Day 4 - Tuesday 11th September

Braithwaite to Buttermere
12.5 miles, 7 1/2 hours (including pub visits)


About the day

There wasn't a cloud in the sky as we set off from Braithwaite. From outside the B&B we had a view towards the hills surrounding the Coledale valley.






Leaving Braithwaite we walked passed some pretty vine covered outbuildings.



We then followed the long track leading up Coledale valley to the Force Crag mine buildings.






From here we crossed Coledale beck and began the steep climb up to Coledale Hause.





Paths radiate out from here heading up to the surrounding peaks. Looking back we could see Skiddaw and Blencathra in the distance.


Our path headed down into Gasgale Gill alongside some waterfalls. The path here was quite worn in places.




The valley is very pretty, carpeted with heather and lots of small tumbling waterfalls as the Liza Beck makes its way down. The combination of sunshine, smell of heather and sound of water made this a very enjoyable part of the walk. Towards the end there were a few sections of path where some scrambling was needed.








Eventually the valley opened out with views over Crummock Water towards Mellbreak and Loweswater Fell.


We then reached the next pub of the walk.



18) Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater - 2:30pm

A cosy welcoming pub. A good selection of their own Loweswater Beer. Good views from the garden.





The final section of the walk today followed the shore of Crummock Water. By now the cloud had dropped and was covering parts of the valley we had descended.


We then reached Buttermere and found our accommodation - Buttermere Youth Hostel. Here we had our own room.




For the evening we had two further pubs to visit.



19) Bridge Hotel, Buttermere - 6:30pm

An interesting old building, however very quiet. Good basic pub food.




20) Fish Hotel, Buttermere - 7:45pm

A large bustling open plan bar. A good range of beer.