One of Wainwright’s favourite walks, from Littletown,up to High spy, Dale Head and back via Hindscarth. We’ve always done this clockwise, as he did, plus Robinson. However, today, we explored the anticlockwise version, as a change, but also to get round the “rock steps” on the Robinson ridge, as it was drizzly to start with and the slatey rock is not good in the wet. So keep on past Low High Snab (this makes sense seeing the two farms going this way) along Littledale, past the dam and the lovely crags and waterfall.
Mr. W much prefers the ridge above for its views, but we were impressed with the scenery above the dam and would prefer this route. The “old route” , the one Wainwright said at least 50 years ago is not a path, but the OS insist is, is easy to follow the line of: just take any route up that takes your fancy as you come above the level of the falls. Grass at a reasonable angle all the way.
The grassy path up to High Spy from below Dalehead Tarn, rather than the main rocky one, is easier to follow going this way. On the descent, you will see that some path “improvements” are being made to Hause Gate, and if you are doing this in the near future, it will exercise your observational skills to find how the large digger got itself up there! And the other advantage of this way round is the view down to Borrowdale and Derwent Water with Skiddaw beyond all the way, although admittedly the Newland ridges do give great views down also.
And if you haven’t been to Littletown for a while, the farm has a car park for £3 all day, and a good café, with Loweswater Gold!
9 miles, 3330ft ascent.
The scenery above the dam, on a better day. The valley of the Round!
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