If you've been following UK Hidden Gems for a while, it's safe to say that the Buttermere Infinity Pool has received a lot of attention during 2022. And rightly so! What's not to love about it? The water is glisteningly clear, and there are stunning views of Buttermere from this idyllic location.
It might have more visitors than last year, but if you go at the right time, you'll have it all to yourself (ideal for that iconic Instagram posing photo!). Since the COVID lockdowns, unique hidden gems such as the Buttermere Infinity Pool have been discovered and shared across social media, which isn't necessary a bad thing considering the grief it can sometimes bring!
So if you want to visit Buttermere's iconic infinity pool this summer, keep reading to learn how to get to one of the best wild swimming locations in the UK!
How to get to Buttermere Infinity Pool
So we recommend starting from one of the nearest (less-busier) car parks which is The Gatesgarth Farm parking lot (the postcode is CA13 9XA). It's worth noting that the parking isn't free, it costs around £4 for 24 hours. Though you would have to walk further and it would be difficult to find a spot on weekends and during school breaks, you could try to park for free close to Buttermere village.
From Gatesgarth Farm, turn left along Honister Pass in which you'll see a sign for Honister House on the right after around 150 meters. Follow the obvious and well-kept trail as it ascends this gravel path.
With views of Haystacks and Buttermere Lake in the distance, the surroundings are breath-taking. The infinity pool is located near a sizable waterfall that you can see in the distance as the track rounds a corner. After 1.3 kilometres, a grassy path will be visible on your right. The small bridge you can see ahead is where you should go after taking this path.
Once you get there, cross the bridge and proceed across a second, unbridged stream. The infinity pool at Buttermere is only 100 meters away from the turnoff for the pool if you continue up the now more difficult path. The only portion that is significantly uphill is the final few hundred meters from the wooden bridge to the pool, but it doesn't take long.
Swimming at Buttermere Infinity Pool
It's really simple to get to the pool (much easier than the Thirlmere Infinity Pool thats for sure! You can use a tier-like ledge on the left side, but it is a little slippery because it's damp, but it's still manageable. To enter from the other side, you can cross the grass behind the pool. You can descend very gently by stepping on the rocks on the eastern side of the pool.
The infinity pool at Buttermere is stunning. The water is glisteningly clear and took on a light green hue when exposed to the sun. Behind it is a decent-sized waterfall that would be a great place to take a dip even without the view.
The cherry on top is the view of course! You know the famous one you see in all those Instagram photos, which encompasses a breath-taking valley, fells, and Buttermere Lake. The water is surprisingly warm, so if you go swimming there on a hot day in the sun, it will feel refreshing rather than icy cold like at some of the other local wild swimming spots.
This location's only drawback is its small pool and tendency to get crowded on sunny weekends and during school breaks. Having the pool to yourself is where the magic happens (similar to the below photo!).
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since COVID-19 is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
There is a greater chance of litter because the infinity pool is becoming more and more popular and receives more and more visitors. Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the park, it will help keep the area tidy.
Our final thoughts on Buttermere Infinity Pool
It's safe to say this is one of the best infinity pools in the Lake District. You may even stretch it to one of the best in the UK! However, with its increased social media awareness, unfortunately its no doubt that this gem will be filled with crowds in no time.
If you do end up going, please leave no trace and respect the area, as well as the locals! Let us know in the comments below if you've ever been to the Buttermere Infinity Pool and what your thoughts are of it!
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