Buttermere to Bleaberry Tarn & Dodd (Buttermere)
Buttermere
The walk from Buttermere up to Bleaberry Tarn is one of the most popular routes in the area. It provides a bird’s eye view of the lake and as you get gain more height the entirety of Crummock Water also comes into view. Most people taking this route will be heading up to Red Pike and then onwards along the ridge of fells that run between Buttermere and Ennerdale.
However, for children and those who are less experienced, there is the option to go to the tarn and then to the summit of Dodd (Buttermere), a fell that is not to be confused with Dodd above Bassenthwaite. The route is about a mile and a half there, making a round trip around three-miles. However, don’t let the short distance fool you. There is around 500 metres to ascend, making this walk unsuitable for younger children who would struggle with the climb.
Quick Facts
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 3-4 hours with children
Terrain: Steeped stepped rocky path for most of the route
Suitable For: Children aged 8+
Parking: Two pay and display car parks in Buttermere: National Trust & Lake District National Park Authority
Facilities: Toilets, two pubs, and two cafés in Buttermere.
The Start of the Walk – Buttermere
The Gate Leading to the Lake Path, Dodd Summit Directly Ahead
The walk begins in Buttermere. Whilst there are a large number of parking spaces in the village, it’s worth noting that during peak seasons the car parks and surrounding roads can fill up. During these times, it’s best to get to the village before 10am. If you have parked in the National Trust car park, then walk down the hill to the village and turn right by the Bridge Hotel.
Go straight on and head towards the gate that is on the left hand side of the Fish Inn. If you have parked in the LDNPA car park then head back out of the car park and walk around the Fish Inn to find the gate. Through the gate there is a track that leads down to the lake. You will be able to see the summit of Dodd directly ahead of you.
The Lake
Buttermere
Follow the track as it goes in between farm fields. There are usually Herdwicks grazing here. The track turns sharply left, and then straight again before reaching another turn. At the turning, go past the gate on your right that leads onto another track (and up to Scale Bridge and Crummock Water) and continue on the main track, turning right. You will see another gate straight ahead of you and beyond that you will find the shore of Buttermere.
Sourmilk Gill
The Bridge Over Sourmilk Gill
Once at the lake, turn right and you will see the falls of Sourmilk Gill ahead of you. Cross over the first, larger footbridge that traverses Buttermere Dubs. You can then veer left to go over a second, smaller bridge (crossing the base of Sourmilk Gill) and through a gate that leads onto the lower lakeside path before immediately veering right to join the higher lakeside path.
Alternatively, after crossing the first bridge go straight up to the gate next to the waterfall and cross the footbridge there that goes over Sourmilk Gill. This gives a much better view of the falls. After crossing the bridge go through the gate and you will be on the higher lakeside path.
The Ascent Through the Woodland
The Gate at the Top of the Woodland
Just beyond the gate onto the higher lakeside path there is a turning on the right. This takes you onto a stepped path that rises steeply through the woodland. It is from here that you will start to feel the strain on your legs as you quickly gain height.
The path is mostly stepped from here on in, but do be careful, especially in wet weather when rocks can be slippery. After around 300-metres you will reach the end of the woodland, marked by a fence. There is a gate to go through that takes you out onto the open fell.
Climbing up the Fell Side
The View of Buttermere & Fleetwith Pike from the Path
Once through the gate the path can be found on your right. Again, it continues to rise steeply up the side of the fell, but this time with no trees to obscure the view. As you gain height above the tree tops, you will be able to see the whole of Buttermere and the surrounding fells.
The path on this section does largely consist of steps built from rocks and boulders and there are small streams that criss-cross it as it zig-zags up the fell. As a result, it can be slippery and some scrambling maybe required at times.
The Top of Sourmilk Gill
The View of Crummock Water Near the Top of Sourmilk Gill
After a lengthy steep climb you will notice that the path starts to veer right and level out, presenting a delightful view of Crummock Water. You will now be approaching the top of Sourmilk Gill and it will shortly be visible from the path. The path now ascends up once more, this time alongside the waterfalls. At the top of the falls, the path levels out and you will find yourself on a fairly level plain with the summits of Red Pike and High Stile in the distance.
Bleaberry Tarn
The Tarn
The path continues straight on but it is less clear and muddy at times. There is a wall running parallel on the right hand side a short distance away, so providing you are following the same direction of the wall you will be fine.
You will then need to cross over Sourmilk Gill, which is now little more than a small stream, and the path takes you to a point where there are boulders you can use to cross it. Beyond the stream, just over a small mound, you will find Bleaberry Tarn. Overlooked by the ridge between Red Pike and High Stile, this a lovely place to stop for a picnic before tackling the final ascent.
The Path to Dodd
Bleaberry Tarn as Seen from the Path to Dodd
To begin the ascent of Dodd, look to your right as you stand facing the tarn with your back to the path that you arrived on. You will see a path leading up the fell side towards Red Pike that can be identified by the distinctive red-brown scree at its summit.
Join this path by crossing the remains of a dry stonewall. The rocky path ascends steeply with Red Pike in the distance on your left and the summit of Dodd ahead on the right. Do make sure you look back to take in the view of the tarn.
Dodd Summit & the Return
Looking Towards Newlands Valley from the Summit
After a couple of hundred metres, look out for a small path on your right that leads towards Dodd. Take this narrow path and it leads along the side of the fell and then up to a junction in the path. Turn right here onto a wide grassy track that leads directly to the summit of Dodd.
Once at the summit, do take care as you are quite exposed to the prevailing winds. The views are spectacular. Crummock Water lies to the north and beyond it the Loweswater Fells, Cockermouth, and the Solway Coast are visible on a clear day.
To the north west, Grasmoor and Robinson are in the near distance, whilst further afield you can see into the Newlands Valley and beyond to Blencathra. Fleetwith Pike and Honister Pass can be spotted in the east, with the Borrowdale fells visible in the distance if it is clear. The remainder of the view is obscured by the summits of Red Pike and High Stile.
The more adventurous amongst you may like to bag the summit of Red Pike before you retrace your steps to return to Buttermere. However, the path to Red Pike is largely consistent of loose scree and not suitable for inexperienced children.