To complete the one way Buttermere to Keswick walk via Newlands take the bus to Buttermere. There is a choice of return walks through Newlands valley itself or over Ard Crags which is my favourite.
Walking from one valley to another in the Lake District is usually hard work. The passes between them are high and, if you take to the fells themselves, clearly higher! On this walk the bus drops you off in the small hamlet of Buttermere and a sheer wall of steep mountains appear to block your return. However there is a lovely path up the side of Sail Beck which cuts through the steepest of the hills. Once at the watershed it is little effort to ‘collect’ Ard Crags and then drop in to the lovely Newlands valley. Ard Crags is a lovely grassy ridge with views ahead towards Keswick as well as across to the famous Newlands Round.
After Ard Crags cross the road and follow a small lane to the pretty settlement of Littletown, visiting the nearby church enroute. From here the path skirts Catbells (feel free to climb it) before joining the Cumbria Way long distance path. From here pass through Portinscale and on to Keswick. The high fells dominate the views and offer an imposing but beautiful backdrop to a special Lakeland walk.
The short climb on to the path at Ard Crags is worth it, it is a lovely graceful peak with superb views as you descend.
Use the Honister Rambler bus service. The 77 takes 40 minutes but please check the up to date timetable.
Sometimes road walking is a necessity and if you go via Ard Crags the first mile is up a steep road. However the views to compensate. Look out for the footpath when you reach Newlands Hause.
Hi there, how long did this walk take please 🙂
It took me 3 and a half hours but it may take longer depending on how quickly your party walks (or its slowest member!)
Today a nice scramble on Fleethwith Pike SOLO,conditions weather wise are great its a cold day and wet underfoot but for the time of year superb,pity Gav couldn’t make it!!!.Quick start,on my way to this pristine summit,superb views and some great photographs taken,I kick on with some nice little scarmbles my go pro switched on hopefully at the right time.I get to the summit and the weather changes wind chill now around 6 and a very strong wind,quick stiop for an addition of clothing and I’m off to Dubs Quarry to check on the Bothie,its cold on here time to drop down from the top.I arrive at The Dubs Quarry Bothie and I’m out of the wind,alls well in here a nice drink and I’m on my way back to Gatesgarth Farm Car Park,another great day on the fells Mountain Mike
Thanks Mike, a nice summary
Hi
I did this liner hike while we were in Lake district. One of the best hikes we ever did. Thank you for posting. We thought that this route covers all the great scenery of Lake district. We did climb Ard Crags and Catbell, both are fantastic.
Is it ok if I refer this page on my blog?
Glad you enjoyed the walk, Newlands is great. No problem referring and linking from your blog page.
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