- A small fell of great character amongst giants
- Good underfoot walking
- Views up and down the Buttermere valley
1,160 ft. Rannerdale Knotts is often ignored , largely because it sits at the foot of bigger and grander fells and when driving along the road it simply merges in to its neighbours. However this belies what is a both an idyllic 1/2 mile ridge and the impressive hidden depths of Rannerdale valley itself (according to Wainwright the scene of a battle between the Anglos and invading Normans but how they both came to be in a side valley of Buttermere is a bit of a mystery). The walking is excellent and the views outstanding both up Buttermere and down the Lorton Valley. I took my time, sat on its small rocky summit, and let my thoughts wander back over 35 years to when my parents regularly took us to a little beach at the foot of Rannerdale Knotts where we swam, canoed and skimmed our way through my childhood. Ahhh…
Recommend: Do take the route that goes through Rannerdale valley and not direct from Buttermere.
All maps are copyright of Where2Walk © 2020
| OS Map: |
O/S 1.25,000. OL4 The English Lakes North West. Buy Map |
| Start Point: | NY163182. There is limited parking at the foot of Rannerdale Knotts. Head up the valley for the best way of climbing the Knotts |
| Height to Climb: | 208ms (682 feet) |
| Terrain: | The paths are excellent all the way and over the summit although the descent is steep. |
| Eating & Drinking: | The Fish Inn & Bridge Inn are in Buttermere, as is a new, well presented tea shop. |
| Similar Walks Nearby: |
Lands of Loweswater Fleetwith Pike A walk around Buttermere |
| Places to Stay: |
Rannerdale Knotts is much more comfortably done UP the steep end, down the ridge and down the valley in my opinion. I I agree though that this is the best circuit. You should have mentioned the Rannerdale bluebells. If you do this walk in the first or second week of May the valley is full of them – a truly beautiful sight – although you won’t get them to yourself – they are deservedly famous!
Ann