Where is this walk?

Newlands Round

July 18, 2024

A fine walk along good paths with outstanding views, the Newlands Round covers three main Wainwrights but can be extended to include two more.

The Walk

Whenever I walk the Newlands Round the name of the book “How Green is my Valley” comes to mind. Without doubt Newlands is one of the prettiest of the Lakeland valleys with its lush green fields and attractive farmsteads. The valley is also less imposing than many others such as Buttermere, with its steep flanks and high craggy fells. The fells around Newlands are still steep (and can feel relentless) but softer and grassier than those to the west and south. The graceful profile of the mountains of the Newlands Round makes for some great walking territory.

The three fells of Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head form a neat circuit above Little Town. However I would add the extra climb to the knobbly ridge of High Spy and Maiden Moor and create one of the very best Lakeland walks. Having completed the first three fells you will certainly feel every 550 foot of the climb to High Spy but once you are there it is a worthy addition to the route. The views over Derwent Water are exceptional and the walking is easy The descent in to Little Town nothing more than a stroll.

Recommend

Normally I would encourage gaining height as quick as possible and climb on to the ridge of Robinson from High Nab Farm. However in this case stick to the valley floor of Scope Beck and its perfectly formed valley sides.

The Newlands Round is one of my 25 favourite walks in the Lake District.

Navigation Tips on the Newlands Round

This is a well marked round on good paths. Any confusion in the cloud will probably come on Dale Head. Two paths head off the summit in an easterly direction. The one just south of east (the right hand fork) is the one to take. The one just to the north of east offers the quickest route to the valley floor. I once took this in a raging gale (Sean Russell!!) and it was a godsend.

9 Comments
  • Stu says:

    Can anyone tell me roughly where image 2 is?

  • Martin Casey says:

    Possibly my favourite Lakeland walk. Done this walk 7 times in all seasons and in both directions. My favourite route is from Littletown… down to Newlands church taking the track signposted The Hayloft. Follow the track to Lower Snab farm and go up the path at the rear of the farm… through the gate and follow the path round the lower fell. After a short walk take the path directly to the left. This is where the climbing begins. After a short but steep walks the path levels out and takes you on a gradual path to Hindscarth. The end bit is quite steep but well marked. Although there is no proper trig point there is a stone shelter which is a good place to have a brew and take in the stunning views. Follow the path in front of you till you meet the ridge… if you want to take in Robinson bear right along the ridge.. .. after a short walk take the path up to Robinson… again no trig point but another’s stone Shelter. The view to the coast from here is fantastic. Retrace you’re steps back to the same ridge and head in the same direction you came on. Stay on this path for a while … great views from all sides… follow the track which will eventually bring you Dale Head… without a doubt… one of the Lake Districts best views… a absolutely beautiful place to sit and watch a sunrise. From hear stay on the ridge which will take you down to Dale Head tarn. The path down is very steep so take your time. Dale head tarn is also a great spot to sit and rest for a few minutes… a really lovely tranquil place. From here cross the stream and follow the steep but well marked path up to High Spy. From here follow the path keeping to the left above The Newlands valley… this path eventually brings you to Maiden Moor which is unmarked as far as I’m aware. Follow the path till Derwent Water and Catbells come into view… I usually sit down here and take in the beauty of the surroundings… it really is a special view… tbh… the whole walk is. Personally I’m not a fan of crowds when I’m in the mountains …. I prefer the solitude but i always make Catbells my last Wainwright of the day… it’s a lovely little mountain to start or finish the Newlands round whichever way you do it. If you want a perfect day in the mountains this walk is one of the best.

  • carl moffat says:

    just completed a very nice scenic walk which included Robinson Hindscarth, Dale head and High Spy worth doing

  • Chris Kelly says:

    Done all 5 crags/peaks in a dry sunny but windy day. Great views and terrain was OK for us and 2 dogs. Started off at Robinsons and glad we went anti clockwise. We had it as 10 miles and 6.15 hrs all in and a enjoyable longish day out

    Note on the bridge to access car park is v v narrow and our volvo estate took a bit o scratching as its a bit of a blind spot goin over

    Thanks for the walk recommendation

  • Mountain Mike Wilson says:

    Hi its Mike the date is 6/4/18 I’m on the fells with Gav and Deb our target is Robinson and Dale Head conditions are superb its a warm one.Stiff trek up High Snab Bank and Deb sets off up the scramble overlooking Robinson Craggs,Gav and I follow this a nice scramble small break and we are off towards the next scramble which leads us to the first Cairn we can now see the top its a great day a good few folk about.After a few snaps taken we head for Dalehead and after a nice trek we are meeting a good number of fellow walkers up here,conditions are superb think I’m getting a tan.At this we head down to Dalehead Tarn and have our lunch,again a good number of people about,Time to move on and we drop down Rigghead Mine towards Rosthwaite and a well deserved latte and a slice of cake it was two more Wainwrights for Deb great day see you on the Fells MM.

  • Mountain Mike Wilson says:

    Hi its Mike (MM)todays target Robinson from Newlands Chapel towards Dale Head,weather dry and windy,stiff up hill start good scramble that gets you up onto easier ground,top reached in one hour and thirty minutes,nobody about at this time,I head for Dale Head.I speak to a few people as I head up towards the Cairn,I then drop down to Dale Head Tarn more walkers about all heading for Robinson I mention where2walk.co.uk.time taken to here two hours and forty minutes.A quick break and I’m on my way back down to The Chapel car park,track is rough going weather rotten at a lot of points,finally down to a nice track that leads back to Little Town time taken around five hours and I’m totally dry,Im back next week with Gav as he wants to do Hindscarth see you all later MM.

  • jonny and ella says:

    Which way around? Great walk either way, or indeed straight up Hindscarth. Overall I’d agree on anti clock, as you have a long time looking at Derwentwater, Skiddaw and Blencathra and the wind will probably be at your back.

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