The Knott: 739m, Walks and Views in the Far Eastern Fells

The Knott rises to 739m above Hayeswater, a rounded top on the western side of the high ground around Rampsgill Head. It is often visited as part of a longer day among the Far Eastern Fells rather than as a destination in its own right. Yet its position above the dale, with an open outlook towards the western fells, gives walkers good reason to pause.

A rounded summit above Hayeswater

The Knott’s character depends on where you see it from. Among the uplands around Rampsgill Head, it is a relatively modest rise, attached to higher ground rather than standing alone. From the Hayeswater side, its steeper western slopes give it much more presence. That contrast between a rounded summit and a strong valley-facing flank is central to understanding the fell.

The summit stands at 739m, or 2,425ft, at grid reference NY437126. A cairn marks the top. Hayeswater lies below to the west, occupying the long valley beneath the surrounding ridges. Beyond that immediate setting, the outlook opens towards the Helvellyn range. Nearby higher ground limits the view in other directions, so this is not an uninterrupted panorama; the relationship between the summit, the water below and the neighbouring fells is its particular interest.

The Knott in the Far Eastern Fells

Alfred Wainwright included The Knott in The Far Eastern Fells, the second book of his seven-volume guide to the Lakeland fells. It ranks 66th by height among the 214 Wainwrights. Its position makes it part of the extensive upland country associated with High Street, where broad ridges connect numerous named summits above deeply cut dales.

Rampsgill Head is its immediate higher neighbour, while Rest Dodd, High Street and Kidsty Pike belong to the surrounding group. These names help place The Knott within a network of fell walks rather than an isolated ascent. High Street’s association with a Roman road is a notable piece of the wider area’s history, but that should not be confused with a claim that the road crossed The Knott’s summit.

Walking connections and the fell’s appeal

Hartsop is a familiar starting area for walks visiting The Knott, with Hayeswater forming an important feature of the approach from the valley. The fell also fits naturally into longer outings linking neighbouring Wainwrights. Its proximity to Rampsgill Head helps explain why walkers often encounter it during a round rather than reserve a whole day for this summit alone.

The Knott’s appeal is quieter than that of a famous scrambling ridge or an isolated rocky peak. It offers a clear sense of the transition from the enclosed Hayeswater valley to the broad, exposed uplands above. Choosing a walk here means considering the whole outing, including ascent, distance and conditions on the connecting ridges; dedicated route guides and a suitable map are the places for that detail.

Where the Knott stands

Summit at grid reference NY437126 · open full map

The real Knott

Walking the Knott

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Arnside Knott circular walk | Cumbria (nationaltrust.org.uk)
• Swineside Knott (andrewswalks.co.uk)
• Arnside Knott Walk & Viewpoint (northernrailway.co.uk)

Weather on the Knott

Conditions estimated at summit height (739 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

The Knott on your wall

A painting of The Knott can bring back more than the summit: Hayeswater below, the western slopes and the broad uplands beyond. On the wall, that familiar shape offers a quiet connection to a day spent among the Far Eastern Fells.

Own “The Knott Ridge Path in Sunlight” — our painting of The Knott → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Rampsgill Head 792 m
• Rest Dodd 696 m
• High Street 828 m
• Kidsty Pike 781 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.