Rannerdale bluebells at the foot of Rannerdale Knotts

Rannerdale Knotts

Route: Rannerdale bluebells and Rannerdale Knotts

Area: Western Lake District 

Date of walk: 6th May 2026

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 4.3 miles

Ascent: 1,000 feet

Weather: Sunny 

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. Early to mid-May is usually the best time. Our timing was good today, as they were at their peak

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. We’d been planning to descend towards Buttermere and walk back along the other side of Rannerdale Knotts but, having ascended so far, it seemed a waste of effort not to carry on to the summit of the fell which is easily reached from here. 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. Along the way it was good to bump into two regular followers of this site –  lovely to chat to you, Marie and Caroline. We then carried on to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts. The descent to Crummock Water is very steep in places. We normally climb up the fell this way, as the path is easier to ascend than descend, and anyone following the walk may prefer to reverse the direction of travel. 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 our 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

Rannerdale Knotts is a superb little fell at any time of year, click here for an alternative route when the bluebells are not in flower

For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box

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