Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge up Rannerdale Knotts: route map, distance and time
355 m · Lake District C&W · OS grid NY167182
Rannerdale Knotts is a small rocky ridge above Crummock Water, a short steep climb with a big view of the Buttermere valley and its fells.
A steep, stepped path climbs from the lakeside to the summit, with some rock steps near the top.
Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge at a glance
| Distance | 1.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 230 m |
| Time up | 0h 45m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 5m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Cinderdale Common car park |
| Start grid reference | NY 163 193 |
| Summit grid reference | NY167182 |
Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 35m | 0h 55m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 0h 45m | 1h 5m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 0h 55m | 1h 20m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:06. Start by 16:01 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:04. Start by 15:59 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Rannerdale Knotts summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Monday 19 October
Overcast, up to 12°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 15 mph gusting 31 mph, 29% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:06.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Dense drizzle, up to 11°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 14 mph gusting 18 mph, 69% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:04.
Best day of the next seven for the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge: Monday 19 October, with summit gusts around 31 mph and a 29% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Rannerdale Knotts forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 2°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 31 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Rannerdale Knotts
Rannerdale Knotts is a small rocky ridge above Crummock Water, a short steep climb with a big view of the Buttermere valley and its fells. More about Rannerdale Knotts, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Whiteless Pike (660 m), 1.5 km north-east
- Mellbreak (511 m), 1.9 km west
- Grasmoor (852 m), 2.2 km north
- Dodd (641 m), 2.5 km south
- Wandope (774 m), 2.6 km north-east
- Red Pike (755 m), 2.9 km south
Challenges that include Rannerdale Knotts
More walks from Cinderdale Common car park
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Cinderdale Common via Lad Hows up Grasmoor
Other routes up Rannerdale Knotts
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttermere along the ridge | 2.6 km one way | 252 m | 0h 55m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 163 193, the summit at NY167182), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge?
The Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge is 1.8 km one way to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, with 230 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 3.6 km.
How long does the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge take?
About 0h 45m to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts and 1h 5m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 1h 20m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge?
The Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge starts from Cinderdale Common car park. The grid reference is NY 163 193.
Is the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge today?
By 16:01 at the latest. Sunset on Rannerdale Knotts today is 18:06, The Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge takes about 1h 5m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Cinderdale Common up the north-west ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).