Behind the ridge
To the west of Keswick lies the peaceful and unspoilt Newlands valley. It is easily reached from the town and is separated from Derwentwater by a single range of hills.
By road it is only three miles to Stair, a small hamlet at the start of the valley. A winding road with frequent glimpses of the Newlands Beck leads on to Littletown, another small hamlet. Close by is Newlands Church, a pretty whitewashed building at the foot of the hills.
The real Lucie of Newlands
The Newlands valley is well known for its links with Beatrix Potter. The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle uses the valley as its backdrop, and the little girl in the book was based on Lucie Carr — the daughter of the vicar of the tiny whitewashed Newlands church.
The book is dedicated to “the real Lucie of Newlands”, and you can recognise Catbells, Skelgill and Littletown from the drawings in it.
Walking from the valley
A horseshoe along the skyline crest taking in Catbells, Maiden Moor and High Spy, then west over the remoter summits of Dale Head and Robinson.
See the routeThe big one
Fells and valley in one: a climb part way up Barrow for the views towards the high fells, then down to return through the quiet valley floor.
See the routeHalf and half
Causey Pike, Barrow, Robinson, Hindscarth, Catbells, Maiden Moor and Dale Head all rise straight off the valley, from low-level paths to full ridge walks.
All walking routesFrom the doorstep
Goldscope mine
Newlands is home to the Goldscope mine, the most famous mine in the Lake District. It is on the lower slopes of Hindscarth near Low Snab Farm, and was worked from the 1500s until the end of the 1800s.
It yielded such large quantities of lead and copper that it was called Gottesgab — God’s gift — by the German miners who were brought over to develop it.
The other valleys
St John's in the Vale
The scenic valley between Keswick and Thirlmere, with its small church, High Rigg and routes towards Helvellyn.
Explore St John's in the Vale
Borrowdale
A valley running from Derwentwater to Scafell Pike, with villages, climbing crags and the Rambler bus all the way through.
Explore Borrowdale
Watendlath
A quiet hamlet and tarn at the end of a lane above Borrowdale, best reached on foot from Surprise View.
Explore Watendlath
Buttermere
Three lakes in one glaciated valley, with Rannerdale bluebells in May and walks beneath the highest fells.
Explore Buttermere
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- Newlands
- Keswick
- Braithwaite
- Portinscale
- Buttermere
- Derwentwater