A moderate 10.1 km fell walk in the North Western Fells, taking in 2 Wainwrights including Ard Crags and Knott Rigg. Starting from Buteremere, the route climbs 506 m. Allow around 2h 52m by Naismith's Rule.
The North Western fells form a long spine between Keswick and Cockermouth, offering superb ridge walking with relatively moderate ascents. The Newlands Valley, tucked in their midst, is one of the most beautiful in the whole of the Lake District.
At 10.1 km with 506 m of ascent, this route is rated Moderate. Expect a solid day out with sustained climbing sections. Walkers should be comfortable on open fell terrain and carry map, compass, and adequate layers.
The route takes in 2 Wainwrights, covering 10.1 km from Buteremere. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 2h 52m of walking time, plus extra for rest stops, navigation, and photos. Fine-tune your estimate with the Naismith Calculator.
The walk starts at Buteremere. Check parking availability before you go as popular Lake District car parks fill quickly on weekends. The Lake District National Park Authority website has up-to-date car park information.
Download the GPX file to your device before setting off. The map shows the route and Wainwright summit positions. In poor visibility, always use a physical OS map and compass. Do not rely solely on a phone GPS in mountain terrain.
Late spring through early autumn (May to October) gives the best conditions. Winter walking on the fells requires additional skills and daylight planning. Always check the Mountain Weather Information Service before heading out.
My standard Lake District day kit. Everything here has been out on the fells with me and earned its place in the pack.
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