Dale Head

Dale Head

Dale Head is a 754 m (2474 ft) fell above Honister Pass and Newlands Valley. DoBIH 2400 places its unmarked natural high point at NY2228915325, 18 m west of the large cairn. The ground at the cairn is 30 cm lower. The cairn is a conspicuous landmark and the familiar Wainwright/Birkett point, but it is not a summit trig pillar.

Honister Pass return

10Adventures describes a full out-and-back from Honister Pass, with published figures of 3.9 km, 380 m ascent and 1.5–2.5 hours. These describe its summit-area return; the guide does not resolve the 18 m difference between cairn and exact natural high point. No adjusted exact-point total is claimed here.

From the parking area, cross the B5289 carefully and take the path north uphill. Keep left at the fork and continue to the summit area. Use the primary grid reference to distinguish the natural high point from the cairn. Return down the same path to Honister. Longer Newlands circuits and extensions over Hindscarth or Robinson are different walks.

This short route still involves sustained climbing on rough ground. Keep away from the steep summit edges, particularly in mist or strong winds. Carry a map, compass, backup navigation, warm layers, waterproofs, food and water. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment.

Views and geology

The summit area overlooks Newlands Valley and surrounding fells, including Hindscarth and High Spy; clear conditions extend the panorama towards Skiddaw, Blencathra and the Helvellyn range.

JNCC’s Geological Conservation Review describes Skiddaw Group mudstones beneath andesitic lavas and volcaniclastic rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Dale Head’s north and south mineral veins occur in different host rocks, so a simple all-andesite description is incomplete.

Mining here is documented from Elizabethan times, with later 17th- and 19th-century activity. Old workings and crags are outside this return route: do not enter adits or approach unstable openings.

Parking, buses and facilities

Use signed parking at Honister Pass on the B5289 and check the operator and current charges. National Trust information lists pay-and-display parking at the pass, with its member exemption. Do not assume that different car parks share tickets, or that mine parking and roadside spaces are free.

Stagecoach’s summer 2026 timetable lists 77/77A Honister Rambler services linking Keswick, Honister Slate Mine and Buttermere, valid 23 March–1 November 2026. Check the walking day and last return; this is a seasonal service.

There is a café at Honister, and the route publisher identifies toilets near the car park, subject to opening hours. The mine operator says mains drinking water is not available and bottled water is sold. Bring your own supply rather than relying on a free refill.