“Interest in the climb quickens at the foot of Aiken Knott. Bracken is succeeded by heather, through which a neat and charming track winds up the narrow ridge to the east top”
A Wainwright
Although not huge mountains the fine ridge of the Ard Crags and Knott Rigg climbs steeply above the Newlands Valley to a steep sided and narrow ridge.
The heathery summit ridge climbing above Aiken Knott to Ard Crags and sweeping south west to the summit of Knott Rigg, above Newlands Hause, is a delightful half days walk with amazing views over the Newlands Valley to the north and Buttermere to the south and of the higher fells on all sides.
“In fell-climbing (as in other pursuits) there is a difference between achievement and satisfaction. One's sense of achievement is roughly in proportion to altitude gained by effort, but one's sense of satisfaction is not necessarily governed by the same rule. Lonely Ard Crags offers, especially in August, a climb up to a personal heaven of one's very own”
A Wainwright
We will follow the path alongside Rigg Beck until an easy path crossing the beck to the left and up onto the shoulder is seen, a good path climbs the shoulder onto the heathery ground above, climbing over the rocky Aiken Knott to the summit of Ard Crags.
The ridge continues to the south west from Ard Crags, crossing a slight depression before climbing to the summit of Knott Rigg with views over Buttermere to the south.
From Knott Rigg we will descend over the fine eastern shoulder of the fell to Keskadale Farm returning to Rigg Beck either along the roadside or across the fields to the south.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Rigg Beck, Newlands
Postcode: CA12 5TS
Grid Reference: NY 229 201
Directions
From Keswick:
Follow the A66 west from Keswick, towards Cockermouth & Workington turning off the road at Braithwaite, Turn left as you enter the village, and left again over the bridge and follow the road to the Newlands Valley.
Follow this road, crossing a cattle grid, over the bridge at Stonycroft and continue to a sharp bend on a bridge, there is a small car park next to the bridge, we will meet here, Rigg Beck.
Bus Services
There are no buses along the Newlands Valley.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
For winter walks (November to March) events please also bring the following:
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
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