Rannerdale

Situated between Buttermere and Crummock Water lies Rannerdale Knotts. It has everything you could wish for in a Lake District fell - panoramic views as well as peace and quiet that is often difficult to find these days - plus a picturesque 'secret' valley. It needs special care at bluebell time, please play your part in looking after this beautiful display and stick to the paths.
One of three abandonned villages
Rannerdale (the sheiling at the pass of the raven in old Norse) was once the site of a settlement that shows continuous habitation from stone-age times up to medieval times, when it was abandoned. Two other settlements in the valley were abandoned at the same time, one at Scales, near Scale Force, and one at Peele Place.
Today it needs special care at bluebell time. Bluebells are slow growing; if their leaves are crushed by trampling they cannot photosynthesise the energy they need and it can take plants years to recover.
Thanks to tenant farmers Elaine and Raymond Beard there is a very special and important bluebell collection here. Raymond is a keen conservationist and farms with nature; in 2019 he turns 80 and remains a great guardian of the Rannerdale bluebells. To protect the bluebells, we ask that you observe any notices in place.
Social distancing from the bluebells - Spring 2020
The attraction of the bluebells this year will be very hard to resist during these difficult circumstances. We ask that you continue to follow government advice to stay home and safe and not travel. The light at the end of the tunnel will be, that the drop in visitors may well undo years of trampling damage to this wondrous display.
" We are asking people to fight the urge to ‘get in’ amongst these flowers and simply stick to the path. On average, and by my estimation, each time a person steps on the bluebells they crush seven to 10 plants. Let’s all be responsible for protecting the wildlife and the landscape for future generations"