Honister ➜ Great Gable ➜ Hay Stacks, is an absolutely fantastic Lakeland circuit. It combines everything we are looking for in a great day hiking on the fells with varied terrain, different levels of difficulty and some majestic views.
Easy parking at Honister Slate Mine, so no stress about a full car park on arrival (if you have tried to park at Gale Road / Great Wood / Mardale Head etc at the wrong time then you know what a stressful start to the day that can be). Alternatively, catch the Honister Rambler bus from Keswick.
A fully modulable circuit which can be adapted in view of the weather or hikers' preferences. For example, you can skip Grey Knotts and/or Brandreth. If one of the party doesn't feel up to taking on Great Gable, is can be dropped. You can add on Fleetwith Pike if feeling energetic.
It is a hike comprising fantastic and varied views, including Styhead & Sprinkling Tarns, the Scafells, the Langdale Pikes, several different valley lakes (Wastwater, Ennerdale, Buttermere & Crummock Water), and even the distant sea.
There is water on the walk including various streams and, on Hay Stacks, 2 or 3 tarns.
If you stick to the paths here are no particular dog obstacles such as nasty ladder stiles or impassable gates.
Furthermore, Moses' Trod adds some historical interest to the proceedings.
Highly recommended!