The Newlands Round: A Full Day in the Fells
Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson. A substantial round of the Newlands fells, with views towards Derwentwater, Borrowdale and Buttermere.
The Newlands Round is a fantastic full day on the fells, and one of the best things about it is how much the views change as you work your way around the horseshoe. There are steep climbs, long stretches of ridge walking, rugged mountain scenery and views towards some of the best-known valleys and lakes in the district.
We started near Little Town and walked the round up to Maiden Moor first, then continued over High Spy, Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson before descending back into Newlands. It's a big day out, rather than a quick circuit.
Setting off from Little Town
Little Town is a lovely starting point, tucked into the Newlands Valley beneath the surrounding fells. From the valley, we headed towards Hause Gate, climbing steadily towards Maiden Moor.
The lower paths pass through the green fields and traditional Lakeland landscape before the climb starts to open up the views. It's a good introduction to the day, although there's a fair amount of height to gain before reaching the ridge.
Maiden Moor: The Views Open Up
Once on Maiden Moor, you're rewarded with superb views towards Derwentwater. The lake and its wooded islands sit below, with Skiddaw and Blencathra rising beyond Keswick on a clear day.
It's one of the best parts of this side of the walk, and the views become more impressive as you gain height. Looking in the other direction, you can see into the Newlands Valley and across the surrounding ridges.
Along the Ridge to High Spy
From Maiden Moor, we continued along the ridge towards High Spy. The walking here feels more open, with long views across Borrowdale and the surrounding mountains.
High Spy stands at 653 metres. It's a fine stretch of fell walking, and the varied ground and distant peaks make it easy to forget how much climbing there is still to come.
Dalehead Tarn and the Climb to Dale Head
After High Spy, the route drops towards Dalehead Tarn before climbing again to Dale Head. This section adds another significant ascent, and the ground is rocky in places, so it pays to take your time.
At 753 metres, Dale Head is the highest summit on this particular round. By the time you get there, the scenery has changed considerably from the earlier views across Derwentwater.
Looking north from Dale Head, the Newlands Valley stretches away beneath you. Towards Honister and Borrowdale, the mountains feel steeper and more dramatic. It's a superb place to stop, get your bearings and take in the views.
Hindscarth and the Western Side of the Horseshoe
From Dale Head, we made our way towards Hindscarth. Its summit sits off the direct line towards Robinson, but it's well worth including for the views.
This side of the horseshoe feels different again. The broad Newlands Valley is laid out beneath you, while the western fells and the mountains around Buttermere form a magnificent backdrop.
Robinson and Views Towards Buttermere
From Hindscarth, the route heads towards Robinson, at 737 metres. By now, you've covered a substantial amount of high ground, but there's still more scenery to enjoy.
Some of my favourite views on this walk are towards Buttermere and the surrounding mountains. The lake is tucked into the valley below the steep slopes of the High Stile range, and it's a completely different landscape from the more open views across Derwentwater earlier in the day.
It's this variety that makes the Newlands Round such a rewarding walk. In a single day, you get a superb mix of lake views, valleys, rocky ridges and some of the best mountain scenery in the Lakes.
Descending Robinson and Returning to Little Town
From Robinson, the route descends by High Snab Bank towards the Newlands Valley. This is not a section to rush. Parts of the descent are steep and rocky, and care is needed, particularly when the ground is wet.
Eventually, the mountain scenery gives way to the fields, walls and tracks around Little Town, bringing you back to the valley where you started.
We deliberately left Catbells out of this walk. It's a lovely fell, but in the summer months it can get absolutely mobbed, and we'd already had an outstanding day on the higher ridges. There was no need to add it simply for the sake of ticking off another summit.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Start and finish: Little Town, Newlands Valley, near Keswick.
Direction: Little Town, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head, Hindscarth, Robinson, then down to Little Town.
Difficulty: Strenuous. This is a long mountain day with sustained ascent, rough ground and a steep descent from Robinson.
Time: Allow a full day, typically around 6 to 8 hours or longer depending on pace, stops and conditions.
Parking: Parking around Little Town and Chapel Bridge is limited. Arrive early and park considerately.
Navigation: Carry a map or reliable offline route, check the mountain forecast and be prepared for exposed conditions. This article is a walking account, not a substitute for navigation on the hill.
Is the Newlands Round Worth It?
Absolutely. It's a demanding walk with a fair amount of climbing, but the changing views make the effort worthwhile.
From Derwentwater and Borrowdale on the eastern ridge to the Newlands Valley and the mountains around Buttermere further round, it really is a full day of Lakeland scenery.
If you enjoy longer days on the fells, this is one of the best circuits around Keswick.