Ard Crags Summit

Ard Crags occupies the northeastern end of a modest curving, rocky ridge, beautifully nestled in the upper Newlands Valley. It is easily accessed from the road over the Newlands Pass, which means it’s a perfect objective for a quick adventure fix.

Taken with its sibling Knott Rigg, Ard Crags makes for a lovely ridge traverse that manages to feel very wild despite the nearby road, which is where the most direct approaches begin. Routes via Knott Rigg’s summit start from either the layby at the top of the pass, or from Keskadale Farm, while the most direct routes begin from Birkrigg Farm via the rocky knoll of Aikin Knott. You can find accommodation in the Buttermere and Newlands Valleys, or in Keswick if necessary.

On arrival at Ard Crags’ summit, there’s much to take in. The view past Causey Pike’s knobbly summit, up the length of Newlands to Derwent Water, with Blencathra rising beyond, is the highlight of a grand panorama.