Rannerdale Knotts: 355m Height, Walks and Views

Rannerdale Knotts stands just 355 metres high, but its rocky summit has a presence out of proportion to its height. Rising beside Crummock Water and close to Buttermere village, it offers lake views without a long climb into the higher fells. The ridge gives it a satisfying shape for a short outing, while the bluebells in neighbouring Rannerdale make spring a particularly well-known time to visit.

A rocky ridge above Crummock Water

Rannerdale Knotts occupies the ground east of Crummock Water and north-west of Buttermere village. Its summit reaches 355 metres (1,165 feet), at grid reference NY167182. Seen from the lakeside, its steep, broken slopes give it a more rugged appearance than its modest height might suggest. This is not simply a grassy rise beside the water: rock outcrops and a distinct summit ridge are central to its character.

The ridge extends south-east towards Buttermere along Low Bank, giving the fell an elongated shape. From the higher ground, Crummock Water and Buttermere are the principal attractions, framed by the much larger fells around their shores. The combination of nearby water, steep valley sides and higher summits makes this a rewarding viewpoint without requiring the height of Grasmoor or Whiteless Pike.

One of the smaller North Western Fells

Rannerdale Knotts belongs to The North Western Fells, Book Six of Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Ranked 210th by height among the 214 Wainwrights, it is one of the lowest summits in the collection. Its appeal lies less in altitude than in its position, with open views across the lakes and a compact ridge that feels distinct from the larger fell country behind it.

Whiteless Pike, Grasmoor, Whiteside and Wandope are neighbouring Wainwrights in this part of the district. They place Rannerdale Knotts within a landscape of substantially higher ground, rather than an isolated lakeside setting. Walks are commonly approached from Buttermere or the Crummock Water side. Although outings here can be relatively short, the rocky ground and steep sections deserve proper footwear and the same attention to conditions as any other fell walk.

Rannerdale’s spring bluebells

The bluebells in the valley of Rannerdale are among the area’s best-known seasonal sights. Growing across open ground beneath the fells, they draw visitors in spring, usually around late April and May, though the timing varies with the weather. The flowers belong to the valley landscape rather than the summit itself; seeing them and climbing the fell are related but distinct experiences.

Bluebells are easily damaged by trampling, so keeping to established paths matters, particularly when stopping for photographs. Outside the flowering season, the fell retains its main attractions: a rocky ridge, close views of the lakes and a position among some of the North Western Fells’ most recognisable summits.

Where Rannerdale Knotts stands

Summit at grid reference NY167182 · open full map

The real Rannerdale Knotts

Walking Rannerdale Knotts

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Guide links to be curated.

Weather on Rannerdale Knotts

Conditions estimated at summit height (355 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Rannerdale Knotts on your wall

A painting of Rannerdale Knotts can recall more than its summit: the dark rock above Crummock Water, the long line of Low Bank, or spring colour in the valley. A print or canvas brings that familiar corner of the Lakes into an everyday room.

Own “Sunlit Ridge of Rannerdale Knotts” — our painting of Rannerdale Knotts → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The North Western Fells

• Whiteless Pike 660 m
• Grasmoor 852 m
• Whiteside 707 m
• Wandope 774 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.