A cross-valley walk - Buttermere to Seatoller
A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Lake District starting and finishing in Cumbria, England, about 17.10km (10.63 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 7:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
975m (3198ft)
Descent
968m (3175ft)
Max. Elevation
870m (2854ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1943m (6373ft)
Start
Buttermere
End
Seatoller
Distance
17.10km
(10.63mi)
(10.63mi)
Duration
~7:45h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
From March to October, the extensive Lake District bus network opens up (almost) all corners of the park to walkers. While it is easy to head up the famous peaks, the real joy is found in starting in one valley, getting up high and finishing somewhere else. This route is a classic - from Buttermere, head over Red Pike, High Stile, Hay Stacks and Great Gable before finishing in Seatoller. With most of the day spent up high, there's no better way to explore the western fells.
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Waypoints
OS Grid NY175169
Take the Honister Rambler to Buttermere. Ask for a day ticket that will enable you to go home from Seatoller.
OS Grid NY173163
Take the path across the fields to Burtness Woods. It then climbs steeply through the woods.
About 0.59 km (~0.37 miles) from 
OS Grid NY165154
The path meets Sourmilk Gill and heads on to Bleaberry Tarn - one of the great viewpoints around Buttermere. Worthy of a flapjack moment.
About 1.17 km (~0.73 miles) from 
OS Grid NY160153
First top of the day is Red Pike. From here, it's many joyous hours of high-level walking.
About 0.57 km (~0.35 miles) from 
OS Grid NY169147
Follow the distinct, but well-maintained (by the National Trust) path along the crest of the ridge to High Stile.
About 1.08 km (~0.67 miles) from 
OS Grid NY180139
From High Crag, there's a bit of a drop down to Scarth Gap ....
About 1.38 km (~0.86 miles) from 
OS Grid NY194131
... and a spiriting climb back up to Hay Stacks. From Hay Stacks, continue heading southeast to Blackbeck Tarn.
About 1.55 km (~0.96 miles) from 
OS Grid NY215119
The flatter ground leads to Brandreth, the high point of the ground around Grey Knotts. Take the path (again well trodden) towards Green Gable.
About 2.40 km (~1.49 miles) from 
OS Grid NY215106
The classic 'little brother' hill of the Lakes - 801m, but vastly overshadowed by big brother to the southwest.
About 1.27 km (~0.79 miles) from 
OS Grid NY211103
One of the Lakes' classic tops, and the final high point of the day, which weary group members may be pleased to hear. From the summit, there is a direct path down to Styhead Tarn, but if you can manage it, take the southwest path to visit Napes Needle.
About 0.53 km (~0.33 miles) from 
OS Grid NY209099
A monument in the world of UK climbing - many of the early climbers honed their skills on this striking finger of rock. Head past the needle towards Styhead Tarn.
About 0.50 km (~0.31 miles) from 
OS Grid NY221099
At Styhead, a bridleway follows the gill down towards Seathwaite.
About 1.23 km (~0.76 miles) from 
OS Grid NY229109
You'll need little excuse for a stop by this stage, so take a moment to enjoy the majestic Taylorgill Force waterfall.
About 1.20 km (~0.75 miles) from 
OS Grid NY235121
The hamlet of Seathwaite sits at the southern end of the valley. Pick up the Allerdale Ramble path , rather than walking along the road.
About 1.40 km (~0.87 miles) from 
SeatollerOS Grid NY245137
Finish at Seatoller for the bus home or, even better, get the bus tomorrow and spend a night camping in this beautiful valley.
About 1.90 km (~1.18 miles) from 
