North Western Fells · Book 6

Knott Rigg

Knott Rigg is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 556 m (1,824 ft) it is the joint 145th highest of the 214 and the 18th highest in the North Western Fells.

Height: 556 m; 1,824 ft
Rank: =145; of 214
In area: 18; of 29
Difficulty: Moderate

Knott Rigg in the North Western Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Mick Knapton via Wikimedia Commons

About Knott Rigg

A short, steep climb from Newlands Hause to a narrow ridge above Sail Beck and Keskadale, with views back to Moss Force and across into Addacomb Hole. Usually paired with Ard Crags along the same ridge.

No fell on this side of Newlands has an easier start. The car park at Newlands Hause, on the road between Keswick and Buttermere, is at 333m, so the summit is only a little over 200m above you. From the hause the fell looks like a sharp cone, though the true top is out of sight behind it.

Leave the crowd heading for Moss Force and look for a short signpost on the opposite corner of the hause. The path climbs a steep grassy bank with the occasional rock step, and when you stop for breath you look back to the hause and Moss Force pouring off Buttermere Moss. It may be the best view of the waterfall you will get. The gradient then eases onto a mossy plateau and the small summit cairn. The name is Old English for a hill on a knobbly ridge.

Most walkers carry on north-east along the ridge over Ill Crag to Ard Crags and come back the same way, taking a path round the side of Knott Rigg to save a little climbing. That makes 5.6km with 368m of ascent. You can also start lower down the valley at Keskadale Farm or at Rigg Beck, crossing Ard Crags first.

The going is rough grass and stony path. There is no scrambling, but both flanks are steep. From the summit, bear slightly right to stay on the ridge path, because straight ahead is a long fall to Sail Beck.

Higher hills cut off most of the view. Across Sail Beck, Addacomb Hole takes a great scoop out of Wandope. To the east, in the gap between Sail and Robinson, the Skiddaw and Helvellyn ranges come into view.

In winter

The climb from Newlands Hause is a steep grass bank with the odd rock step, slippery when frozen. On top the ridge path bears right, and carrying straight on in mist or snow leads to a steep drop into Sail Beck.

Family Walk
Dog Friendly

Sources: Wikipedia: Knott Rigg, Walk Lakes: Knott Rigg and Ard Crags. Updated 22 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 197 188
Latitude: 54.55868° N
Longitude: 3.24259° W
Area: North Western Fells

Walking up Knott Rigg

The nearest car park on foot is Chapel Bridge Car Park, 4.2 km (2.6 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from Chapel Bridge Car Park

Distance: 4.2 km; 2.6 miles, one way
Ascent: 434 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 1 h 30 min; Allow 1 to 2 hours

Height in metres along the path from Chapel Bridge Car Park to the summit.

Times use Naismith’s rule, 5 km/h on the flat plus extra time for the climb, with Langmuir’s corrections. It’s a rule of thumb for the way up only, so add stops, weather and the walk back down.

The route follows paths mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors and isn’t a guided line. Check the mountain forecast before you go and carry a map and compass.

Knott Rigg questions

Is Knott Rigg a Wainwright?

Yes. Knott Rigg is one of the 214 fells Alfred Wainwright described in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in Book 6, The North Western Fells.

How high is Knott Rigg?

Knott Rigg is 556 metres (1,824 feet) high. That makes it the joint 145th highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 18th highest in the North Western Fells.

Where do you park for Knott Rigg?

The nearest car park on foot is Chapel Bridge Car Park, 4.2 km (2.6 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Knott Rigg?

From Chapel Bridge Car Park it is 4.2 km with 434 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 1 h 30 min, so allow 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Knott Rigg?

Upfell rates Knott Rigg as moderate. Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out and carry a map and compass.

Which Wainwrights are near Knott Rigg?

The closest are Wandope (774 m, 1.3 km NW), Ard Crags (581 m, 1.3 km NE) and Sail (773 m, 1.4 km N).

What is the grid reference for the summit of Knott Rigg?

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 197 188, or 54.55868, -3.24259 in latitude and longitude.