Walk 2020 - printer friendly version

Rannerdale Knotts and Crummock Water from Cinderdale Common Walk

Author - John Paterson

Length - 2.5 miles / 4.1 km

Ascent - 850 feet / 258 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference NY162192
Lat 54.561066 + Long -3.2974222
Postcode CA13 9UY (approx. location only)

This is a straightforward but delightful short Lake District circular walk with a steep start and an easy finish. The views are excellent and the walk is ideal for a half day or an evening and, because the only rock is met early on, is suitable for young children (with a head for heights) who should not get too tired on the excellent descent path down Rannerdale. There are two good car parking points. The south west ridge of Rannerdale Knotts forces the B5289 Lorton to Buttermere road to hug Crummock water at Hause Point (GR 162182). There is roadside parking here for about 6 vehicles. If these spaces are full then there are 2 good off road car parks at Cinderdale Common just north of Rannerdale Cottage (GR NY162194) with a walk along the road of about half a mile to Hause Point.

From the road at the north side of Hause Point climb on a green path to quickly reach the saddle where the ridge steepens. Follow the direct line of the ridge on a grassy path for a few hundred yards until rocky crags are seen above. Strike out left to take the newly restored path which climbs steeply through a break in the crags. Once the steep part is over, the path meanders upwards mostly on grass, with minor easy sections on rock, to the summit. The excellent views from the summit take in the length of Crummock Water with a glimpse of Loweswater to the north and, to the south Buttermere and the High Stile range.

The difficulties of the walk are now over. To the south east the almost level hump backed ridge of Low Bank extends for about a mile with the valley of Rannerdale to the left and Crummock Water to the right. Follow the ridge until views open up of the Buttermere to Newlands Hause road. Now look for a saddle to your left which marks the top of Rannerdale - with the route to Whiteless Pike and Wandope rising above it. Drop down to the saddle and do a "U" turn to take the path down Rannerdale. This path is of an excellent gradient on good turf - one could wish that more descent paths were like it! Today, the peace and beauty of Rannerdale contrasts with the scene after the Norman conquest when the invading Norman army was lured into an ambush by the local Norse settlers and slaughtered. Local legend has it that the bluebells, for which Rannerdale is famous each spring, mark the site of the battle.

At the foot of Rannerdale a footbridge crosses the beck to your right. If you parked at Cinderdale Common - cross the foot bridge and follow the path down the valley back to the car park. If you parked by the road at Hause Point - don't cross the bridge but follow the path to your left which circles the foot of the fell and brings you back to Hause Point.

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