Everything You Need To Know About Buttermere Infinity Pool

Tucked high above the calm waters of Buttermere lies a pool that’s become a bit of a legend.

The Buttermere Infinity Pool shot to fame on social media, and for once the hype is completely deserved. Imagine standing ankle-deep in crystal-clear water with the whole valley stretched out beneath you, it feels like the edge of the world.

But here’s the secret few people realise: the “Infinity Pool” is only one of several pools that scatter the upper valley.

Climb a little further and you’ll find others, smaller, quieter, each with its own character. Some glow turquoise when the light hits just right; one hides at the base of a narrow rock canyon where water tumbles into a tiny plunge pool. It’s a wild-swimming dream in miniature.

If you love exploring wild water, this corner of the Lake District is heaven. Every few minutes you’ll pass another natural dip spot, each different enough to make you stop again.

How to visit Buttermere Infinity Pool

The route to the Buttermere Infinity Pool is surprisingly gentle. Most of the path is smooth and well-maintained, meandering through open valley scenery.

Only the last couple of hundred metres turn rustic, a short climb up a stony track that leads straight to the pool’s ledge.

Further up the valley the ground gets steeper and softer underfoot, with the odd boggy patch after rain.

But none of the pools are far apart, and each step rewards you with another view or hidden waterfall. It’s one of those walks where you keep thinking, just one more corner, and before you know it an hour’s gone.

There are no signposts or markers, which is part of what keeps the area feeling untouched.

The exact co-ordinates, safe parking areas, nearest places to stay for the night, and places to eat nearby are available only in the UK Hidden Gems App.

🗺️ Unlock the real location. Discover how to reach the Buttermere Infinity Pool safely and responsibly, plus 2,000+ other secret UK spots. Download the UK Hidden Gems App today.

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The hike 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. 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 sizeable waterfall that you can see in the distance as the track rounds a corner.

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.

Swimming at the 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buttermere Infinity Pool

Where exactly is the Buttermere Infinity Pool located?

It’s tucked high above Buttermere village on the lower slopes of Fleetwith Pike in the Lake District. The pool overlooks the valley and Crummock Water below, but it’s not signposted. The exact GPS pin are available inside the UK Hidden Gems App.

How long does it take to walk to the Infinity Pool?

From Buttermere village, the walk usually takes 45-60 minutes each way at a steady pace. Most of the path is easy underfoot, with a short, rocky climb at the end. You’ll want good boots and a camera for the view.

Can you swim in the Buttermere Infinity Pool?

Yes, but it’s a wild mountain pool, so the water is very cold, even in summer. The pool is shallow and rocky, so enter carefully, never dive, and always respect the landscape.

What’s the best time to visit Buttermere Infinity Pool?

Go early in the morning or near sunset on a calm day for mirror-still reflections. The pool looks most photogenic after rainfall, when it’s fuller and the surrounding fells glow green.

Why isn’t the location shared publicly?

To protect the land from erosion and overcrowding. The pool sits on fragile fellside terrain, and keeping the coordinates private helps preserve its wild beauty. Verified visitors can access the full route safely via the UK Hidden Gems App.

Click to view the app!

Why we protect the location

We love sharing the UK’s hidden gems, but we also protect them. The Infinity Pool sits on private farmland and fragile ground. In recent years, too many online posts have led to overcrowding, erosion, and even littering.

By sharing the exact coordinates only inside our app, we can:

• Make sure people follow the right path.

• Limit crowding by keeping the audience smaller and more responsible.

• Educate visitors about local rules and access rights.

That’s how this place stays beautiful for years to come. When you visit, please:

• Stick to marked trails.

• Leave gates as you find them.

• Take rubbish home.

• Don’t fly drones near wildlife or livestock.

Every small choice helps keep this pool wild. The below image shows the nearest parking, staycation and place to eat near Buttermere Infinity Pool, all available inside our app.

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Download the official APP!

Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our iOS app on the App Store. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.