Dale Head
Dale Head at 753 metres is the summit that presides over the Newlands valley, one of the quietest and most beautiful valleys in the north-western Lakes. The fell connects south to Honister via the High Spy ridge and north to Robinson and Hindscarth to form the Newlands Round — a fine circuit of the valley that delivers genuine height and excellent views without the crowds of the central Lakes. The summit cairn is perched at the edge of the eastern crags, giving an abrupt view down into the Newlands valley hundreds of metres below. The view is arresting: the valley snakes away to the north, Catbells and Maiden Moor mark the eastern rim, and Derwentwater is visible beyond. To the south, the Honister Pass cuts through the fells. West, the Buttermere fells. Dale Head Tarn, a small dark tarn below the summit on the Honister side, is rarely visited despite being easily reached from the descent path. Worth the short detour.
Walking
The Honister approach (CA12 5XN, slate mine car park, pay) takes the path from the pass north-east along the ridge past High Spy and Maiden Moor to Dale Head. The ridge walk is excellent, with views into both Borrowdale and Newlands. Around 6 miles return from Honister with 750 metres of ascent. Allow 4 to 5 hours. The Newlands Round from Little Town in Newlands valley (CA12 5TU, limited parking) is a better day. The circuit climbs Dale Head via the eastern approach from the valley, then follows the ridge to Hindscarth and Robinson before descending back to the valley. Around 8 miles with 900 metres of ascent. Allow 6 hours. A third option approaches from Buttermere via Honister and the High Spy ridge, allowing a full traverse of the connecting fells. This is most naturally done as a point-to-point walk with transport at both ends.
Routes
Honister Pass ridge approach
Honister Slate Mine car park
Tips
The Newlands valley is one of the least-visited valleys in the Lakes for its beauty and deserves more attention. The circuit from Little Town is genuinely rewarding. The Honister Slate Mine cafe and shop at CA12 5XN is worth a quick look regardless of whether you are visiting the mine — the setting is dramatic. The Swinside Inn at Newlands (CA12 5UE) is one of the best food options in the north-western fells.