Rannerdale Knotts

About Rannerdale Knotts

This is one of the smallest of the Wainwrights, being the 210th out of his 214 fells in the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Its elevation is 355 m (1,165 ft) above sea level and its prominence is around 70 m as it rises from Buttermere Valley in the North Western Fells. It is a satellite of Crag Hill.

At the summit is a small cairn on the highest of the rocky outcrops here. While the higher fells surrounding Rannerdale Knotts limit much of the wider view of the Lake District, there is a beautiful view of Buttermere Lake and village, with Great Gable providing an impressive backdrop. A few steps to the west will allow a view of Crummock Water.

Climbing Rannerdale Knotts

Because of its close proximity to other, larger fells, it is often ascended as part of the Rannerdale Round, a route which starts or ends at Rannerdale Knotts and includes four other Wainwright peaks: Grasmoor, Eel Crag, Wandop and Whiteless Pike. This round of fells can be completed in a long half a day. If wishing to ascend Rannerdale Knotts in isolation, it is a relatively quick and easy walk by following a direct route to the top from Hause Point at Rannerdale on the eastern shore of Crummock Water. A slightly longer route begins at Buttermere, beginning on the path up Whiteless Pike before diverting west-north-west at the col at around 290 m (950 ft).