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.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
National Trust car park, grid ref: NY172172
Step 1
From the starting point at the National Trust car park in Buttermere walk straight across the road to a stile. Cross the stile and follow a narrow grassy track until the path begins to get steeper.
Step 2
As the path steepens, take the left-hand track leading towards the ridge of Rannerdale Knotts. This is a good point to pause and enjoy the view over to Buttermere lake and the surrounding hills, such as High Snockrigg in the east.
Step 3
Follow a gentle incline along the ridge to the summit, offering another superb 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 the cairn, as paths need stones much more than cairns do).
Step 4
From the summit, follow the narrow, winding, grassy track to your left downhill towards Crummock Water. The track leads you a very steep, stone-pitched section. This area can become slippery during wet weather, so take care. When you leave the 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.
Step 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.
Step 6
Cross the bridge and follow the path to the right, through the woods until you return to your start point.
End point
National Trust car park, grid ref: NY172172
Trail map
More near here
Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water walk
Explore the hills and woodlands on the eastern side of Crummock Water on this circular walk near Buttermere, Lake District.
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