The Rannerdale Valley is one of Lakeland's hidden gems. Visitors to Buttermere and Crummock Water drive past it every day and are probably unaware of the beauty they are missing. During Spring the valley is filled with Bluebells. At other times it is merely delightful!
Rannerdale Knotts is a small peak - the steep North face looks foreboding but has a well crafted rock staircase all the way up it. Finding that path requires the use of an OS Map (the 1/25,000 series) as it is not prominently marked or signposted. The Wainwright guide hints at how to find it.
I would recommend ascending using this rock staircase and then descending on the gentler, southern side, and walking back to the car park through the delightful Rannerdale Valley. When reaching the summit, the views are spectacular and unexpected. This fell offers excitement and beauty for relatively little effort.
If Rannerdale Knotts is the sole objective of the walk, then it is just a morning or afternoon's excursion. It's one that should not be missed!
Rannerdale Knotts
The view into the head of Buttermere, Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.
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