothing. For our last evening we decided to go for dinner at The Traveler Rest (in Glenridding) a cosy countryside pub with a welcoming atmosphere. I am Coeliac and Vegan and was happy to see there was more than one option on the menu I could have and that the staff were happy to make amendments to other dishes.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
If I could have stayed longer I would have had two nights in Buttermere and then two by Blea Tarn although you would have to be prepared to wild camp and carry enough supplies with you.Anything go wrong during the trip?
A change in weather came with the altitude during the ascent of Scafell Pike. A drop in temperature, thick fog and rain meant it was hard to navigate and you have to be prepared for the cold.Restaurant recommendations?
I only ate out once at The Travellers Rest in Glenridding and would recommend it. It is a countryside pub with cosy interior and large beer garden with a beautiful view of Ullswater. I am Coeliac and Vegan and had more than one option to choose from; the meal was delicious and it was a substantial portion.Tips you would give a friend?
A wild camp pitch should be above the highest fell wall (approximately 400m or 1200 feet high) and shouldn't be noticed by anybody else. This means staying away from any buildings or other wild campers. Don't camp next to streams or springs to avoid contaminating the water. Arrive late in the day (dusk) and move on at dawn.Packing tips?
The weather is changeable so you need to bring clothing for all weather conditions, from bright sunshine and swimming in the open water to wearing waterproofs with a warm hat and scarf.Transportation Tips?
There are local buses to the main lakes although you need to be prepared to hike to the more remote locations. There were car parks close to all of the lakes I went to if you are driving through the Lake District (bear in mind the hiking trails are more direct than the roads).
Lodging
Skye Farm Campsite is a lovely campsite where we were able to position our tent to look out over Crummock Water. The facilities on site are clean and well maintained. As it is on the edge of the village of Buttermere it is quiet with only the sounds of the water and the wind in the trees. This is a small campsite and it could be tough to find a pitch on flat ground when it is busy.
Side Farm Campsite in Patterdale is in a beautiful location on a slope looking down over Ullswater (beware your pitch is unlikely to be flat). The site itself is outside of the village so it is quiet allowing us to feel at peace with the nature encompassing us. The campsite amenities are basic although the showers are warm and free of charge. You should beware that you are not able to book ahead of arrival so it is best to be there early.