Buttermere to Rannerdale Walk, North Lakes Outdoors

This compact but characterful circuit climbs from the shores of Buttermere into the low fells above Rannerdale, packing a surprising amount of ascent into just 5 km. From the valley floor the path rises past Long How and the old workings of the Rannerdale Trial Lead Mine, a quiet reminder of the small-scale mineral prospecting that once dotted these western Lakeland valleys.

The route then pushes up to the airy summit of Rannerdale Knotts, a modest top that punches well above its height with views over Crummock Water and across to the high fells. Descending along Low Bank, the path drops steadily back towards the valley through Ghyll Wood and past the scattered farmsteads at Crag Houses.

Along the way you are never far from other well-loved corners of the north-western Lakes, with Wilderness Wood, Squat Beck, Holme Island, Great Wood and Rowantree Beck all lying within easy reach. At a moderate pace the loop takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, making it an excellent half-day outing when you want big Lakeland views without a full mountain day.