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After some rather iffy weather
during the Whitsun week of 2005 the sun has finally come out and I've
decided to climb one of Lakeland's "tiddlers", Rannerdale Knotts near
Buttermere. The walk features this delightful "Alpine" start, a stroll
through Ghyll Wood. |
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Once beyond Ghyll Wood there's
a short but steep scramble up a bracken slope to gain Whiteless Breast,
north of Crummock Water. Already there's a fine view back to Buttermere
village with High Stile beyond. |
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From the same point this is the
view of neighbouring Crummock Water. |
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The route to Rannerdale Knotts
leaves Whiteless Breast to the left. Looking back at Buttermere and the
surrounding fells. |
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Buttermere and High Stile from
the southeastern spur of Rannerdale Knotts. |
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This is the summit of
Rannerdale Knotts, 1160ft high, and only 45 minutes' walk from
Buttermere. If anyone asks which Lakeland fell is suitable for a
complete novice, I recommend this one. For a minimum of effort you get
great views and superb scenery. Rannerdale Knotts has a surprisingly
rocky summit for a fell of such modest height. Here we're looking due
north to Grasmoor, with Gasgale Gill to the left. |
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Looking back to Buttermere and Crummock Water from the rocky shelf of the summit. From here it's easy to appreciate that Buttermere and Crummock Water were once one big lake, part of which has now silted up to form the meadows northwest of Buttermere village. |
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Robinson and Hindscarth seen from the summit of Rannerdale Knotts. |
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It's an
irresistable view. High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike behind Buttermere
and Crummock. |
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Looking the
other way across Crummock Water we can see Loweswater beyond, just to
the right of the steep slopes of Mellbreak. |
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Just one last
shot of that arresting view of the meadows between Buttermere and
Crummock Water. |
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To the
northwest the colourful screes of Whiteside are seen to advantage. |
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I'm on my way
back down to Buttermere village but I can't resist a last shot of
Crummock Water. |
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The return
through Ghyll Wood, which Wainwright barely mentions in his guides. |
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This shot is a
little blurred due to the slow shutter speed necessary in the shade,
but the stream through the wood is especially pretty. Once I got back to Buttermere I strolled around the lake. This gallery can be seen at http://www.jbutler.org.uk/Lakes/Buttermere/850531.shtml |
