If you love to travel and you love the Lake District, then you may have noticed that the world of social media is sharing the worst kept secret………. Buttermere infinity pool! For just a short walk you are rewarded with the most incredible views along with the opportunity to experience some wild swimming.
The drive to Buttermere is always such a delight, offering the most dramatic views. We headed to Keswick, via the A66, where we then picked up the Honister Pass – which connects the Buttermere valley with the eastern end of Borrowdale valley. The drive along this winding mountain pass is nothing short of spectacular.
Just before you reach the little village of Buttermere itself, you’ll find Gatesgarth car park on your right. For many keen hikers this is where they begin their Haystacks walk and the infinity pool could be incorporated in this walk perfectly. Parking at Gatesgarth is pay and display and costs only £4 for the day. In the summer months especially, this little carpark fills up pretty quickly. Opposite the car park, there is a small coffee shop but no toilets.
How to find the pools…..
Leave the carpark and head left, back along the Honister Pass and after just a short stroll you’ll see this sign. Take the right path, sign posted Honister Hause.
Stay on the winding gravelled path, which ever so gradually inclines, until you round the final bend and spot the sparkling waterfalls in the distance. This is where you need to head toward.
The gravel path ends and you need to take up the grassy path that leads to a little wooden bridge. Cross a pebbly stream and from here, the walk becomes ever so slightly more difficult, as you head up the rocky fellside in order to reach the pools. Be aware that the ground can be boggy in places at this point.
The first pool you reach is the infinity pool, where you can swim to the edge and admire the views. Obviously the most popular choice for walkers and was already taken when we arrived. Not letting it stop us or the spaniels, a little further up there are a number of smaller pools that are just as good. All of the pools had crystal clear water and looked very inviting. We all enjoyed a swim together and the answer to the question you are all wondering is, YES the water was freezing and this was a warm day at the end of May. Our first wild swim of the year!
Our top tips…….
- watch out for the odd sheep
- take towels
- respect your surroundings. Clean up after your dog and take your rubbish away when you leave, then other walkers can enjoy the beauty of this place
- arrive early to beat the crowds
Spaniels By The Sea 
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