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.
Near to
Buttermere ValleyStart point
National Trust car park, grid ref: NY172172Trail information
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
National Trust car park, grid ref: NY172172
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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).
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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
Buttermere to Rannerdale walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in the Lake District
From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Things to do in Buttermere Valley
Explore the Lake District's Buttermere Valley and discover walks through rugged landscapes, panoramic views, thundering waterfalls and other forces of nature.
Top tips for hill and mountain walking
Learn about the essential clothing and equipment to take with you, keeping your energy levels up, staying safe and leaving the environment as you found it.
Visiting the Lake District with your dog
Here's how to get the most out of a visit to the Lake District with your dog, while protecting the countryside and keeping livestock and wildlife safe.