Robinson to Fleetwith Pike
1 NY178171 From the lay-bys on the Newlands Pass, slightly to the north-east of St James’ Church in Buttermere, head north-east up the road briefly to reach a small lay-by on the right with space for about three cars (park here if there is space). A fingerpost sign, labelled ‘Robinson 1½ miles’, marks the start of the route. Take this path and head east, climbing steadily to emerge at a plateau to the north of High Snockrigg. Veer south-east over flat terrain for about 850m to reach the 500m contour line, before climbing east and then north-east over steeper terrain to reach the summit of Robinson.
2 NY201168 Turn right and head south off the summit on a wide path towards Hackney Holes. Reach a fence line and follow it south-east, descending safely away from Robinson Crag to your right. Arrive at the col above Little Dale, known as Littledale Edge. Climb beyond the col, ignoring an unofficial shortcut trod to the left, and continue east on the main path before veering north. Ascend easily to the summit of Hindscarth.
3 NY215165 Turn around and re-trace your steps down Hindscarth’s southern ridge, which you just ascended. Fork left at a junction and continue south to the col between Hindscarth and Dale Head. Pick up the Hindscarth Edge path and ascend easily south-east. Gain the nose of Dale Head’s north-western ridge and continue south-east. The views to your left over the Newlands Valley are some of the best in all of Lakeland. Climb easily to reach the summit of Dale Head, which has a large cairn.
4 NY223153 Descend the south ridge on a path, following the line of a fence for most of the way to reach the Honister Pass road, opposite the YHA. Turn right along the road, before turning left into the Honister Slate Mine visitor centre. Veer right around the building and into the car park and take the wide 4x4 track ahead. Ignore a turn off to the left and stick to the main track, aiming north-west. At the next junction, fork left and take the higher track which climbs to Bell Crags. Fork right at the next junction and, as you merge with another track, head for a gap between a ruined building and old wall. The path is a little indistinct but not too difficult to follow, as it follows the line of an old wall. Reach a ruined building and fork left on a faint, grassy trod heading west to avoid a steep, rocky gully ahead. Head north over a pathless section before picking up a trod heading northwest along the edge of crags. Pass to the left of Black Star and veer west all the way to Fleetwith Pike’s summit.
5 NY205141 Bear south on a faint trod towards distant spoil heaps. Descend briefly and fork right at a junction. Fork right again and descend gently south and south-east. Cross two streams and continue south-east. At a wide grassy rake, turn right to two mounds of slate. Pass to the left of these and descend a grassy path south-west. Beyond further piles of slate, veer left to Dubs Hut bothy.