Route: Rannerdale bluebells and Rannerdale Knotts
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 30th April 2025
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 4.3 miles
Ascent: 1,000 feet
Weather: Sunny and very warm
The Rannerdale bluebells are a spectacle which we try to see every year. They are very unusual in that they grow on open fellside instead of their usual woodland habitat, and they tend to flower a little later than their woodland cousins. Mid-May is usually the best time, but an unusually dry sunny spell has made them come into flower a little earlier this year
This is a very popular place in season and I recommend an early start. We parked in a small car park at Cinderdale Common and followed a path in the direction of Rannerdale Knotts. After about 10 minutes we passed through a gate to enter into the bluebell area, a wonderful sight – and scent. The path through the bluebells has been roped off by the National Trust in recent years to prevent trampling. We followed the obvious path to the foot of Rannerdale Knotts
We continued up the valley for a short distance and then crossed the footbridge over Squat Beck. We turned left here to continue up the valley into High Rannerdale. Near the valley head we turned sharp right to climb up to the ridge leading to Rannerdale Knotts. There were lovely retrospective views over Buttermere along the undulating ridge, which we followed as far as the summit of Rannerdale Knotts. We then set off on the steep descent back to valley level. We normally climb up the fell this way, as it’s a steep path and easier to ascend than descend. Having reached the Buttermere road we followed it for a few yards before heading back into Rannerdale. On arriving at Squat Beck we rejoined our original path and from here we retraced out steps back to the start
IMPORTANT NOTE: I’ve been asked by the National Trust (North Lakes) to add this message to my post, and I do so willingly in order to try and help safeguard this wonderful display:
“Rannerdale’s bluebells are renowned as a natural wonder, beloved of visitors and photographers; however, they are being ‘loved to death’. Once the plants are damaged by trampling they can’t photosynthesise enough energy and it can take them years to recover. Over the last 5 years, nearly 25% of the bluebells have been lost. To save the bluebells, and access to them, the National Trust are asking visitors to fight the urge to get in amongst the flowers and just simply stick to the path. Only by protecting them today can we ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy this special spring display in the future.”
Could I please ask anyone following this walk to comply with the message. Please also note that dogs must be kept on a lead
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
The start of the walk from the free car park at Cinderdale Common. We head towards the distinctive outline of Rannerdale Knotts...
Crummock Water on our right
Approaching the bluebell area near the foot of Rannerdale Knotts
We enter the bluebell area...
The bluebells are growing on open fellside, but there would have been woodland here many years ago
Looking into High Rannerdale, where our route will take us
Rannerdale Knotts, which we'll ascend via the ridge on the left
The last of the bluebells as we continue up the valley
We cross the footbridge over Squat Beck and turn left
We follow the path as it heads further into High Rannerdale...
A Lockheed Martin flies across the valley on a training exercise
Another noisy flier, a stonechat chattering away on a fence post
We pass by an old sheepfold
Beyond the sheepfold we leave the valley path and turn right to climb up the ridge to Rannerdale Knotts
Having gained the ridge line, we look back to Buttermere
Crummock Water on either side of the ridge leading to Rannerdale Knotts
The head of Crummock Water
We clamber up the first of the knotts
The head of Crummock Water again, much in my thoughts in view of the plan by United Utilities to reduce the level of the lake by 4 feet 6 inches
Buttermere again
Looking back along the ridge as we climb up to the summit
We arrive at the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, marked by a small cairn
The start of the descent in the direction of Crummock Water and Mellbreak
Looking across to the foot of Crummock Water
Looking down to Hause Point and the Buttermere road
The path briefly heads towards the head of Crummock Water, with Buttermere beyond. These once formed a single lake
The Buttermere road below. This would make for a shorter way back to the start but we preferred to head back into Rannerdale...
We enter the bluebell area again - spelt 'Rannadale' on the sign
The pointed outline of Whiteless Pike
More Rannerdale bluebells
We arrive back at Squat Beck and cross over the bridge again, retracing our steps and enjoying the views of the bluebells for a second time...
A couple of days later, a female pied flycatcher in the garden, where a pair are nesting. These birds are on UK Amber list for conservation status
