FLEETWITH PIKE, LAKE DISTRICT

EXPLORE THE HIDDEN SIDE OF FLEETWITH PIKE ON A WALK THAT TAKES YOU BACK THROUGH LAKELAND’S SLATE MINING HISTORY.

WALK IT

There’s a very easy way to Dubs Quarry which starts near the top of the Honister Pass at the Honister Slate Mine visitor centre, following the dismantled tramway path. But you don’t want to do that! To make this a proper hillwalk, start off in picturesque Buttermere, stroll along the banks of its namesake lake, then make the spectacular ascent of its famous north-west ridge. This is really a ridge only in name, following a broad spur on a good path with a couple of very basic rocky sections that barely need hands to negotiate. The views are big and impressive all the way to the 648m summit of Fleetwith Pike, from where you drop roughly south-east down a gently angled slope to the remains of Dubs Quarry. There’s plenty to explore in the old mine workings, with slate piles, tumbledown buildings and even a couple of bothies to go hunting for. Return either the same way, or extend your route back to Buttermere with a loop over neighbouring Haystacks (pictured above).