Path through the Rannerdale Bluebells

The Rannerdale Bluebells

While now they’re fairly well known, the Rannerdale Bluebells used to be something of a hidden gem familiar only to locals and a few visitors from outside of Cumbria. Nowadays, the knowledge of this spectacular natural display has spread far and wide.

It’s no surprise that this small valley is so popular. Each spring, around May, the gentle grassy slopes are carpeted in native British bluebells. The purple haze is quite the sight to see, and the heady scent of thousands of flowers fills the air.

Rannerdale is picture perfect, and therefore an excellent place to visit as a photographer. Whether you capture Crummock Water in the background, or Rannerdale Knotts rising steeply behind the bluebells, there are plenty of great photo opportunities. I love to head there during Golden Hour when the light is just right and there are also fewer people about. It’s the perfect time to take photos of the Rannerdale Bluebells.

The Rannerdale Bluebells with Crummock Water in the Lake District

How to find the Rannerdale Bluebells

The bluebells are tucked away down a small lane off the country road that runs alongside Crummock Water. There’s a very small car park just below Rannerdale Knotts – the fell that shares its name with the valley – but space here is limited to just three or four cars.

Instead, head a little further north and you’ll find two slightly larger car parks, where you can leave your car for free. Alternatively, consider taking a bus: you’ll save yourself the headache of finding a parking space, and will do a bit for the environment too. A free shuttle bus runs from Cockermouth, and the Honister Rambler stops not too far away, in Buttermere village. If you take this option, you can enjoy a pleasant extended walk.

Rannerdale bluebells on Rannerdale Knotts

From the car parks, you’ll see grassy paths (or a stony one from the Rannerdale Knotts parking) that will lead your right into the valley. You won’t have to walk very far before you recognise that you’re in the right place. Just keep your eyes ahead of you and you’ll soon see the green grass blend with the blue shade of the flowers.

Grassy paths twist and turn amongst the flowers, and you can wander along these to your heart’s content. Remember to stay on the paths though to avoid trampling the flowers. As hard as it is to believe when you see the abundance here, the flowers can struggle to survive due to the length of time they take to grow. The paths are gently marked with rope and crude wooden stakes to keep you on the right track. Don’t worry, though, these fences have been so thoughtfully erected that they don’t detract from the natural scenery. Your bluebell photos will still be absolutely charming with them in the frame.

The legend of the bluebells

The situation of the Rannerdale Bluebells is all the more impressive because it’s such a rare phenomenon. Bluebells are usually found in dappled woodland, surrounded by tall trees that provide plenty of shade. However, in Rannerdale, there’s barely a tree in sight. The flowers bask in the sun and seem to take no harm from it.

So how did they come to be in such a place, far away from their usual habitat?

The legend goes that, in the early 11th century, locals ambushed a Norman army in the valley. The invaders were defeated and it is said that the bluebells sprang from the spilt blood.

Whether the real birth of these plants is truly so gory or not, it’s always a pleasure to visit Rannerdale.

Where else to see Lake District bluebells?

Bluebell woodland in Skelwith

While the bluebells in Rannerdale are some of the most famous and – many would say – part of one of the most spectacular displays, there are certainly other wonderful locations to view this diminutive flower.

Not far away from Rannerdale, at Loweswater, an ancient woodland is home to plenty of bluebells. Holme Wood on the shores of the lake are a tranquil place to walk amongst the trees and flowers.

On the other side of the Lake District, one of my favourite places to take photos of bluebells is at Skelwith, near Ambleside. There’s nothing quite like warm summer sun streaming between branches in the woods, brightening the purple of the flower.

Muncaster Castle, too, has a wonderful display every year. Their gardens are magnificent and you can also enjoy rhododendron blooms, as well as many other interesting plants, both common and rare. If you enjoy photographing flowers, then this is an excellent place to visit.

Rannerdale Bluebell Photographs

Path through the Rannerdale Bluebells

Keep a small memento of the beautiful bluebells in your home with one of my photographic prints of the bluebells at Rannerdale. They’ll brighten up any wall and are bound to bring a smile to your face all year round.

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