The Lake District is one of the busiest national parks in England and finding a quiet place for a naturist walk is always problematic. A lot of the higher fells are less frequented and I am sure that if you want a fairly strenuous walk Geoff Webster could give you lots of information on the best places. Two of the lakes nearest to me are Buttermere and Crummock. Buttermere is extremely popular with walkers and tourists and families and is not in any way naturist friendly, unless you visit very early or quite late in the day. The public pay and display car park, behind the Bridge Hotel in Buttermere Village gives access to the path that runs between Buttermere and Crummock Water. There is also a National Park car park a few hundred yards outside the village.
Crummock Walk from Buttermere
After leaving the car park, or walking past the Bridge Hotel from the road if you are on the National Trust car park, the path leads down towards the lakes. After a few hundred yards there is a right hand turn to Crummock Water and Scale Force waterfall. Cross the old Stone Bridge and turn right onto the path around the lake. The Bridge is a nice quiet place to remove your clothes and turn naturist. I have seen printed signs attached to the gate just past the bridge saying “You may see naked hikers in this area”. so the area is obviously used by other naturists. The path alongside the lake is rocky and uneven so care is needed along with stout boots, however for most of the way it is also possible to walk on the grass slope above the path. The path is also prone to flooding after heavy rain as the rain sheets off the slope. The walks alongside the lake provide stunning views with plenty of places to stop for snacks and to take pictures. Further along the lake is the path to Scale Force waterfall, the falls are about two and a half miles from Buttermere so a five mile walk in total. The lower Fall is quite accessible but the ground is very boggy in places for most of the year. The higher Fall is not much further on but the access is very rocky and uneven and needs great care. However if you take the trouble the view is spectacular and the plunge pool gives the chance for an ice cold skinny dip :-). The cafe and the pub back at Buttermere are a welcome stop to warm up, drink and have a meal.
Crummock Forest Path
The usual approach to Crummock and Buttermere is along the B5289 from Cockermouth. This road runs alongside the lake,below Grasmoor Fell, eventually turning into the Honister Pass beyond Buttermere. There are lots of pull-in spaces, sometimes only big enough for one car but there are also three larger gravel car parks. The first one is on the right just as you come to the head of the Lake, quite obvious near some buildings, and the second is on the left towards the end of the Lake . The first car park offers easy access to the lakeside through a swinging gate, as do most of the ‘pull-ins’ on the right hand side of the road, as you head towards Buttermere. The Paths leading to the lake are short but sometimes steep but once next to the water the way is level and provides a beautifully serene, usually quiet, walk next to the water. Walking as a naturist is always pleasant but on a calm sunny day strolling next to a quiet lake through the trees is truly magical. The reflections of the fells in the water enhances the scene immensely. Bring a towel and complete the day with a skinny dip.
Kayaking
You are allowed to kayak or canoe on Crummock and Buttermere but you must obtain a permit from the National Trust. These are available from Lanthewaite Wood (CA13 0RT) or Buttermere (CA13 9UZ) car parks. I haven’t tried this myself yet. You would need to do some research as to the best launching point. I believe this is near the second two car parks. Nude kayaking anyone?
