Top 16 Gorges around Buttermere

The Buttermere area is renowned for its dramatic gills and ravines, offering exciting ghyll scrambling and canyoning experiences. Among the most popular are Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls, which features over 2 kilometers to explore with pools and waterfalls to climb. Another favorite is Black Moss Pot, known for its deep pool and opportunities to jump from a 15-foot cliff. For a more challenging scramble, Foxes Rake (Foxes Tarn Gully) offers a route between Scafell Pike and Sca Fell with waterfalls.

Yes, several options are suitable for families. Sour Milk Gill, easily accessible from Buttermere village, offers a pleasant and leisurely walk to its base, which is generally considered pushchair-friendly, though it can be bumpy. Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls also has a main path that follows the ghyll, which is rocky but suitable for all ages, with kids often enjoying the scramble to the tarn at the top.

You'll encounter a variety of stunning natural features. The area is characterized by dramatic gills (narrow, steep-sided valleys), impressive waterfalls like Scale Force (the highest in the Lake District) and Sour Milk Gill, and deep pools such as Black Moss Pot. You'll also find lush greenery, towering cliffs, and picturesque views of surrounding fells like Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.

The best time to visit is generally during drier periods to ensure safer conditions for scrambling and exploring. While the waterfalls are most impressive after heavy rainfall, this can also make paths slippery and increase water levels, posing safety concerns for activities like ghyll scrambling. Summer months are popular for swimming in spots like Black Moss Pot, as the water is warmer.

Yes, there are excellent spots for wild swimming. Black Moss Pot is a popular swimming spot on Langstrath Beck, featuring a deep, crystal-clear pool where visitors can climb down rocks or jump from a 15-foot cliff. Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls also has deep pools suitable for jumping into.

Reaching Scale Force involves a scenic walk from Buttermere village, typically taking about an hour each way along Crummock Water's shores. While there are several paths, getting close to the base may require scrambling over a large, often mossy, boulder. A safer viewpoint is available from a nearby footbridge, where you can still appreciate the roar of the water.

Beyond ghyll scrambling and canyoning, the Buttermere area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy various waterfall hikes, including routes to Scale Force and Sour Milk Gill. There are also numerous road cycling routes and mountain biking trails that explore the stunning Lake District landscape around Buttermere.

For experienced adventurers seeking a challenge, Foxes Rake (Foxes Tarn Gully) offers a scramble route between Scafell Pike and Sca Fell, following a stream with waterfalls. Another notable challenging route is Lord's Rake, a grade 1 scramble accessed by dropping down from Mickledore saddle, which requires care and confidence.

The Buttermere Circuit is a popular circular walk around Buttermere Lake, approximately 4.5 miles long. Sour Milk Gill is a notable landmark on this circuit, as it tumbles out of Bleaberry Tarn and flows into Buttermere, making it easily visible and accessible from the path.

Visitors particularly enjoy the adventurous nature of the gills, with many finding the ghyll scrambling and gorge walking experiences exhilarating. The opportunity to explore pools, climb waterfalls, and jump into deep, clear water, as found at Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls and Black Moss Pot, is a major draw. The secluded beauty and impressive height of waterfalls like Scale Force also leave a lasting impression.

Yes, safety is paramount. Routes like Foxes Rake can be very slippery, especially after rain, and you should be prepared to get wet. For more adventurous scrambles like Lord's Rake, it's recommended for confident and sure-footed hikers, ideally tackled in clear weather. Always be aware of changing weather conditions, as heavy rainfall can significantly impact water levels and path safety.

While specific parking details for each gill are not provided here, Buttermere village serves as a common starting point for many walks, including those to Scale Force and Sour Milk Gill. Parking facilities are typically available in or near the village, though it's advisable to check local signage and conditions, especially during peak seasons.