Route: Rannerdale Knotts
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 5th February 2025
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 3.0 miles
Ascent: 1,100 feet
Weather: Cloudy with sunny patches
We set off for Castle Crag this morning, but on the way there Rannerdale Knotts looked too tempting to ignore, so we decided to climb it instead. Rannerdale Knotts is one of the smallest lakeland fells, standing at the modest height of 1,160 feet. What it lacks in height it more than makes up for in its rugged mountainous character and the beauty of its surroundings
We parked in the small free National Trust car park at Hause Point. From here the ascent starts almost immediately. Within a few minutes there were lovely views over Crummock Water and Buttermere. It’s a steep climb but made much easier in recent years thanks to the addition of a rock staircase. We were soon on the north top of the fell enjoying good views over Crummock Water.
We set off along the knobbly summit ridge, clambering down a slightly awkward gully at one point. There are lovely views of both Crummock Water and Buttermere along the way. Eventually we reached an easier grassy section known as Low Bank. At the end of the ridge there’s a fork in the path and choice of return routes – either left along Rannerdale or right, along a path which heads towards Buttermere and then turns towards Crummock Water. We opted for the former today. Click here to see the alternative route and here to see the famous Rannerdale bluebells. If walking this route in May the return via Rannerdale and its bluebells is unmissable
We descended down High Rannerdale and passed by the footbridge over Squat Beck (which we didn’t cross). It just remained to walk below the crags of Rannerdale Knotts to the end of the walk near the shore of Crummock Water
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)
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The climb starts a few paces from the small car park below Rannerdale Knotts
Looking across to Crummock Water and Low Fell
We follow the stony path, which becomes a steep rock staircase further up
Rannerdale Farm beside the Buttermere road
Looking back along the path, with Mellbreak on the far side of Crummock Water
Wood House, set in a wonderful position between Crummock Water and Buttermere
Mellbreak
Looking back down our path to Hause Point
Looking north over Crummock Water
A glimpse of Loweswater in the distance
Another view back as we gain the summit ridge
Buttermere beyond the head of Crummock Water
Summit of Rannerdale Knotts, looking north
We walk along the knobbly summit area
Herdwick sheep
Looking back to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts
Buttermere below...
...and the head of Crummock Water
We descend the rocks to a grassy ridge known as Low Bank
Spotlight on Buttermere
Looking back
Further along Low Bank
We reach the end of Low Bank and the path splits - left leads into Rannerdale and right heads to Buttermere. Either can be used for the return and we decided here to opt for the former today
Descending into Rannerdale
Low Fell beyond Crummock Water
The start of a gentle descent along Rannerdale...
We reach the valley floor and follow the path beside the dry stone wall
Looking back along Squat Beck
We pass through this gate to enter into the bluebell area, which will be a sea of blue in May
Looking up to Whiteless Pike as we pass (but don't cross) the footbridge over Squat Beck
The shapely outline of Whiteless Pike again
We follow the path below the crags of Rannerdale Knotts
A last look back to Whiteless Pike
We turn towards Mellbreak and Crummock Water
The end of a wonderful walk is just around the corner
