Rannerdale Knotts (and the Bluebells).

A short walk with my sister, who wanted to see the Rannerdale Bluebell spectacle. - The weather forecast was for a good sunny day, which would be great for the walk, but would undoubtedly bring out many other people!

By the time we arrived, (at about a quarter to nine), the Rannerdale car parking area was already full - and quite a few foolish and inconsiderate visitors had parked their vehicles directly opposite and around Hause Point - on the double yellow lines of the Crummock Water lake-side road. - Absolutely witless behaviour when there are several small parking areas in the Cinderdale Common area just down the road!

We continued on to park up at Cinderdale, and started our walk from there. - Crossing Cinderdale Beck and walking in a south-easterly direction across the grassy fellside path back towards Rannerdale.

After spending some time taking photos and wandering amongst the Bluebells, we continued walking up the High Rannerdale valley. (NB: For future visitors, please respect this fragile and unique spectacle. It is said that 25% of the flowers have been lost to trampling in the last four years! - There are many little paths and tracks in and around the entire area where the flowers are growing, - so there is absolutely no need to go trampling directly in amongst them to get photos).

We made our way up High Rannerdale, walking beside Squat Beck and then continuing to the col on Whiteless Breast - stopping several times to take in the view back down the valley. Then, at the col, we turned back in a west-north-westerly direction to follow the ridgeline along to Low bank, and the summit of Rannerdale Knotts.

From the summit, we then descended towards Hause Point, walking along the road past Rannerdale Farm, back to Cinderdale Common and the car.

This is an easy and very enjoyable walk, made especially so at this time of year because of the Bluebells. However, it would be an ideal introduction to Lake District fell-walking at any time of year. As the views to be had from Low Bank and Rannerdale Knotts are nothing short of spectacular!

Walk Elevation Profile: -

Looking back towards our start point at Cinderdale Common. (Parking area is just behind the trees). Showing Crummock Water, with Mellbreak to left, and Low Fell to right, on horizon: -

Rannerdale Knotts, with Red Pike beyond, and Haycock in far distance at right hand side: -

Looking towards the Bluebell fields and High Rannerdale, with flanks of Rannerdale Knotts to right hand side: -

Rannerdale Bluebells with Grasmoor in the distance: -

Looking across to Mellbreak from the Bluebell fields: -

A Bluebell close-up: -

Looking up to Rannerdale Knotts: -

The view back towards Crummock Water: -

Looking towards Grasmoor at left, and Whiteless Pike at right, with a cloud topped Grisedale Pike in far distance: -

Higher up the slopes of High Rannerdale, and the Cotton Grass is in full bloom: -

Looking back down Rannerdale, from the col leading towards the ridge of Low Bank and Rannerdale Knotts summit: -

Buttermere and the High Stile group, as seen from Low Bank ridge: -

Looking down to the Woodhouse Islands, in Crummock Water: -

Grasmoor and some of the Rannerdale Bluebell fields, seen from Low Bank ridge: -

Looking towards Buttermere. - with Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks behind the lake, and Great Gable beyond, on the far horizon: -

High Snockrigg, with Robinson beyond, as seen looking back, whilst on the approach to Rannerdale Knotts summit: -

Looking across Crummock Water from Low Bank - with Banna Fell in the far distance, and Mellbreak at right of shot: -

Grasmoor from Low Bank: -

Looking towards Buttermere from Rannerdale Knotts summit: -

High Stile, seen through the "rock corridor" at Rannerdale Knotts summit: -

Now descending from Rannerdale Knotts, and a view across Crummock Water towards Banna Fell etc.: -

Crummock Water, with Mellbreak to left, Low Fell in the distance, and the crags of Rannerdale Knotts to right hand side: -

Grasmoor as seen on the descent from Rannerdale Knotts: -

Looking down to Hause Point, on our descent from Rannerdale Knotts: -

Almost down, and the view towards Buttermere and the High Stile range: -

Looking back up to Rannerdale Knotts: -

Back down at valley level, and the view between Grasmoor and Rannerdale Knotts, towards Wandope and Whiteless Pike: -

A closer view of Wandope and Whiteless Pike: -

After our Rannerdale walk, it was still early in the afternoon, so we drove across to Great Langdale, one of my favourite parts of the Lake District, for a few more photo opportunities. A view of the Langdale Pikes from Elterwater: -

The Langdale Pikes from Copt Howe: -

Another shot of the Langdale Pikes from Copt Howe: -

We then drove around to Blea Tarn. The Langdale Pikes (& Side Pike) with Blea Tarn just visible in mid ground: -

The Langdale Pikes (& Side Pike), seen across Blea Tarn: -

Another shot of the Langdale Pikes (& Side Pike), seen across Blea Tarn: -

All in all, a super little walk with some fantastic views, and a chance to visit the Langdales. - Another great day out in the Lakes!

Regards, Mike.