Rannerdale to Buttermere

This delightful walk is best taken during the month of May when the Rannerdale Bluebells are out in full force and a carpet of blue flowers stretches as far as the eye can see. This particular route takes you along the bottom of Rannerdale Knots, then along a winding woodland walk that will lead you out into the village of Buttermere, where you and your children can enjoy a much deserved ice cream or pub lunch before heading back to the car park at Rannerdale.

Alternative routes are also available – one is much shorter and will allow you to see the best of the bluebells, whilst the second will take you over the top of Rannerdale Knotts where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Crummock Water and Buttermere.

The Start of the Walk

The route starts from the Rannerdale Knotts car park, which is a small gravelled area just off the B5289 along Crummock Water (Grid Ref is NY 162 183). This car park is small and fills quickly, especially when the bluebells are out, so getting there early will guarantee you a space. Further free parking can be found back along the road towards Lorton at Rannerdale Bridge. Alternatively, you can start this route in Buttermere, where there is plenty of pay and display parking.

At the end of the gravelled area a path leads from the car park along a stone wall. A sign informs you of the historic nature of the bluebells and the need to stick to the paths.

Bluebells & Herdwicks

May is also a great month for spotting the black Herdwick lambs who will be just weeks old and can often be seen in the surrounding fields. The path leads to a kissing gate that you will need to go through.

Going through this gate will lead you to an open patch of land where the bluebells can be found. Keep to the well-defined paths to avoid trampling on the delicate flowers.

Following the Stream

The path winds through the bluebells. There is a stream to your left that provides a great place for children to throw stones in or paddle, and there are plenty of large boulders for sitting on for a picnic. Keeping the stream to your left, follow the path until you reach a fork.

The Path Back to Rannerdale Bridge (Alternative Shorter Route)

Here you can turn left to go over the bridge and then veer left to walk back along the other side of the stream. This is a much shorter walk and will lead you to the car park at Rannerdale Bridge. From there it is a short walk along the lane to the Rannerdale Knotts car park. This route is ideal if you have very young children that you are not carrying, or are short on time as it enables you to see the best of the bluebells. However, to continue onto Buttermere, turn right through the gate.

From here there is a well-defined path that runs along the bottom of Rannerdale Knotts through the peaceful valley. Make sure to look back at times to enjoy the view of Crummock Water in the distance.

The Path Up to Rannerdale Knotts (Alternative Harder Route)

Towards the end of the path, at Grid Ref NY 178 178, there is a small path on the right that leads up the fell. This will take you onto the path along the top of the ridge that you can take to get to the top of Rannerdale Knotts. From the peak of Rannerdale Knotts there is a steep path that leads back down to the car park, however, it is very steep and not really suitable for very young children. To continue to Buttermere, carry on going straight.

The End of the Ridge

A short distance after you have passed the turning to go up to the Rannerdale Knotts peak, you will reach the end of the bottom of the ridge and a junction in the path, which ceases to be a gravel path and becomes a grassy track. Here you will be able to see Buttermere quite clearly. Turn right down the hill onto the wide grassy track.

The Wall (Alternative Route)

The path winds down the hillside with various off-shoots that all lead down to Buttermere. Keep heading down to the left, and you will eventually reach a stonewall with a small patch of woodland the other side. At this point you can continue to follow the path down the hill and this is a fairly straightforward route that will lead you back to the road that leads into Buttermere. However, for a slightly more adventurous route through the woods, turn left and follow the path along the wall that will then be on your right.

Crossing the Wall

Following the path along the wall, you will come to a gate that enables you to cross over the wall with steps on the other side. At the bottom of the steps there is a path that leads through the woods. The path has a steep drop on the left side where a stream runs through a gully and this should be taken with care.

Refreshments at Buttermere

The path leads out of the woods onto the road opposite the Bridge Hotel in Buttermere. Turn left and then right to get to the various facilities in Buttermere, including the public toilets, where a 20p charge operates, and the two pubs and café. The Bridge Hotel has a walkers’ bar serving drinks and hot food, including breakfast. The Fish Inn serves drinks and hot food. The Croft Farm House Café serves hot and cold drinks, light lunches, cakes, and locally made ice cream.

The Return Along Crummock Water

After you have treated yourself and your family to a well-deserved pub lunch or ice cream, you can make your way back along the road back past the Bridge Hotel towards Crummock Water. Be advised that this road can be busy during peak periods so young children will need supervision. As the road meets the edge of Crummock Water you can take the bridleway that leads off the road on the right hand side, signposted to Buttermere Hause. This gently climbing path will take you away from the traffic and afford you better views over Crummock Water.

The Path Back to the Car Park

The path continues around the bottom of Rannerdale Knotts and is boggy in places. When you reach a fork in the path, take the more defined gravel track that leads down to the left. The path then begins to drop down the fell side again, and here the ground becomes uneven and rocky. Young children will need additional support and if you have a baby or toddler in a carrier you will need to take extra care with your steps. The path will return you to the road a few metres from the car park at the start point.