A moderate route in North Western Fells. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Chapel Bridge car park, Newlands Valley (NY 231 193).
Terrain: Road, footpath, footbridge, farm track, open fell, bracken, faint path, ridge path, grassy fell descent, road, footbridge, field path Notable features: Knott Rigg (556m — Wainwright 1), Ard Crags (581m — Wainwright 2), Aikin Knott, Newlands Valley, Keskadale Farm, Rigg Beck, Newlands Pass, 2 Wainwrights IMPORTANT — MOUNTAIN SAFETY: This walk crosses open fell with a section of pathless ground and bracken on the initial ascent. The ridge between Knott Rigg and Ard Crags is exposed in poor weather. Full mountain kit is essential. Check the weather forecast carefully before setting out.
A thoroughly enjoyable circular walk in the quiet Newlands valley, combining two fine Wainwright summits with a classic ridge traverse and a straightforward return through the valley below. The outward leg via Keskadale Farm has a sting in its tail — the path leaving the road by the farm sheds is all but invisible and a stretch of wild walking through bracken to the wall is required before the ridge path takes over. It is worth persevering: once the faint path appears at the wall and the ridge opens up ahead, the walking improves dramatically and the ascent to Knott Rigg is a steady and satisfying climb with the views expanding at every step. The ridge from Knott Rigg to Ard Crags is a gem — the views across the Newlands valley from Ard Crags in particular are amazing, with the full sweep of the Newlands Horseshoe laid out to the south. The continuation to Aikin Knott and the long grassy descent to Rigg Beck make for a fine and varied return to the valley, and the straightforward road and field path finish brings the walk to a neat conclusion back at Chapel Bridge. A brilliant walk on a beautifully quiet ridge.