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Knott Rigg & Ard Crags from Newlands Hause

Start/Finish

Newlands Hause where there is usually enough rough parking unless it happens to be very busy. Newlands Hause is the highest point on the Newlands Pass which connects Braithwaite (near Keswick) to Buttermere village. The road is very narrow in places especially at the Braithwaite end and it isn't gritted in winter conditions. It is not a pleasant road to drive when it is busy. The main reason that people park at Newlands Hause is to visit Moss Force, the very prominent series of waterfalls close to the hause.

Distance/Time 5 km   About 2 - 3 hours

Peaks

Knott Rigg, 556 m, NY 197 189.

Ard Crags, 581 m, NY 207 198.    OL4 North Western Lakes

Introduction This is a relatively easy and short walk in the area with excellent views to Robinson, Whiteless Pike, Wandope, Crag Hill and even further. As Moss Force is so close to the parking area, it is worth finding a few extra minutes to walk to it. The paths are very easy to follow. Note that neither summit has much of a cairn. They are so tiny that even a few inches of snow would hide them!

Route

(1) Follow the obvious wide grassy path heading roughly north from Newlands Hause. It is moderately steep in places but, once the crest is reached, the gradient eases considerably. Continue along the undulating crest. When the path splits, take the left fork and ascend gently to a small plateau where a tiny low cairn made only of gravel marks the summit of Knott Rigg, 556 m.

(2) Continue along the good path, descending to an obvious col then ascend up the other side to reach another small plateau where another tiny low cairn marks the summit of Ard Crags, 581 m.

(3) Retrace back along the ridge towards Knott Rigg whose summit can be revisited or traversed by a path on its left, east. After Knott Rigg, retrace the outward path back to Newlands Hause.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 9^th August, 2024.