Rannerdale Knotts Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Rannerdale Knotts
We often stay at the YHA in Buttermere, so the GPS track shows the walk from this location. For most others, you can save 0.8 km of the route by starting right in Buttermere.
Start opposite the Bridge Hotel in the heart of Buttermere. From here, cross the road and immediately pass a gate and then head uphill through Ghyll Wood. This trail ascends through woods along Sail Beck.
Go over a gate, exit the woods and cross on a path to link with another path heading right and continuing uphill. Soon you will see paths heading off to your left – take one of these as it connects with another path that goes along the top of the ridge, all the way up to Rannerdale Knotts.
There are wonderful views as you ascend in all directions. Once at the top of Rannerdale Knotts the descent is less straightforward. From the top, continue roughly ahead and then drop down to the left. When the path splits take either route. However, we like to go right and down a steep slope with stone steps, though these steps are tremendously slippery in wet weather!
You will soon come to a T-junction, go right and head downhill. As you descend you will eventually take a faint path heading to your left. It is easy to miss this path and continue ahead to Hause Point, from which you’ll need to retrace your steps.
Follow the path as it continues SE down as it descends to the end of Crummock Water. You will see a road at the bottom of the path and you will need to cross it and go through a gate for the last bit of the walk back.
The final part of the trail after the road is the most challenging for route finding, as the route isn’t clear. Follow the shore of Crummock Water as it curves around, with a path that is often not visible. Cross a bridge and then go through a gate and bear left, leaving the lake and heading along a field, on a disappearing path. The little stream should be on your left while you walk through the field.
You soon reach a camping area and car park. Go through the final gate and walk into town, returning to the Bridge Hotel.
Looking for more great walks in the Lake District? Check out the Helvellyn Walk, Scafell Pike Walk, Fairfield Horseshoe or the Old Man of Coniston.
Insider Hints for Rannerdale Knotts
- We love the drive to Buttermere, and usually take a day trip here. Coming from Keswick, we go over Newlands Pass and then return via Honister Pass. It’s a great drive, but narrow, exposed and steep.
- You can get to Buttermere from Keswick on the Honister Ramber Bus
- Buttermeres 'The Fish Inn' has good food and a good selection of ales after a day of walking.
Getting to the Rannerdale Knotts Trailhead
Get yourself to Buttermere. Be aware, the roads to get here are narrow and very steep. There is parking within Buttermere, as well as parking on the edge of the road coming into town.Route Information for Rannerdale Knotts
When to do:
When Dry, no fog
Backcountry Campsites:
None
Toilets:
None
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
None
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Circuit
Rannerdale Knotts Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Rannerdale Knotts
I choose to have an early morning walk here to avoid the crowd. Glad I did, It was a lovely day indeed.
- Trip Length
- 02:00
- Technical Difficulty
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This is an amazing walk for such little effort.
- Trip Length
- 02:00
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Brilliant walk in Lake District. Majestic views over both Buttermere and Crummock Water. It's not very romantic, but it's more suitable for group tours.
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It was an interesting place to go to. There are wonderful views to see.
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Cool place! Easy like a Sunday morning.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was a lovely walk, this is an absolutely a great way to spend a couple of hours on a weekend
- Trip Length
- 02:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
We enjoyed our day trip here, but I hope there are lesser people.
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- Physical Difficulty
It was a great way to spend a couple of hours on my day off. Will definitely go back again.
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Fantastic walk from the village of Buttermere up to and along the ridge to the summit. Great views of the surrounding peaks and mountains. There is some steep ascend on this hike, so better wear shoes, and avoid wearing sandals.
- Technical Difficulty
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After doing difficult hikes, I decided I just want to chill again. This place isn't so bad at all!
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- Physical Difficulty
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