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Location
Gatesgarth Farm (Grid Ref NY 1943 1499) Cockermouth CA13 9XA
Could there be a more perfect location for an outdoors festival? Occupying an idyllic position at the eastern end of Buttermere, Gatesgarth Farm is surrounded by famous Lakeland fells including High Stile, Robinson, Buttermere Fell and Fleetwith Pike, and the journey in via the Honister Pass is an adventure all in itself!
Buttermere itself is one of the most pristine lakes in the Lake District, and is a favourite among wild swimmers due to boats being prohibited, and the numerous places that you can safely enter and leave the water. Base Campers can access the water directly from the festival site, with the shore just a couple of minutes’ stroll from your tent. Please visit our Protecting Buttermere page for information on keeping the lake clean.
For walkers and runners there’s scores of superb trails to explore in the Buttermere area, from the gentle, 4.5km round-the-lake path, to numerous more challenging forays into the surrounding fells, including the High Stile range, Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks, Pillar and many many more. Best of all, many can be accessed directly from the footpath that runs through the festival site. Head to www.osmaps.com for more info on local walks.
For climbers, the crags overlooking Buttermere are accessed directly from the festival site and include High Crag, Eagle Crag, Grey Crag and Sheepbone Buttress. Head to www.ukclimbing.com for more info on local crags and climbing routes.
Rain or shine, we've got you covered. Our large Base Camp hub is made up of several giant hat tipis. You'll also find shade/protection from rain under our large stretch tent, one of the many breakaway tipis, or in our covered market area.
Directions to Gatesgarth Farm
BY ROAD
From Keswick:
From Keswick, the B5289 takes you all the way to Gatesgarth Farm. During the journey you will drive along the eastern shores of Derwentwater before ascending into the Honister Pass where careful driving is required. After reaching the Honister slate mine, there is a steep and windy descent down to Buttermere.
From Cockermouth:
A flatter journey than that from Keswick, the roads on this route are still narrow in places, so care must be exercised. Take the B5292 out of Cockermouth and follow until the turn-off for Buttermere, which takes you onto the B2589. Drive along the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere itself before arriving at Gatesgarth Farm at the eastern end of the lake.
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BY BUS
National Express runs coaches to Lancaster, Penrith and Carlisle where you can catch an onward bus connections into the Lake District.
From Keswick: 77 and 77A
From Cockermouth: 77C (some services only run on Saturdays and Sundays)
BY TRAIN
The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme (near Kendal), Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. A direct train runs from Manchester to Windermere. Local trains from Oxenholme call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.