On Bank Holiday Monday we wanted to do Fleetwith Pike from Gatesgarth but we could see as soon as we left Carlisle the forecast of lowish cloud was right so we thought about changing this, we didn’t fancy walking in clag.
On the journey on the 73 from Carlisle to Keswick it was a lovely peaceful journey, John driving, the smoothest driver Stagecoach employs
and only us two on the bus. This bus changes to the 77 Honister Rambler at Keswick and it was all change from peace and quiet to having to listen to a group of walkers who were shouting at each other across the bus. We had to shout to be heard if we wanted to talk to each other and we got a fit of the giggles, talking that loud just doesn’t seem right to us.
Instead of getting off the bus at Gatesgarth we got off at Rannerdale instead. Relieved to get away from the noise we thought Rannerdale Knotts would be a nice fell to do. We could see the top of it unlike Fleetwith Pike which had clag covering the top half.
Crummock Water and Low Fell from the way up Rannerdale Knotts
On the way up Rannerdale Knotts
There were quite a few other people doing the fell too and we felt like we were in a big walking group. With light packs on though we made short work of the ascent and we got well ahead of the other people and we thought we might get the fell to ourselves for a while. No chance
There were summit slugs on the top.
Beefy on the summit. Cropped to remove summit slugs.
The view from not quite the summit of Rannerdale Knotts
We didn’t stay very long on the top and we descended along the Low Bank ridge path to the col below Whiteless Pike.
Looking back at Rannerdale Knotts
At the col we headed toward Squat Beck
There were lots of people about and more coming up towards us. It was Bank Holiday Monday and we had come to a popular area especially at this time of year with the bluebells so it was to be expected I suppose. I spotted a trod that led off right, away from the normal path along Squat Beck toward some trees that skirted the foot of Whiteless Pike. I wondered if we could walk on the other side of Rannerdale to get away from the hordes of people. Beefy didn’t need asking twice and we took the trod to the trees. It turned out to be a great decision what a wonderful walk it was.
This is the lovely ravine of Rowantree Beck. The path led us down and over it.
We were heading toward these trees and the narrow path lead us around the fence on the right above the trees
We could see dozens of people on the other side or Rannerdale, we had this bit all to ourselves.
Bluebells
We continued on the path that followed the wall for a while before stopping for some lunch.
More bluebells
There was a bit of a wow moment when we saw this waterfall. I’d seen one marked on the map on Rannerdale Beck but I can’t remember ever seeing photos of it so I had no idea it would be this nice.
Waterfall on Rannerdale Beck
I’ve been through Rannerdale dozens of times but I’ve never ventured on this side before. I’m pleased I have now.
Looking back at Rannerdale
Mellbreak and Crummock Water
Rannerdale Knotts
Whiteless Pike
The narrow trod we started from near Rowantree Beck carried on all the way above the wall to rejoin the usual path to Rannerdale Bridge and Cinderdale Common.
The path from Cinderdale Common to Lanthwaite Green is an interesting route below Grasmoor and the crags along its base
Mist on Grasmoor End
We caught the Honister bus from Lanthwaite Green and it was a more peaceful journey on the way back.
With only just over 3 hours between the buses we had to catch to and from Rannerdale and Lanthwaite our walk was a short one. Rannerdale – Rannerdale Knotts – Low Bank – Whiteless Pike col – Rowantree Beck – Rannerdale Beck – Cinderdale Common – Lanthwaite. 7km with 438m ascent. We both enjoyed the peace of the other side of Rannerdale and what a lovely walk it was too. Thanks Beefy too, a good laugh as always, hope you enjoyed the chocolate frenzy at lunch
