If Christmas and New Year have left you feeling frazzled and worn out, then a January getaway can be just the thing to recharge your batteries. Visiting somewhere with a slower pace of life and picturesque landscapes is a brilliant way to destress and inspire you for the year ahead.
You don’t have to travel far for a tranquil getaway, though, as there are peaceful locations you can visit on our doorstep which are guaranteed to nourish your soul. The Lake District has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and it’s only a short drive from Greater Manchester.
Nestled in the north-west corner of the Lake District is the small hamlet of Buttermere, situated between the two lakes of Crummock Water and its namesake. If you’re looking for a tranquil place then this is definitely it.
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In fact, experts at Go Outdoors have even listed Buttermere Lake in one of the top five peaceful places to visit in the UK. With a crystal clear lake surrounded by majestic fells, it’s easy to see why it was selected.
Buttermere is a world away from the tourist hotspot of Windermere; there are only a few cafes and pubs in the hamlet and you won’t see dozens of boats taking to the water either. It’s this serenity which makes it so special.
Of course the Lake District is known for its walks and Buttermere provides visitors with a manageable route which still has breathtaking views. Circling the lake is a relatively flat path, around four and a half miles in total, which can be walked in a few hours.
Overlooking Buttermere are a series of fells, including Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike and Red Pike. There are several paths which will lead you from Buttermere to any one of the summits, from where you can look out and admire the lake from above.
Nearby are the waterfalls of Scale Force and Moss Force, which can both be reached on foot. For more stunning lakeside views, Crummock Water is only a stone’s throw away from Buttermere - in fact the two lakes were once one single body of water, but were separated during the last ice age.
There are several places to stay in Buttermere, including The Buttermere Court Hotel, holiday cottages and a youth hostel which also has camping facilities. If you’re just passing through then Croft House Farm Cafe and Syke Farm Tea Room are excellent for refuelling after a walk.
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