Knott Rigg, Ard Crags

A fine small round from Keskadale farm. Previously we had head straight up the ridge of Knot Rigg from the farm but his decided to take the path on the western flank amongst the heather, indistinct at times but with no difficulties (apart from getting of the road initially; you need to climb the side of the hill from the lowest bend in the road, as there is no access from the farm buildings opposite the main farm). On reaching the main path the dreaded double beep of a text message arrived. There followed a discussion of whether this should be deal with immediately or ignored. Should the phone even be switched on when out on the fells? Fortunately this time we decided to look at the message, which turned out to be very important - but meant the phone was in and out of the rucksack like a yo-yo for the rest of the walk. The weather was cloudy on the main tops but clear for us with an almost serene but sultry feel despite not being too warm. This little ridge can be classed as one of the Lake District's mini mountains. It has that feel walking between Knot Rigg and Ard Crags, its larger brother CauseyPike and Crag Hill looming above on the left with a group of walkers traversing the ridge like a line of ants. The descent from Knot Rigg was down the steepish ridge heading for the Newlands valley and then we turned back on ourselves following the the wall to reach a gate and access back onto the road. Time 3hrs Grade Excellent Memories

• Excellent mini ridge walk

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