River
Buttermere Pools
Photos of Buttermere Pools
Plan your swim
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Write a reviewAbout
Collection to beautiful plunge pools up warnscale beck south of Buttermere. If someone is in the first one keeping going up the hill once your in you’ll feel you have the place to yourself!
Location
Getting there
Park at Garthgate farm car park for £4. As you exit the car park head left up Honister Pass for around 100m until you see a path to the right, signposted Honister House. Then just follow the the path until you get to a little bridge and then head up the hill to the pools!
Accessibility
It’s very rocky in parts and you will need to scramble into the pools so aqua shoes will help.
What swimmers say
Activities
Help verify this spot
Sign in to help verify details about this spot.
Been here recently?
Share conditions, tips, or hazards to help other swimmers plan their visit to Buttermere Pools.
Frequently asked questions
Is this river safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for current flow rate and recent rainfall. Rivers can become dangerous after heavy rain. Review community reports for hazards like weirs, strong currents, or access issues.
How cold is the water?
Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. River temperatures respond quickly to weather changes. In the UK, expect 5-10°C in winter and 15-20°C in summer at most locations.
What should I bring?
A tow float, shoes with grip for slippery banks, and warm layers for after. Water shoes protect against rocks and debris on the riverbed.
What should I know before swimming here?
Check recent rainfall. Rivers rise fast after heavy rain. Never swim in fast-flowing or flooded water. Test entry/exit before you commit. River banks can be undercut. Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing. Watch for submerged obstacles like branches, weirs, and rocks. Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.