02/05/2026
All Roads Lead to Ambleside Part 7: The Rannerdale Knotts Bluebell Circular
Distance: 3–4.5 miles
Time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep climb at the end)
Highlight: Bluebell valley and summit views over Crummock Water & Buttermere
The seventh in our ongoing guide to Lake District walking routes takes us away from our usual base camp of Ambleside Park and across the Lakes to the eastern bank of Crummock Water.
The reason for this is that during the early half of May, the lower slopes of the Rannerdale valley are carpeted with a stunning sea of bluebells. It’s quite a sight to behold, making this moderate circular route a seasonal highlight for those who wish to experience the Lake District at its best.
Venturing higher up the valley, you will enjoy a breathtaking view with Crummock Water on one side and Buttermere on the other, as well as the imposing Grasmoor and High Stile fells.
Where to park (start point)
🅿 Start at the National Trust car park at Cinderdale Common
(CA13 9UZ) on the road between Buttermere and Lorton.
🌿It sits right by Crummock Water
🌿There’s a gate and obvious path at the far end
🌿If full, there are lay-bys nearby along the same road
🏁This is the starting point.
Step-by-step route
💙1. Leave the car park via the gate
Walk to the far end of the car park (away from the lake). You’ll see a gate or stile and a clear path heading inland.Go through it. If you’re walking toward the hills and away from the lake, you’re heading in the right direction.
💙2. Follow the obvious path into the valley
The path is wide and easy to follow. You’ll soon see a small stream
(Rannerdale Beck / Squat Beck area) and an open valley ahead.Keep the stream roughly nearby as you head in.In May, this is where the entire valley floor will be covered in bluebells. Please stick to the designated paths, as the bluebells are extremely fragile and will be damaged underfoot.
💙3. Your first key landmark is the fork/bridge area
You’ll reach a fork in the path and a small bridge over the stream.Cross the bridge and turn right, following the path along the stream.This loops you deeper into the valley instead of sending you back early.
💙4. Walk through the “secret valley”
This is where the magic happens: you’re now in Rannerdale Valley and, if you’re visiting throughout May, you should find yourself surrounded by bluebells.Just follow the main path—there’s really only one obvious route.The stream stays beside you, offering good photo ops.
💙5. Start the climb (don’t miss this turn)
Eventually, the valley begins to open out.
Watch for a path heading up to your right; this looks smaller and slightly rougher than what has come before.
✨TAKE THIS TURN✨
If you stay flat, you’ll miss the summit.
💙6. The climb up to the ridge is short but steep.
This is the only real tough bit of the walk, but it can be easily avoided if it’s not for you; however, it’s utterly rewarding if you can do it. Just take your time and zig-zag up the grassy, rocky path.
💙7. When you’ve reached the ridge, turn left. You’ll have now reached the top of Rannerdale Knotts.
💙8. Walk to the summit
You’re on an easy ridge walk now with only a slight rise to the highest point (355m).At the top, you will see Crummock Water on one side and Buttermere on the other. With views of the Grasmoor and High Stile fells, this is the reward for all of your efforts. Stop and drink it all in.
💙9. Descent back to the car park
From the summit, you will continue along the ridge path until you see a steep path dropping back down toward the lake.Follow this path down. It is steep, so please watch your footing.
💙10. You’ll come out near the roadside, which will leave you only a short walk back to your car.
💙Navigation summary
1. Car park → gate → valley
2. Follow path → cross bridge → turn right
3. Walk through bluebells -remembering to stick to the designated paths
4. Turn right uphill
5. Ridge → left → summit
6. Down steep path → car
Additional advice
💙Best time: Early–mid May for bluebells
💙Go early: parking fills fast
💙Footwear: trainers ok in dry weather, boots better if wet
This is one of those rare walks where the effort is relatively low but the payoff is huge.
Aside from the -seemingly - endless carpet of bluebells you also get to enjoy a hidden valley and a summit which offers two lakes in one view
