15th November – Mulled Beer and Seasonal Snacks: Honister to Grey Knotts, Brandreth and Dubs Hut

Date: 15th November

Leader: Ben J

Meet time: 10:00

Start time: 10:15

Estimated finish time:15:00

Distance: 7km

Ascent: 480m

Ramblers walk grading (https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/how-know-which-ramblers-walk-right-you):
Moderate

Start point: Outside Entrance to Honister Slate Mine

What3Words: recruited.nags.date

Car parking: Honister Slate Mine (paid) & Honister National Trust (paid)
(Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange)

It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.

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Summary

A rewarding upland circuit from Honister that combines dramatic mountain scenery, historic slate quarry landscapes and one of Lakeland’s most atmospheric shelters. To add a festive touch, the walk leader will be bringing homemade mulled beer and a selection of seasonal snacks to enjoy at the hut, and everyone is warmly encouraged to bring along something to share if they’d like. There is rough and uneven terrain with sustained (not steep) ascent and exposed sections. Remember appropriate clothing and equipment for the conditions.

Description

From Honister, the route climbs steadily southwards onto the broad slopes of Grey Knotts. As height is gained, expansive views open across Borrowdale, Buttermere and the surrounding fells, while the dramatic slate workings of Honister provide a striking backdrop below. The ascent is sustained rather than steep and rewards with an increasing sense of space as the route reaches the open fell.

The walk continues along the high ridge to Brandreth, following easy-going upland terrain between two of Wainwright’s quieter summits. This section offers extensive views towards Great Gable, Green Gable, the Scafell range and the surrounding Western Fells, with a genuine feeling of being amongst some of Lakeland’s finest mountain scenery. Terrain is typically rough underfoot, with rocky sections and exposed ground adding to the fell-top character of the route.

From Brandreth, the route descends towards Dubs Hut through a landscape where natural mountain scenery and industrial heritage combine. Old quarry tracks, abandoned workings and slate spoil slopes provide constant reminders of the area’s mining past. Nestled amongst these historic workings, Dubs Hut offers welcome shelter and one of the most atmospheric stopping places in the Lake District.

The return follows historic quarry transport routes back towards Honister. These well-engineered tracks provide easier walking underfoot while maintaining excellent views across Warnscale, Fleetwith Pike and the extensive slate workings that have shaped this corner of the Lake District. Combining quiet fell-top walking, dramatic mountain panoramas, industrial archaeology and a festive stop at Dubs Hut, this walk offers a distinctive and rewarding day on the fells.

Dogs welcome please let the walk leader know.

Attending? Please register your intent to join the walk using the booking form on our website 6pm the eve of the walk.

Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.

New members

Check your walk suitability, we suggest starting with an Easy to Moderate walk. Unless the event is cancelled just turn up at the meeting point on time, and introduce yourself to the walk leader! Subscribe to our Facebook page and email list, or join our WhatsApp group to stay up-to-date!

Unsure what to pack? Check out our guide here: UK Hillwalking: Seasonal Equipment & Clothing Guide – SuMMit Good

Please note the walk leader may not be in contact prior to an event; however, they may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.