| The village of Buttermere stands at the north western end of the lake, and beyond this is Buttermere's twin, Crummock Water. |
| On the west is the River Cocker and its headwaters, passing through the lakes of Buttermere and Crummock Water. |
| The smaller settlements of Brackenthwaite, to the north of Crummock Water, and Gatesgarth, at the foot of the Honister Pass, are included. |
| It is the highest peak in a group of hills between the villages of Lorton, Braithwaite and Buttermere, and overlooks Crummock Water. |
| Grasmoor is distinguished by its steep western flank, dropping dramatically to Crummock Water. |
| Buttermere is situated on the B5289 road that runs beside Crummock Water and along the valley of the River Cocker north to Cockermouth. |
