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Walk up Rannerdale Knotts from Crummock Water

By Emma Knipe   

on April 3, 2020    5/5 (2)

Walk up Rannerdale Knotts from Crummock Water

Route Essentials

Route Summary

Circular route to climb one of the lowest Wainwright’s with wonderful views across Crummock Water, Buttermere and Loweswater.

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

6.32 km

Ascent

309 m

Time

2.5 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Roadside parking on the B5289, next to Crummock Water.

Difficulty

Moderate Walk

Hazards

A fairly steep, but short ascent.

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Lake District Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Walk up Rannerdale Knotts from Crummock Water Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Walk up Rannerdale Knotts from Crummock Water

At 355m, Buttermere’s Rannerdale Knotts is one of the lowest fells in the Lake District. However, the craggy summit and spectacular views of nearby lakes gives this little mountain a lot of character. Starting next to the shores of Crummock Water, this straight-forward route runs through the historic Valley of Bluebells before climbing a fairly steep, rocky path to the summit.

Rannerdale Knotts from Crummock Water Route Description

1 From the roadside car parking area, follow the grassy path upwards, towards the river.

Wak up Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere

2 Cross the river (there are narrower places to cross upstream if the water is too high) and continue following the wide track.

3 The track weaves across the moorland and reaches a wooden gate, with a sign for the historic Rannerdale bluebell valley. Between April-May the valley floor and the hillside of Rannerdale Knotts is blanketed with bluebells.

4 Continue through the gate and follow the path down to a footbridge.

5 Turn right and go across the bridge. Ignore the wooden gate and instead, turn sharp right. Keeping the stone wall to the left, follow the narrow footpath, with great views of Mellbreak ahead.

Wak up Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere

6 The path widens and bears around to the left.

7 Continue through the wooden swing gate to reach a small car park.

Wak up Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere

8 Follow the road for a few metres and then turn left to climb the fairly eroded rocky steps up across the hillside.

9 The steep path offers spectacular views back across Crummock Water.

Wak up Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere

10 Continue upwards, following the now grassy path.

11 When the path levels out, keep left. Follow the narrow footpath as it climbs and bears around to the right.

12 As the path approaches the rocky summit crags, there is a choice of routes; for a steeper climb, continue straight ahead in the gully between the crags. For a gentler climb, keep right and follow the grassy path as it gradually zigzags upwards.

13 Both route options reach the craggy summit of Rannerdale, with wonderful views of the lakes and surrounding fells.

Wak up Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere

14 After taking in the view, continue straight ahead on the narrow path between the rocks.

15 The footpath runs almost straight down the centre of the ridge. There are a few minor rocky sections but the majority of the descent is very straightforward.

Wak up Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere

16 The path eventually widens and reaches a grassy fork. Keep left and then left again at the second fork to climb down to the base of the valley.

17 Turn left and follow the well-defined path along the valley floor.

18 The path eventually reaches a right hand wooden gate. Go through the gate and across the footbridge.

19 Turn left and retrace your steps to return to the car parking area.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Circular route to climb one of the lowest Wainwright’s with wonderful views across Crummock Water, Buttermere and Loweswater.

This walk includes the Wainwright of Rannerdale Knotts

Route Start Location: Roadside parking on the B5289, next to Crummock Water.

Distance
Ascent
Time
6.32 km 309 m 2.5 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Moderate Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

None on route but pubs and cafés in nearby Buttermere and Lorton. Buttermere village is a short drive to the south-east where you’ll find a couple of pubs including the Bridge Hotel and The Fish Inn as well as tearooms.

Hazards

A fairly steep, but short ascent.

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking : CA13 9UY

Roadside parking alongside the B5289. When driving from the north, the B5289 goes over a cattle grid by Lanthwaite Green Farm. Continue heading south for just under 2km. Go past the first left hand road side parking and turn left into the second parking area, just in front of a small wood (Grid Reference NY 193 163).

Public Transport:

Bus Route 77A runs from Keswick. The Lanthwaite/Crummock Water Car Park bus stop is at the start of the walk.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Lake District Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps

Guidebooks:

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Emma Knipe

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