A short Lake District ridge walk that includes two Wainwrights. Surrounded by higher fells, the ridge between Ard Crags and Knott Rigg offers some wonderful Lakeland scenery.
Calculated time: 2h20[?] 
Distance : 3.28mi
Vertical gain : 991ft
Vertical drop : 994ft
Highest point : 1827ft
Lowest point : 1060ft 
Difficulty : Average
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Area : Lake District 
Location : Buttermere (Cumbria)
Starting point : N 54.547428° / W 3.248717° (D/A) The start is the roadside parking on the grass at Newlands Hause (Grid ref. NY192176), the highest point on the road from Buttermere village to Braithwaite. From here take the signed footpath uphill to Ard Crags. Climbing quite steeply on grass, the path gains height quickly offering improving views over the hause and beyond. The first rocky section is not the summit. This is located further along the ridge. It is also recommended to keep on the left hand path rather than follow the lower path on your right that avoids Knott Rigg's summit. In poor visibility there is also the possibility that if you trend too far to the right you will start descending towards Keskadale Farm. If you are losing height too quickly, return uphill and reassess your position. Reaching Knott Rigg's top (556 m.) you can see the ridge ahead.
(1) Continue along the ridge dipping to a col before regaining all the height you have lost to reach a long finger of ridge that stretches north-east towards Causey Pike. The summit of Ard Crags (581 m.) does not offer any new perspective on the surroundings but provides the satisfaction that you have reached the second Wainwright of the day. Continuing further along the ridge is very pleasant but do remember that any height you lose has to be regained on the return to the start.
(2) To complete the walk turn back along the way you came, perhaps opting for the path crossing the left flank of Knott Rigg to save a few metres of ascent. Descending steeply to Newlands Hause you might also be tempted with a short walk to the foot of Moss Force, which can be very impressive after heavy rain(D/A).
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 1063ft
1 : mi 0.84 - alt. 1749ft - Knott Rigg
2 : mi 1.65 - alt. 1827ft - Ard Crags
D/A : mi 3.28 - alt. 1060ft
This short ridge walk is ideal for those new to hill walking and for those times when you only have a couple of hours to spare or there is a short break in bad weather. However having said that, do not think this walk is second-rate as it offers some grand views and excellent walking.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
7.65mi
+3255ft
-3451ft
6h20
Average
Starting point in Buttermere (Cumbria) - Cumbria Linear walk with a few scrambles and beautiful vistas
12.03mi
+3832ft
-4544ft
8h50
Average
Starting point in Ennerdale and Kinniside - Cumbria The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 6 Wainwrights, 3 tarns and 1 pub.
5.98mi
+1335ft
-1325ft
3h55
Average
Starting point in Borrowdale - Cumbria A short and fairly easy, circular walk up the ever popular Cat Bells. Starting from parking on the roadside just outside the village of Grange, this walk ascends Cat Bells from the South and descends north to join paths through the parkland and woods above and beside Derwent Water.
9.9mi
+2927ft
-2930ft
7h05
Average
Starting point in Above Derwent - Cumbria A rewarding Lake District walk of the highest calibre. The Horseshoe route takes in all the peaks on either side of the Newlands Valley and offers some wonderful walking and superb views throughout.
9.36mi
+2920ft
-2917ft
6h50
Average
Starting point in Borrowdale - Cumbria The classic and well trodden ascent of Scafell Pike from Seathwaite in Borrowdale. Ascending via Grains Gill to Great End and then Esk Hause and Broad Crag. The descent is via the 'Corridor Route' to Styhead Tarn and then back to Seathwaite.
11.96mi
+3458ft
-3458ft
8h30
Average
Starting point in Loweswater - Cumbria A walk taking in four Wainwright summits, with views of 4 lakes and the skyline of the High Western fells. The walk can be taken either clockwise or anticlockwise.
4.86mi
+2408ft
-2382ft
4h20
Average
Starting point in Borrowdale - Cumbria An energetic Lake District Horseshoe walk that takes in four summits as you keep to the high ground surrounding Gillercomb. The walk could also be extended to take in Great Gable if time and energy permit!
7.88mi
+3087ft
-3087ft
6h20
Difficult
Starting point in Borrowdale - Cumbria This Lake District walk includes an unpathed section of route and is for experienced walkers only and navigation skills are essential. The walk includes Great End approached from the Corridor Route before following easier ground to the summit of Glaramara. The descent from the latter summit requires careful navigation for a trouble-free descent back down to Seathwaite.
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