Difficulty: Fair – Moderate
Wainwright Guide: Book Six – The North Western Fells
Fells: Dale Head, Hindscarth, Robinson
So, this is one of the two most popular ridge walks you can take from Buttermere. The other being on the opposite side of the lake. It is in my opinion the easier of the two ridges and can be combined with a variety of other mountains, most notably as part of the Newlands Horseshoe walk with High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells.
This Complete Guide will give you everything you need to know about the Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson ridge walk, where you’ll get to experience some of the most incredible views in all of Lakeland! But more on that later…
Where to Start?
You can start the walk at either Robinson or Dale Head, but this post is going to detail the walk starting at Honister Pass Slate Mine. Mum and I were having a well deserved ice cream at the mine following a leisurely descent from Haystacks. We decided that we were still feeling pretty energetic and so set off eagerly up Dale Head.
This walk will take you most of the day if you’re doing it as a circular route so get a nice early start behind you!
There is a lovely car park owned by the Slate Mine which gives you access to many of the surrounding peaks. It only costs a little, like most car parks in Lakeland, and sets you up perfectly for the walk ahead. Just cross the road and follow the path up the mountain keeping the fence on your left. You can’t go far wrong as the footpath is signposted!
Dale Head
I won’t lie, the ascent isn’t the most interesting. It’s a straight line with an equal gradient for the entire climb. The great grassy fell seems to go on forever. Although it’s not too taxing, every time you think you’ve reached the top you realise there’s more to go. Soul destroying when you accidentally drop your phone half way up and have to run back down from the summit to get it, only to re-climb the hill you just ran down.
When you see a long row of cairns you can rejoice because you’re nearly there. Once at the summit you’ll see why the long climb was worth it. The view down into the valley is second to none. We were astonished at how far into the distance we could see. It’s well worth taking up a seat on the grass and looking out on the world for a while.
Hindscarth
When you’ve rested up you can head along to your next peak. Heading to the right will take you towards High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells. We headed to the left towards Hindscarth and Robinson. This is where we began to get astonishing views down onto Buttermere and across to the other side of the valley.
This part of the walk is relatively easy. You’ll follow a short descent and then a short ascent. At the top of the small incline is a fork in the path. Heading to the right will take you to the summit of Hindscarth where you can look out at the Northern fells in the distance. Although not the most inspiring summit this detour is well worth your time and it really doesn’t take very long. As always, the views are second to none.
Robinson
When you’re done taking in the view from Hindscarth follow the path back to the fork. Turning right will take you towards Robinson. Again, the path dips and rises. Poor mum found this part of the hike fairly difficult. It got pretty steep pretty quickly and we were both already worn out from walking for pretty much the entire day. I was extra worn out from my involuntary introduction to fell running on Dale Head!
At the top of the steep incline you’ll see that the summit is finally in reach! Keep on following the path towards the summit cairn, then take a deep breath and absorb the panorama that awaits you. On this particularly clear day we could see all the way to Scotland and the Isle of Man! I have never been so overawed. We had definitely saved the best summit of the ridge till last. Basking in the evening sun it was hard not to feel mesmerised by the views.
Descent
We took the descent towards Buttermere as the hills began to glow in the sunset. Fair warning, this isn’t the easiest descent. The first part resembles more of a scramble and then the path across the bracken in the flatter part isn’t too clear. Turning the corner to see the village in the distance gave us a whole new picture to take in. Everywhere you look in the Lake District seems to be absolute perfection.
Upon finally reaching the road you can follow it round to end up in the village where there are a few different places you can rest your weary feet. Sykes Farm, the Bridge Hotel and the Fish Inn are the mainstays for walkers. My personal favourite has to be the Fish Inn. The food is absolutely incredible and you’ll find many like minded walkers to have a drink and a chat with.
Getting back to your car will require a stroll along the side of Buttermere keeping the lake on your right. Just head through Sykes farm and down to the shore. Eventually you’ll meet the road which you’ll then have to follow the up through the Honister Pass.
Alternatively you can hike up the miners track and round the back of Fleetwith Pike to take you down back towards the Slate Mine. Follow the path to the right at the bottom of Fleetwith Pike all the way up to Dubs Quarry. From here you want to head away from both Fleetwith and Haystacks and follow the straightest mile in Lakeland all the way back down into the car park for Honister Slate Mine.
Have you completed this ridge walk yet? Let me know in the comments!
