Route: Newlands Valley
Area: North Western Lake District
Date of walk: 29th December 2015
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 8.5 miles
Ascent: 1,000 feet
Weather: Overcast with some brighter spells, several heavy showers
I parked in the village of Braithwaite, which was badly affected by the recent floods, but which is now open for business thanks to a massive clear up operation. I walked out of the village and joined the track leading uphill to Braithwaite Lodge, where the first of several heavy showers of rain swept across
A lovely path contours along the lower slopes of Barrow before emerging onto the valley road. I left the road after a short distance and followed the path into Stair. It was tempting to cut the walk short at this point, as I was in the middle of the figure of 8 shape of the route and it had been raining most of the way. For anyone who prefers shorter walks, this route could easily be treated as 2 circuits – see the maps page
I decided to persevere and was glad to have done so, since my arrival at the head of the valley coincided with some sunshine and good light
The return route took me back along the valley beside Catbells and then beside Newlands Beck. The beck had clearly burst its banks during the floods but the path was relatively undamaged and there were no problems, apart from one very muddy section on arriving back in Braithwaite. It had been a great walk in one of lakeland’s loveliest valleys
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
Red squirrel in the garden before I set off this morning
Start of the walk from Braithwaite
Temorary flood defences by Coledale Beck which burst its banks a few days ago, causing massive damage in the village
I follow the sign to Newlands
Looking back to Skiddaw above Braithwaite
The track to Braithwaite Lodge
Beyond the lodge I follow a path along the foot of Barrow
There’s a short road section before I turn off at Uzzicar left of picture
Looking back along the road towards Skiddaw
The bridge at Stair - my return route will pass by the other side of the bridge. This is where the walk may be shortened if need be
I pass by ancient Stair House
Causey Pike with its distinctive knobbly top
Looking across Newlands Valley to Littletown
I waded through the ford at Rigg Beck, only to notice a footbridge when I looked back from the other side
The new house at Rigg Beck
Hindscarth and Robinson dominate the scene as I approach the head of the valley
Robinson
Scope End - and more rain on the way
At the far point of the walk I cross Newlands Beck via Chapel Bridge to begin the return leg
Littletown
Looking across the valley towards Ard Crags
Looking back to Hindscarth and Robinson
Improving light as I walk along the lower flanks of Catbells
Ard Crags again
Looking back to Littletown, with Scope End towering above it
Walking towards Skiddaw…
Another view back to Hindscarth and Robinson
Catbells
Skiddaw
Wonderful retrospective views from near Skelgill…
Beyond Skelgill I follow the lane to Stair
Moody skies
I follow the path beside Newlands Beck for the remainder of the walk
I pass by an old bridge near Uzzicar
I cross the beck over Little Braithwaite Bridge which has thankfully survived the recent floods
Looking towards Skiddaw
The circuit is complete as I arrive back in Braithwaite
