Route: Rannerdale Knotts
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 5th May 2014
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 6.3 miles
Weather: some weak sun, pale skies
Having enjoyed two bluebell walks in the last three days, we thought we’d try another – this time with a difference. The bluebells at Rannerdale are very unusual in that they grow on open fellside, and they make a spectacular display every May
Although there is a small car park under Rannerdale Knotts, we decided to make the walk a little longer by parking at Lanthwaite Green. From there we walked down to the shore of Crummock Water, following the lakeside path until it met up with the road
The climb up Rannerdale Knotts is steep, but short and we were soon on the top. The view over Buttermere and the fells beyond was as lovely as ever. We then walked along the knobbly ridge line, turning sharp left at the end to descend along Rannerdale
The bluebells were on top form – it was a wonderful sight, even though the weather was indifferent, and we were glad that we’d timed our visit well to see them at their best
IMPORTANT NOTE: I’ve been asked by the National Trust (North Lakes) to add this message to my post, and I do so willingly in order to try and help safeguard this wonderful display:
“Rannerdale’s bluebells are renowned as a natural wonder, beloved of visitors and photographers; however, they are being ‘loved to death’. Once the plants are damaged by trampling they can’t photosynthesise enough energy and it can take them years to recover. Over the last 5 years, nearly 25% of the bluebells have been lost. To save the bluebells, and access to them, the National Trust are asking visitors to fight the urge to get in amongst the flowers and just simply stick to the path. Only by protecting them today can we ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy this special spring display in the future.”
Could I please urge anyone following this walk to comply with the message
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)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
A red squirrel in the garden before we set off this morning
After parking at Lanthwaite Green we headed down towards Crummock Water
Looking across to our destination - Rannerdale Knotts in the mid distance
In Lanthwaite Wood
The boathouse on the east shore of Crummock Water, looking towards Low Fell
Rannerdale Knotts ahead
Looking across Crummock Water to Mellbreak
Closer now to Rannerdale Knotts
A short section of road takes us to the foot of the fell
Rannerdale Knotts
Time for some collar work
Looking back over Crummock Water from the early part of the climb
Buttermere comes into view
Rocky staircase near the top
Mellbreak
Buttermere from the summit of Rannerdale Knotts
Looking back the way we’d come - with a glimpse of Loweswater, the subject of yesterday’s walk
Grasmoor and Whiteless Pike
We follow the ups and downs of the ridge along Rannerdale Knotts
At the end of the ridge we turn sharp left to descend along Rannerdale
Walking down Rannerdale towards Crummock Water - and those bluebells
And there they are - it looks as though we’ve got our timing right
Entering bluebell territory………
All too soon it was time to head back to the start
A path runs alongside the road for most of the way
Almost back to the start - looking up to Whiteside
