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The weather forecast today was not good - a shame that yesterday's lovely weather did not last. But since it was our last day we decided to get at least a short walk in before the worst of the weather arrived.
In the interests of keeping the walk short (so we didn't get too wet), and fairly low (to have a chance of staying beneath the clouds) we decided to walk from Newlands Hause , up Knott Rigg and Ard Crags, and then back down the same way. Lorraine, Robert, Thomas and the dogs came along, Sarah stayed back at the cottage to do some work.
Leaving the car at Newlands Hause
We left the car at Newlands Hause and set off up an easy grassy path into the clouds.
Heading up into the mist
Grassy path
The terraine and the gradients were easy, and the path proceeded along what we assumed was a lovely narrow rite, though with very limited visibility it was hard to be sure.
Looking back along Knott Rigg ridge
Looking forward along Knott Rigg ridge
The cloud cleared occasionally to give glimpses of views into the valleys below.
Glimpses of views...
After the top of Knott Rigg, the ridge continued along to Ard Crags, and the cloud lifted just enough to see our destination (briefly).
Ard Crags comes into view
I grabbed the opportunity to take a picture of the summit we had just visited.
Looking back at Knott Rigg
Misty ridge
Before long we were at what we assumed was the summit of Ard Crags - seemed to be the highest ground around although we couldn't see far enough to be sure. The GPS confirmed that this was indeed the summit.
Ard Crags summit
After a brief pause we set off back the way we had come. The wind that had been at our backs was now in our faces (though it had swung round a little to the side) and the rain started to get heavier. But then miraculously, it stopped, and the cloud lifted a little.
A view! Newlands Valley
For the rest of the return journey we managed to stay just below the clouds. The surrounding mountains tops were all hidden though.
Sail in the clouds
The return journey passed quickly, back to the summit of Knott Rig (where the dogs demanded a third "top of the mountain" biscuit on the somewhat dubious grounds that it was the third summit of the day, even if we had been there twice.
Returning to Knott Rigg
View from Knott Rigg
Robinson in the cloud
The ridge back from Knott Rigg to the car was a lovely walk, and passed very quickly.
View from Knott Rigg
Buttermere valley comes into view
I can see the car from here!
One final slightly steeper descent from the ridge and we were back at the car.
Newlands Hause
Newlands Hause and Moss Force
Looking back up the path.
And home for lunch. We had been pretty lucky with the weather, given the forecast (it started raining again as we reached the car). An enjoyable walk.
