This gentler Lake District walk is perfect to save for your next sunset adventure

Start: Honister Slate Mine

Distance: 3 miles out and back, with other routes available

Elevation: 925 feet

Duration: 1-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy with gentle elevation gain

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file

About the route

If you're familiar with the Lake District, you’ve likely come across the famous view from Warnscale Bothy—a stunning glimpse over Buttermere Lake that’s perfect for catching a sunset. Warnscale is one of only a handful of bothies in the Lake District, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet, off-the-grid retreat.

Nestled near the peaceful shores of Buttermere, the bothy offers more than just shelter; it rewards hikers with panoramic views and a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the region. Whether you're stopping by for the day or spending a night, it’s an unmissable spot for any adventurer.

Route difficulty

Walk type: Easy out and back with some elevation gain

Parking: Honnister Slate mine or Gatesgarth

Walk highlights:

Warnscale Bothy, The ‘picture perfect’ window in the Lake District
Beautiful view over Buttermere and Crummock Water
Honister Slate Mine (optional adventure)
2x bothies you can stay in, for free!
Superb spot for sunset

Route highlights

Honister Slate Mine

If you visit for sunset, you have time to to get a bit of thrill seeking in at Honister before you head off and watch the sun dip behind the fells. Here, you have the chance to tackle the longest high-wire bridge in Europe, the Honister Infinity Bridge, which offers a thrilling walk high above the valley floor. For those seeking even more adventure, the Via Ferrata provides an exhilarating climbing experience along the cliffs, complete with stunning views of the Lake District’s breathtaking scenery. Afterward, you can join a guided tour of the mine to learn about its rich history and the slate extraction process.

Warnscale Bothy

Warnscale Bothy is one of those hidden gems that offers more than first meets the eye. Tucked away in the hills above Buttermere, the bothy itself might look a bit unassuming—a small, rugged stone shelter that blends into the landscape. But step inside, and you’re greeted with one of the most breathtaking views the Lake District has to offer. Through the perfectly framed window, you’ll see the expansive vista of Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water, stretching out across the valley. It’s an unbeatable spot for watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden hues over the water and surrounding peaks.

Staying at the bothy

The hike to Warnscale Bothy is equally rewarding, following a path that meanders alongside waterfalls and hidden pools. Though it requires a bit of effort to reach, the experience is well worth it, especially for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. Spending a night here, with just the crackle of a fire and that iconic view, feels like stepping back in time—a simple, yet unforgettable adventure that leaves you longing for another visit. Be sure to pack extra snacks and a hot drink to enjoy while you watch the sunset—it’s one of those moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

Options to extend the route

You have the option to tag a few Wainwrights on to the hike too, and really make a day of it. Adding the haystacks onto the hike would make it a nice circular and a good day out in the fells.

Where is Warnscale Bothy?

Warnscale Bothy is nestled in the picturesque Lake District, specifically near the village of Buttermere in Cumbria, England. This charming bothy is one of only a handful of bothies in the region, offering stunning views over Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water. It’s situated on the slopes of Fleetwith Pike and is accessible via several hiking routes, with popular starting points being Gatesgarth or Honister Slate Mine. The bothy itself serves as a cosy spot for adventurers looking to rest, with basic amenities including a wood-burning stove and sleeping areas. It's a fantastic place to stay overnight and soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding fells.

Getting to the starting point

Arriving by car

This route starts from the National Trust car park, which is located behind the YHA Youth Hostel, just before reaching the Honister Slate Mine. It's free to members and to non-members, there is a small charge. Out of the two routes you can choose from, this route is the easiest, in terms of both a smaller ascent and also ease of finding the bothy.

Public transport

To reach Honister Slate Mine by public transport, you can take the 77 or 77A bus from Keswick, which operates during the summer season and travels through the scenic Honister Pass. This bus connects well with other routes, like the X4 and X5, allowing for easier access from surrounding towns.

✔️ Good to knows

Difficulty: This walk has gentle climbs for the first 1.5 miles, with some steep ascents and rocky paths.

Food and drink: You'll find the Honister Slate Mine café at the start of your journey, offering a range of food and drink options to fuel your hike. It’s a great spot to grab a bite before or after your adventure.

Parking: Parking is available at Honister Slate Mine, which serves as a convenient starting point for the hike to Warnscale Bothy. Parking is £5 all day, or free for Honister customers.

🧭 Following the route

I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.

WARNSCALE BOTHY HIKE, LAKE DISTRICT