Walk Ard Crags, Lake District, England

A very remote walk to the summit of Ard Crags and Knott Rigg. Easy walk with beautiful views. Dog friendly.

Ard Crags and Knott Rigg walk information:

  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 3h
  • Ascent: 392m
  • Level: Medium
  • Car park: Newlands Hause, Just before crossing Rigg Beck, CA12 5TS, Keswick, Free, Small car park for only four cars.
  • Dog friendly: beginning of the walk is on the road, sheeps in the fields.
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This hike starts from the small car park of the old quarry along Newlands Hause and continues on this road before climbing towards Knott Rigg, Ard Crags, East Summit and down by Aikin Knott. This hike is not very hard, but the first climb is quite steep and a bit long for people not use to hike. The trail is well visible but there are some passages in particular towards Knott Rigg which have not been well maintained and where it will be necessary to be careful to not slip.

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The view along the trail is beautiful and once at the top of Knott Rigg and Ard Crags the view is totally clear on the surrounding peaks. This hike is very little known, we did not meet anyone during the whole time there. It is a shame because it deserves to be known.

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Here are the key steps to do this hike:

  • From the car park take the national road and pass the Birkrigg Farms, Gillbrow Farm, Bawd Hall. Just after Ill Gill River and before the bend to get to Keskadale Farm, take the small path that climbs to the summit. Be careful, the path is not very visible.
  • Follow this path for a while, you must follow the path in the middle of the hill. Do not take the path that goes straight or the path that goes down towards the road. This trail climbs to the top of Knott Rigg.
  • Once at the top, it is possible to turn left to see the view. Then go back to the right and take towards Ard Crags. Continue straight towards East Summit and take the trail straight down.
  • Once on the flat take the path on the left which goes towards the river Rigg Beck. Cross the river and take a right on the path. Continue straight to the parking.

Do you know this hike?

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Find all our dog friendly walks in the Lake District National Park here. To discover the United Kingdom it is here.

6 thoughts on “Walk Ard Crags, Lake District, England

      1. My next trip is only 2 weeks away 😀. I won’t be too far from Newlands, staying in Seatoller. I’m hoping to tackle some of the bigger (including the biggest) mountains – weather permitting, of course, and if (a big if) I’m up to it!

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