Newlands Valley, Knott Rigg and Ard Crags

Joe Jackson

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Knott Rigg and Ard Crags are two Wainwrights in the Newlands Valley. They provide the supporting fellside of the Newlands Pass and with the competition of higher fells all around, are seldom visited by most walkers. The route chosen for this walk gets the least interesting section completed first, which is an ascent along the road to the very top of Newlands Pass. At 333m there is little left to ascend and the route is simple to follow. From Knott Rigg the views are great and the path is laid out in front of you with no possibility of going astray. From Ard Crags the descent is fantastic (although a little steep in places) but the views more than make up for it, with a full profile of Catbells directly in front. After crossing Rigg Beck the return along the track is simple and straightforward.

Detour: on the way up to Newlands Hause you will probably notice a large waterfall almost directly ahead near the top of the pass. This is Moss Force. A small detour of only a few hundred metres will get you right up to the falls and is well worth it, as the waterfall is stunning. Access to the falls is gained from the top of Newlands Hause.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North West