Newlands Church

A prominent cairn marks the summit of High Spy

Dale Head Tarn

Newlands Valley from Dale Head

The Route

Start at Little Town (GR232194), not a Town at all just a farm, a few cottages and a Church.
A small parking area can be found a short distance from the Church accross the bridge.
Newlands Church is well worth a short visit.
A short distance up the road take the path (SE) behind the cottages, at a wall corner the path splits, the main track going North to Skelgill and Hause End. Your direction is to the right (E) toward the saddle of Hause Gate where you see panoramic views of Derwent Water, Keswick and Borrowdale. To the North is Cat Bells, but your direction is South avoiding the crowds and heading for Maiden Moor. Here you can choose your route to enjoy either views of Borrowdale to the East, or Newlands to the West.
Continue over the grassy slopes of Maiden Moor and on to the summit cairn of High Spy.
The route continues South downhill reaching a confusing grassy area and path junction with a path rising from the end of Newlands Valley and also from Rigghead and Borrowdale. Both these paths offer options to cut short your walk if bad weather or tired legs should require it.
The next objective is the beautiful spot of Dalehead Tarn. This is my favourite lunch stop. On a good day you can linger here a while and soak up the surroundings. Soft grass, shelter from the wind, a shimmering Tarn and a rocky outcrop to practice your scrambling skills.
Just Perfect!.
A steep climb now takes you on a path West to the summit of Dale Head. The summit cairn stands proudly at the head of Newlands Valley and will no doubt have you reaching for the camera.

The panorama of Newlands Valley is laid out before you. The route you have taken and the route still to complete is also clear (on a good day).

The ridge continues North West along Hindscarth Edge and at a path junction take the path North to Hindscarth summit.
Its down hill now along the ridge of Hindscarth and Scope End.There's a Gold Mine here abouts somewhere, although every other kind of mining has been done so watch out for disused shafts if you explore.Now you head for the Low Snab Farm and down the lane bringing you back to Newlands Church.If your car is parked by the bridge just a short walk down the lane and through the gate and your walk is over.
Now it's time to relax and reflect on a great day out.

Dalehead Summit
in Winter

Newlands Valley
from Maiden Moor

Sheep in Spring