Map & Elevation
About this Route
This is the direct climb of Dale Head from Honister Pass. The attached GPX is 4.0 km, with 380 m of ascent and a walking-time estimate of 1 hour 27 minutes. It is short because the car park is already high, but nearly all of the route is on a steep, exposed slope.
From the Honister car park, take the path heading north towards Dale Head and pass through the gate above the mine buildings. The route then follows the fence up the south ridge. Old quarry and mine tracks cross or run near the lower slope, so keep to the narrow fell path beside the fence rather than following a wider working track away from the ridge.
The path climbs without much pause. Lower down it is a mixture of grass, stones and worn steps; higher up the ridge widens and the gradient begins to ease. In clear weather the fence makes the line obvious. In cloud, it is still worth checking the compass because the open upper slope has few landmarks and the fence is not a substitute for knowing which side of the summit you are on.
The large summit cairn stands close to the northern edge, above the Newlands valley. Give that edge plenty of room in poor visibility or strong wind. Return south beside the fence to Honister. The descent is steep enough to be tiring on knees, and wet grass, frost or loose stones can make it slower than the ascent.
The best part of Dale Head is the moment Newlands opens beneath the summit cairn.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start from the car park by Honister Slate Mine. Take the signed path heading north and uphill towards Dale Head.
Pass through the gate and pick up the narrow fell path beside the fence. Keep clear of working areas and obey any local signs.
Climb beside the fence on grass and stones. Ignore wider quarry or mine tracks that angle away across the slope.
Where a track crosses the ridge, continue uphill beside the same fence. Do not follow the track around the hillside.
The path becomes more worn and pitched in places. Take care here on the descent, particularly when the grass is wet.
The angle eases and the ground becomes broader. In cloud, keep checking that the fence is leading north towards the summit.
The cairn is close to the drop above Newlands. Keep back from the edge and note the southward fence line for the return.
Descend beside the fence, cross the quarry track and pass back through the gate to the car park.
Essential Tips
Mine tracks can look more inviting on the lower slope but do not follow the summit route. Stay with the fell path running north beside the fence.
The cairn stands near the steep northern face. Give the edge plenty of room in cloud, snow or strong wind.
The route loses almost 400 m in about 2 km. Wet grass, loose stones and frost make the direct descent tiring and slippery.
Parking is charged and the pass road is steep and narrow. Check local access, weather and winter road conditions before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Dale Head from Honister Pass?
About 1 hour 27 minutes for the round trip of 4 km. The route is short because the car park starts high, but nearly all of it is steep climbing.
Is the descent from Dale Head harder than the ascent?
Yes, the descent can actually be tougher on your knees and slower than going up. You're losing almost 400 m in 2 km, and wet grass, loose stones or frost make it slippery and tiring.
Do I have to pay for parking at Honister Pass?
Yes, parking is charged at the Honister car park. The article recommends checking local access and conditions before you travel since the pass road is steep and narrow.