Route: Rannerdale Knotts
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 4th February 2020
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 3.0 miles
Ascent: 1,100 feet
Weather: Cloudy with a few few sunny patches
Rannerdale Knotts is one of the smallest lakeland fells, standing at the modest height of 1,160 feet. What Rannerdale Knotts lacks in height it more than makes up for in its rugged mountainous character and the beauty of its surroundings – this is a fell I’ve climbed numerous times – 30 to be precise – and I could never tire of it
I parked in the small National Trust car park at Hause Point and from here the ascent starts almost immediately. Within a few minutes there were lovely views over Crummock Water and Buttermere. After a steep section up a rocky staircase I was soon on the north top enjoying more good views
I carried on along the knobbly summit ridge known as Low Bank. At the end of the ridge there’s a choice of return routes: either back along Rannerdale, or along the Crummock Water side. I opted for the latter today, as the valley route has restricted views and is mostly out of the sun during winter months. Such a choice would be unthinkable in May, when the famous Rannerdale bluebells are in flower. The sight – and scent – of huge swathes of these flowers growing on open fellside is unmissable
I descended towards Buttermere down the easy grassy slopes and then joined a narrow path which runs at mid-level above Great Wood, giving good views over Crummock Water along the way. The retrospective views back to Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike are particularly good. Near Hause Point I met up with my original ascent path and from here retraced my steps back to the start
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The start of the walk from the car park at Hause Point - the climb starts almost immediately
Rannerdale Knotts ahead
The foot of Crummock Water and the big toe of Grasmoor on my left...
...and on my right is the head of Crummock Water, a glimpse of Buttermere, and Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks in the background
Looking back down the path to Hause Point, and Mellbreak on the far shore of Crummock Water
Wood House nestling in the woodland at the head of Crummock Water
This section used to be loose and scrambly, but a rocky staircase now makes progress easier
Looking back across Crummock Water
Loweswater comes into view in the distance, and beyond it the Solway Firth and Scotland are just visible
Red Pike
Summit cairn on Rannerdale Knotts
Zooming in on Buttermere, Haystacks, and Great Gable with its head in the clouds
Fleetwith Pike as I set off along the knobbly ridge
Looking down to Crummock Water and its islands
High Snockrigg and Robinson as I continue along the summit ridge
The High Stile Range, with Buttermere left and Crummock Water right
I continue along the ridge, known as Low Bank
Warnscale Bottom at the head of Buttermere, with Haystacks and Great Gable beyond
Looking back along the ridge
Haystacks and Scarth Gap
The path splits - turn left to head back down Rannerdale, a must in bluebell season, but today I turn right
Looking along Rannerdale, and again I can just make out Scotland in the far distance beyond Loweswater
Whiteless Pike
I approach the end of the ridge and trend round to the right
Low Snockrigg
I descend in the direction of Buttermere
Waterfall in Sourmilk Gill
I turn away from Buttermere and follow a narrow path above Grassgarth Coppice and Great Wood
Sourmilk Gill again
I continue to follow the path above Great Wood
I don't descend to Crummock Water but continue along the path which contours around the lower flanks of Rannerdale Knotts
Looking back over Great Wood to Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks
Wood House comes into view again, with the High Stile Range beyond the head of Crummock Water
A short uphill section in the direction of Mellbreak
Wood House again, set in a wonderful position at the foot of Crummock Water
Mellbreak
A herdie watches me pass by
Rannerdale Farm at the end of a wonderful short walk - the car park is below on the right
