This walk wasn’t really on the agenda for this week. We were a bit tired after the previous day on Skiddaw and we felt a shorter easier walk would do. Nothing longer than a few hours. This walk is ideal for that. Starting at the Honister YHA and following the easy path (called the Drum road) and then breaking off right to the summit. It was a lovely walk in glorious conditions, which showed one of the finest views in the Lakes at its best. The photos don’t do the view justice at all, it is breath taking and well worth the small effort from Honister hause.
| Start – Honister YHA |
| Route – Drum Road path – Drum Hause – Black Star (Honister Crag) – Fleetwith Pike – Dubs quarry – Dubs quarry path – Honister YHA |
| Distance – 3.5 miles Start time – 11.20am Time taken – 3hrs Highest Point – Fleetwith Pike 648metres |
| Weather – White fluffy clouds and sunshine, glorious |
© Crown copyright 2017 Ordnance Survey FL 2017 SF
Honister slate mine was the start point, this is also a good day out however not today for us, we are going up Fleetwith Pike which is top left, we will be returning down that road you can see climbing the fell
Its the Drum road path for us on the way up, which is the place where they lowered and pulled the mine carts up and down to the quarry. Honister slate mine is down there
Down to the right is the Honister pass which heads to Buttermere. Black Star is the crag on the left. Robinson is back right
A quick rest on the steep path
The fells to the east open out with the Helvellyn ridge at the back. Honister mine disappears from view after this point
We are at Drum Hause now, Pillar dominates the skyline to the left. High Crag and High Stile to the right. This path carries on to Haystacks which can be seen peeking up above the path
Moses Trod heads off in the direction of Great Gable, that is Brandreth up there to the left
We are heading this way to Fleetwith Pike
Biscuit and sweets time means happy faces. Great Gable now in view back left. Kirk Fell in the centre
The first glimpse of Buttermere this could be good when we get to the summit
An enormous drop from Black Star down to the Honister Pass. Vertigo inducing!!
Wowsers. Now that’s a view. This is number 106 in the Wainwright list putting me one short of half way. This has to be one of the best views I’ve had so far. Crag Fell, looking along Ennerdale gets close
Looking into the sun it looks a bit dark over Great Gable and Kirkfell. I think that’s Lingmell or Scafell in between the two at the back
Left to right. Haystacks (nearest), Pillar, High Crag and High Stile
Happy faces at Fleetwith Pike
Oh go on just one more look. Buttermere stretches away to Crummock Water
Down at Dubs quarry and the machinery doing the hard work. No movement today though
The moonscape of the Dubs quarry
Now down the main track to the slate mine
Zigzags as we go down. The old Yew Tree mines are on the hillside opposite
Fleetwith Pike from the youth hostel car park at the end of the walk
treksandtors 
Great views from this hill. I tacked this one on at the end of a longer walk – one of my fairly early ones.
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Glad I gave this one its own walk. With a view like that it was worth spending lots of time at the top
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Looks a dooable walk. May add to my ‘to do’ list 🙂
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The honister YHA is national trust so parking is free if you are a member. Its an easy walk, there are steep bits, both both paths are very good so its just the gradient to worry about. Plus you get plenty of excuses to rest and admire the view!!
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Thanks for sharing your walk!
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Looks like you got a fantastic day!! Fleetwith pike has been on my to-do list for a while, the views from the top look amazing.
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Its well worth the effort, pick a good day and Buttermere will be laid out below you
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It’s a long while since I climbed Fleetwith Pike and I don’t think I’ve ever done it from Honister. It’s an astonishing looking mountain isn’t it, because of that sharp ridge descending down into Buttermere.
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I did contemplate the route up the nose, but with the boys they always want a bit of interest with a walk and the quarry and diggers do the trick (plus haribo in my pocket!!)
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Haribo always works well! I know what you mean, route planning with kids requires different considerations!
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You seem to be specializing in hills I have been up once and not for years! I think I did Fleetwith Pike in 1985 and not been up since. Which of course is a foolish considering the amazing view. Great to see your boys enjoying the mountains as well 😀
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