This short walk takes in a few peaks above the Honister Slate Mine, with interesting old slate mining relics and ruins along the way. Looking out across at the lovely Haystacks, you will appreciate why Wainwright wanted his ashes scattered there. Whilst it's a short walk, with minimal elevation gain due to the high start, the route is nonetheless an enjoyable circuit.
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Detailed description
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NY2243313593 From the car park head up the 4x4 track towards the quarry. After 100m turn left up a smaller track. This gains an old tramway higher up, where the path becomes well defined and straight, until you reach the old Drum House on the crest of the hill.
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NY2159613472 Turn right here and head back towards the 4x4 track; cross it and follow a intermittent path more or less straight up and over the hillside until you reach the impressive cliff of Honister Crag - below you somewhere is the Honister Slate Mine Via Ferrata. Turn left and wander up the ridge, passing a few ruins and abandoned mine workings to reach the minor summit of Black Star.
© Peter Bailey, Jul 2013
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NY2125014099 Descend from the summit and carry on along the ridgeline to Fleetwith Pike.
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NY2058914155 Head southwest off the summit of Fleetwith Pike along path heading down towards Dubs Hut, another abandoned part of the old quarry workings.
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NY2102713426 From the huts head east up the tramline back to the Drum House.
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NY2159613472 Turn right and follow the path that contours the hillside. There are wonderful views out towards Haystacks and beyond. The path eventually leads to the rounded ridge and fence line that leads up to Brandreth.
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NY2149611920 From the minor summit of Brandreth, head NNW along the ridge line towards the summit of Grey Knotts - a little rocky in places, but fine. There are also some boggy sections near a few of the high lakes, so care is needed to keep your feet dry.
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NY2173512532 From the summit of Grey Knotts head west for about 40m to gain a path, and then take this northwards, down towards Honister Pass. The path leads all the way down to the main 4x4 track next to the car park.
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