Hiking from Buttermere to Portinscale via Robinson and the High Spy ridge

STD

Robinson, Hindscarth [NW]

INDY May 13, 2025 Buttermere, Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head, Dale Head Tarn, High Spy, Maiden Moor, Cat Bells, Lingholm, Portinscale
Distance 20.32 km, Time 6.47 h, Total Ascent 1363 m [linear route] Imperial | MetricWainwright Pictorial Guide: The North Western Fells

INDY SAYS: This was a lovely high ridge walk. My first time on the fells with my new rucksack - I met lots of people who commented on it. Some thought I was a mountain rescue dog!
I don't like the stony path descent from Dale Head to Dale Head Tarn so we went off piste through the bouncy grass.
Note: Other than at Dale Head Tarn there is hardly any water on this hike, we took a lot with us today because the weather was warm.
I was tired at the end of it !

This is a long hike from Buttermere to Portinscale taking in Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Cat Bells. It is a very hot day and we use a lot of water.

The weather forecast is excellent for today.
We catch the bus to Buttermere (over Honister) and are on our way by about 9:30. We would prefer to start earlier on a warm day, but this is the first bus.
Today's is a linear walk as we are making our way back to Portinscale.

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 2

Note that the fell ahead is not Robinson, which is much further behind and higher!

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 3

Indy has her rucksack on today.
We have practiced at home, but this is the first time on the fells with it.

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 4

Behind us, clear view over Crummock Water and to the sea beyond

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 6

Indy waits while I take some pics

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 7

Approaching the summit of Robinson, it is wIndy up here

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 8

Coming off Robinson with fantastic views of Green & Great Gable (centre), Scafell ridge behind

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 9

Arriving at the summit of Hindscarth, then curving around

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 10

to the summit of Dale Head

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 11

A clear side view of the High Spy ridge, which is our route. Don't stray too far left!

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 12

We stop for a leisurely lunch at Dale Head Tarn

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 13

and then rapidly arrive at the summit of High Spy.
It is getting really warm now, we slow down and drink more water.

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 19

The route to Cat Bells from Maiden Moor is very clear

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 14

Whilst trundling over Maiden Moor (always further than I remember), we look back at Robinson and Hindscarth (R-L)

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 15

Cat Bells summit, time for another rest.

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 1

Derwent Water and Keswick from Cat Bells

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 17

A good end-on view of Rowling End and Causey Pike

Robinson, Hindscarth May 13, 2025 - Image 18

Finally in the shaded woods near Lingholm

Route:
Buttermere, Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head, Dale Head Tarn, High Spy, Maiden Moor, Cat Bells, Lingholm, Portinscale Distance 20.32 km, Time 6.47 h, Total Ascent 1363 m [linear route]
Route maps from Ordnance Survey are scaled 1:25000 unless mentioned otherwise.
Km, hike time and metres of ascent as supplied by OS. Planned route
Scale: 1:50000
Route Map and Details

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