Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Wainwright Guide: Book Six – The North-Western Fells
The ridge between Ard Crags and Knott Rigg is one of the most beautiful in the Lake District! Although it looks relatively simple the descent/ascent between the two fells is a bit of a slog, but it helps that the scenery around is absolutely incredible. There are views along the Newlands Valley to Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson on one side, parts of the Grisedale Horseshoe on the other and then straight ahead towards Keswick and Derwent.
Jonny and I headed out on this walk with Emi on a very hot summers day. We chose it because it was relatively short and simple with amazing views. We had all of the usual supplies with us including enough to eat and drink and sun protection. Even with the breeze on the fells it’s always important to cover up effectively!
Where to Start?
This is another of those walks where you have to get to your starting point early to secure a parking spot! There is a small parking area at the top of the Newlands Pass that doubles as access to Robinson and Moss Force Waterfall. The parking is free and gets filled up extremely quickly.
From the car park the start of the walk is pretty self explanatory. There is a footpath sign with Knott Rigg written on it pointing to a clear path up the fell. This is the sign to follow to begin the hike to Ard Crags and Knott Rigg.
Knott Rigg
The hike to the summit is fairly simple in terms of directions and route finding, and it isn’t far in terms of distance. Although there are a couple of steeper sections it is a generally reasonable climb.
The initial grassy paths becomes a bit more of worn path as the ascent begins.
Looking back you get superb views down towards Newlands Pass and across to Robinson.
Eventually the incline eases off and you end up on a very slight slope but still with a very obvious path. With the majority of the ascent completed at this point it’s a welcome easy stroll in the breeze.
Being a very warm day we took ample opportunities to rest and admire the larger ridge lines that were surrounding us.
The grassy summit plateau culminates with a small cairn to mark the actual summit.
Ard Crags
From the summit of Knott Rigg you can see the summit of Ard Crags and the well marked path between the two.
With only a mile between the two summits the path takes a deceptive dip in the middle. It is well marked however and the surrounding heather is beautiful, with equally amazing views of the ridges around.
The incline to the summit of Ard Crags, although not too harsh is still an effort on a hot day.
The summit itself is marked by a small cairn and provides some incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding North-Western Fells.
We sat up here for a long while to admire the view. It really is a fabulous lunch break spot. It was also great to let Emi enjoy herself here having walked most of the ridge by herself!
Descent
The Ard Crags and Knott Rigg hike is one of those where to descend requires heading back the way in which you came. I must admit it isn’t such a chore when it comes to this hike as the views are incredible along the whole ridge.
Be careful descending back towards the car park. It is a bit steeper than it feels on the incline! When you do get back to the car park I would recommend taking a look at Moss Force Waterfall on the opposite side to the footpath sign. It really is lovely!
In terms of post-hike refreshments I would recommend heading down into Buttermere and grabbing a pint in one of the pubs or an ice cream from Sykes Farm. You can’t go wrong with either!
I have to say that this is one of the best ridge walks we’ve done. The reward for your efforts is a hard thing to turn your nose up at. We will definitely be doing this one again and again.
Have you completed Ard Crags and Knott Rigg yet? Let me know below!
