“Newlands… an idyllic place of flowers and trees, of emerald pastures and sequestered farmsteads, all cosily sheltered by rough mountains, and having as its greatest blessing an undisturbed peace”

– Alfred Wainwright, 1984.

The Newlands Valley is regarded as one of the most picturesque and quiet valleys in the Lake District National Park, even though it is situated just five miles from the popular tourist town of Keswick. The valley makes an excellent base for any walking holiday and provides a huge variety of routes from the door including low level valley walks, ridge walks and fell walks such as Causey Pike, Barrow, Robinson, Hindscarth, Catbells, Maiden Moor and Dale Head, with spectacular views over Derwentwater and beyond.

The area is well known for its links with Beatrix Potter. ‘The Tale of Mrs Tiggywinkle’ uses the Newlands Valley as its backdrop. Catbells, Skelgill and Little Town can all be recognised from her sketches. She also knew Newlands Church, becoming acquainted with its Vicar and his daughter, Lucie.

Newlands is a true walker’s valley with mountains and fells for all abilities. Experienced climbers and adventure seekers will love the steep ridges in the valley while families with younger children will enjoy the lower-level mountains which are easier and have superb views.

walks from the door

Here is our guide to the best Lake District walks to do in the Newlands Valley

Enjoy A Trek Up Catbells

Catbells is a famous, family-friendly, Lake District mountain. It’s an easy climb to reach the stunning viewpoint on the top. One of our favourite routes is from Little Town, within the valley, where you can find the door to a disused mine – the front door to Mrs Tiggywinkle’s cottage in the Beatrix potter story. The name Cat Bells may have come from a corruption of ‘cat’s bield’ meaning a wild cat’s shelter and may stem from days gone by when wild cats still roamed our countryside.

Climb causey Pike

Causey Pike is an inspiring summit. The long narrow ridge and knobbly peak stand out for miles. Our favourite walk follows an old miners track to the heathery top. If you are only going to do one walk from our cottages then make sure this is the one. The walk starts from the roadside with an easy ascent then a gentle walk along the heathery ridge. This is followed by the short exhilarating climb to the summit where you can enjoy a well-deserved break and take in the magnificent view.

A Classic Horseshoe Walk

The Newlands Horseshoe is a classic walk that takes in the summits of Robinson, Hindscarth, Dalehead, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells. It is the perfect walk for Wainwright enthusiasts, ticking off 6 in one go. This big walk is best suited to experienced walkers but you can easily climb the summits individually for an easier option. After all that walking you’ll be looking forward to relaxing in a cosy self catering Newlands Valley cottage.

Ard Crags And Knott Rigg

The twin tops of Ard Crags and Knott Rigg are part of a little known walk that takes in amazing views over the Newlands Valley. This walk is suitable for all walking abilities and best of all it is nice and quiet. You can journey to the top of Knott Rigg and continue to the top of Ard Crags in around half an hour. You’ll experience panoramic views over the valley, taking in the patchwork fields, Catbells and a glimpse of Derwentwater.

“Newlands is a privileged valley, not only extraordinarily pleasant in itself but ringed by grand fells; for a quiet fellwalking holiday there is no better centre”

– Alfred Wainwright, 1963.

Newlands has a Church which was built in the 16th century and is less than 500m from Littletown, this listed building formerly housed Newlands School which operated from 1877 – 1950’s.

Newlands Valley has an extensive mining history, and is home to the famous Goldscope mine. The reservoir located west of Goldscope mine was the energy source for the mining drill; german miners extracted lead, copper, silver and gold from the mine between the 1500 – 1800’s.

The lesser famous Yewthwaite lead mine is on the side of Catbells, the entrance is blocked now, as the mine is so deep it reaches Grange. The local pub, The Swinside Inn, is over 300 years old and a short walk away for guests to enjoy. With Keswick and Derwentwater a stonesthrow away, there is more adventure to be had whatever the weather.