Great Gable to Keswick
DAY 3
10 NY211103 Descend north-east over very rocky ground, using hands where necessary, to reach Windy Gap col. Ascend the path of red scree ahead, veering slightly left past a wind shelter to gain the summit of Green Gable. Descend north-east and then north, sticking to a good path which leads to Gillercomb Head col. Pass to the right of a cluster of small tarns, veer slightly left and ascend north to the summit of Brandreth.
11 NY214119 Descend north-east to reach a fence junction. Go through a kissing gate and head north on a well-trodden path, veering slightly away from the fenceline. Pass a few small tarns and arrive at the summit of Grey Knotts. Turn right and head east-north-east to another right-angle bend in the fenceline. Follow the fence east, cross a stile to the right-hand side of the fence, and turn left, following the fence as it descends steadily northeast towards Honister Pass. The final section is steep, including a little rocky gully, before arriving finally at Honister Slate Mine – an ideal place to stop for a toilet break and refreshments at the café.
12 NY225135 Turn right briefly along the road and then ascend north on the main path for Dale Head. At about the 550m contour line, veer off the path and strike north-east over mostly pathless ground, taking a shortcut to arrive just to the east of Dalehead Tarn. Ascend north and north-east on a good path over rough ground to the summit of High Spy.
13 NY234162 Continue north over the broad, airy ridge, sticking safely to the east of the Eel Crags cliffs. Pass to the left of High Spy’s north top (or visit it if you’re Nuttall bagging) and descend gently to the col at Narrow Moor. Fork left on the higher of two paths and head north to Bull Crag and Maiden Moor’s summit. Descend north-east and north on a very easy-to-follow path all the way down to the col at Hause Gate, where four paths meet. Go straight ahead and ascend north on a wide path, veering slightly to avoid craggy ground before arriving at Cat Bells’ trig pillar.
NY244198 The initial descent north has some steep and craggy ground. Nowhere is it particularly technical or exposed, and the path is clear underfoot, but reasonable confidence over rough, rocky terrain is essential. Continue north over flatter section to Skelgill Bank before another short craggy descent. Beyond this, the going is easier as the path zigzags downhill, eventually looping west and then north-east down to a road. Head north-east and arrive at a road next to Derwent Bay driveway.
Go through gate to left of driveway and head north on clear path. Head north-northeast through woodland and The Park towards Silver Hill, and arrive at Lingholm Estate. Head north-east through Fawe Park to Nichol End Marine. Head west to road, turn right and head north to Portinscale. Fork right past The Derwentwater Hotel, cross River Derwent footbridge and turn east on path through fields into Keswick. Turn right on road and cross River Greta. At mini roundabout next to Co-op, go ahead and continue south-east along Main Street to reach Moot Hall on the high street.