Buttermere To Rannerdale Walk Walking
Buttermere To Rannerdale Walk Walking
Buttermere To Rannerdale Walk Walking
LAKE DISTRICT
Buttermere to Rannerdale walk
This invigorating Lakeland ridge walk climbs from the Buttermere Valley up to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, offering memorable
views over three lakes and many high peaks. The scenic circular route then returns via the shoreline of Crummock Water and Nether How
woodland to the pretty little village of Buttermere.
Information Total steps: 6
Address: Buttermere, near Cockermouth, CA13 9UZ Start point: National Trust car park, grid ref: NY172172
OS map: Landranger 90; Explorer OL4 1. From the starting point at the National Trust car park in Buttermere walk straight
Activity: Walking across the road to a stile. Cross the stile and follow a narrow grassy track until the path
Moderate: Fairly strenuous route in all weathers. For begins to get steeper.
further details, please see Terrain section. 2. As the path steepens, take the left-hand track leading towards the ridge of Rannerdale
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome but please keep them Knotts. This is a good point to pause and enjoy the view over to Buttermere lake and
on leads the surrounding hills, such as High Snockrigg in the east.
Full trail: Miles: 3 (km: 4.8) 3. Follow a gentle incline along the ridge to the summit, offering another superb
Duration: 2 hours panorama of both Rannerdale (or the Secret Valley) and Crummock Water. Soon you
reach the highest point cairn (please note: we'd appreciate it if you didn't add stones to
Terrain the cairn, as paths need stones much more than cairns do).
4. From the summit, follow the narrow, winding, grassy track to your left downhill
Fairly strenuous route in all weathers. Mostly on grassy
towards Crummock Water. The track leads you a very steep, stone-pitched section.
paths, with a steep, stone-pitched descent of
This area can become slippery during wet weather, so take care. When you leave the
Rannerdale Knotts. Sturdy boots and clothing essential.
pitched section follow the track further downhill until it branches left and gently
descends towards a road. Cross the road and go through a gate leading to the
lakeshore. Walk alongside the lakeshore until you see a gate to your left leading into
Nether How woods.
5. Go through the gate and follow the path through the wood. The path briefly leads to
the lakeshore again before re-entering the wood. Take a path to your left leading
through Nether How wood to a footbridge.
6. Cross the bridge and follow the path to the right, through the woods until you return
to your start point.