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I'd been planning to climb Dale Head and walk along the ridge to Robinson for some time, but it had never quite fit in with plans and logistics, not helped by the public transport from Buttermere not running once the winter months arrive. But now the time had come, and I was looking forward to spending New Year in Buttermere. A three-day plan was drawn-up, and accommodation booked at the Cragg camping barn for two nights. A train to Carlisle, a bus to Keswick, and a (very busy!) bus to Seatoller later, I found myself at the National Trust Car Park shortly before 12pm, and off I went.
I followed the old toll road from Seatoller alongside the Honister Pass road, as far as Honister mine, and then took the steep but easy path straight up the hillside to Dale Head. Wainwright seems to suggest this route is almost cheating, but given that I had fairly heavy pack, I didn't feel too bad. But I did find myself climbing more slowly than the many other walkers on the hill today - damn them with their cars and their daypacks
The weather was unseasonably good, conditions crystal clear, and the views wonderful.
Untitled by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
From Dale Head it was off down the at times precarious path along Hindscarth Edge, and then very easy and pleasant walking along to the summit of Hindscarth itself. I stopped a while to appreciate the views, and delighted in the fact that a year ago I'd hardly set foot on any Wainwrights and now could name most of the hills on the skyline and recall wonderful days of walking on them.
Untitled by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Untitled by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
After leaving Hindscarth I followed a well-trodden path not on my map, contouring its way to Littledale Edge, then immediately started the plod up to Robinson. The sun was low in the sky, and the short winter day was already showing signs of disappearing. Lovely sunset views from the summit, and I sat there for some time.
Untitled by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
With a couple of paths available from the summit of Robinson, I opted for the one leaving directly from the cairn, and found it to be uncomfortably steep, it felt even steeper than the contours suggested on the map
It took a while to get down to Buttermere Moss, where suddenly it was all squelch and wet feet, and by now the sun had quickly disappeared. The view from around High Snockrigg, however, was beautiful.
Untitled by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Now the light had gone, I carefully trod my way down from High Snockrigg to Buttermere, part of me wishing I had camped up on the fells in this glorious weather, but part of me glad to pop into the Bridge Inn, and settle in for a relaxing evening with a map and Wainwright's Western Fells book, looking forward to New Year's Day.
Untitled by
Christopher Watson, on Flickr
