Honister to Buttermere via Dale Head and Robinson
Honister to Buttermere via Dale Head and Robinson
I really love this walk but it's not often that I am fit and able enough to do it! From the Youth Hostel at the top of Honister Pass about face and with the Hostel at your back head on up... And up and up! Fair old climb up to the large Cairn at the top of the Hill and you've reached Dale Head at 753 metres, Well done! Take in the view it's all worth it!
You can see right down the length of the Newlands Valley and on to Skiddaw and Blencathra in the distance, Brilliant!
Now make a right turn and follow the short ridge path (Hindscarth Edge) heading towards Robinson, this eventually becomes "Littledale Edge", there is a cruel twist here as you have to descend about 200 metres and then immediately climb back up them again to reach the Summit of Robinson. I won't kid you this makes your legs ache quite a bit and is not for the faint of heart! Eventually though the climb eases off and you can amble at an easy pace up the steady but more slight incline to the Summit of Robinson, which you can see to your left just as you crest the hill.
Smile and take in the view, that’s pretty much all the climbing done!
There used to be a fairly substantial Cairn up here but it's been made into a Windbreak which whilst isn't quite as iconic is a lot more useful! It's exposed up here and any break from the wind is welcome. You get a great view from here of Buttermere and Crummock Water and you can make out the Solway Coast on a nice clear day as was the case here.
After this it's all quite literally downhill to Buttermere Village, the path continues down and ever down across Buttermere Moss and High Snockrigg, luckily the views just keep on coming!
Eventually you round a corner on the path which reveals the Fish Inn (most welcome sight!) and the path meanders down the hill albeit steeply toward Buttermere Church. (Be careful, I've tumbled here! It really goes for the knees!)
Done!
Into Syke Farm for Ice Cream (must be tried!) or retire to the pub to regale of your Mountain Conquests.
Cheers Jules...