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

Start Point, Map

Distance 20.32 km, Time 6.47 h, Total Ascent 1,363 m [linear route] Imperial | Metric

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 !

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 - Image 2, May 13, 2025

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

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 3, May 13, 2025

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

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 4, May 13, 2025

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

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 6, May 13, 2025

Indy waits while I take some pics

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 7, May 13, 2025

Approaching the summit of Robinson, it is windy up here

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 8, May 13, 2025

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

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 9, May 13, 2025

Arriving at the summit of Hindscarth, then curving around

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 10, May 13, 2025

to the summit of Dale Head

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 11, May 13, 2025

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

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 12, May 13, 2025

We stop for a leisurely lunch at Dale Head Tarn

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 13, May 13, 2025

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

Apologies - panorama unavailable [img]

360° view

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 19, May 13, 2025

The route to Cat Bells from Maiden Moor is very clear

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 14, May 13, 2025

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

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 15, May 13, 2025

Cat Bells summit, time for another rest.

Looking down from grassy slopes to Derwent Water and Keswick beyond. Sunny warm weather, May 13, 2025

Derwent Water and Keswick from Cat Bells

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 17, May 13, 2025

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

Robinson, Hindscarth - Image 18, May 13, 2025

Finally in the shaded woods near Lingholm

Start: Buttermere

1) "Honister rambler" bus from Keswick to Buttermere
2) Car parks in Buttermere. Free car park at the bottom of Newlands Hause [NY 17645 17050].

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 1,363 m [linear route]
Wainwright Pictorial Guide: The North Western Fells

Back to top

Please do your own research to verify current routes and information on car parking, bus services and so on

Route maps from Ordnance Survey are scaled 1:25000 unless otherwise indicated.
Distance, Hike Time and Total Ascent as supplied by OS. Image shows planned route. Scale: 1:50000
Distance 20.32 km, Time 6.47 h, Total Ascent 1,363 m [linear route]

You are viewing in STD mode for standard images. If you wish to see HD full size images, click here