Newlands Valley, Dale Head, Robinson, Newlands Chapel, Cumbria
[ 14.0 km] Wed 01 Sep 2010

NY 2317 1938
With high pressure continuing to hang over the UK the weather prospects were good. I arrived at the small Chapel Bridge car park near Little Town in the Newlands Valley just after 8am and was the only car there. Within a few minutes two more cars arrived. I set off in sunshine to follow the old quarry track south along Newlands Beck. All the summits were clear sunshine and up ahead was the dark north face of Dale Head which is where I was heading.

The remains of mine workings are visible all the way up the valley. The Climbing Hut was occupied as there were two cars outside but nobody was about yet. It’s been many years since I walked up the main path to the top of Dalehead pass and today wasn’t going to be another. Before the main climb I took a minor branch to the right down to the river and hopped across. An old miner’s path is visible on the far bank and that is where I was heading. Above is an unnamed hanging valley below the ridge of Hindscarth Edge and as I’d never visited it that’s where I’m heading. The zig-zag had been efficiently constructed and the effort to get up was minimal.

The enjoyable climb was made even better by the great views that increased as I got higher. I reached the hanging valley to find a ruined stone building. It had been quite substantial at one time and was probably connected with the mining activities. A spring issued from the ground adjacent. I stopped for a coffee and some time to appreciate the views. The path continued up through scree and reached the flat area of an old spoil heap. Next to it I could see that a mine entrance had been long since filled in. There was no other evidence of mine workings so I assume the building below was connected with this mine. The path was quite exposed but well made and safe. A short way ahead I reached the main path to Dale Head which I followed to its substantial summit cairn.

I didn’t stop but continued along Hinscarth Edge as I could take in the great views as I walked. Down to the left is Gatescarth and the steep road coming down from Honister Pass. Most of the Honister quarry workings are visible across the valley. There was a steady climb up towards Hindscarth but before the summit I turned left along Littledale Edge towards Robinson. Down to the right were great views in to Littledale but the summit of Robinson wasn’t visible until I was almost there.

Over the summit I passed a couple of small tarns and began to look for a way down to Robinson Crags. There is no footpath shown on the map and as I descended there was no evidence of one on the ground. I had to pick my way down carefully but as soon as I reached the main ridge above Dudmancomb Gill the grassy slope was fairly easy. There was still no sign of a path so I decided to make a steep descent to the Gill and pick up an old track I could see below High Snab Bank.

Newlands Church interior

After a couple of old sheepfolds the track became easier and after passing through some horrible ferns emerged on to the grassy fell side. Approaching High Snab farm a notice on the gate said ‘private – no path’ so I had to make a detour up the field to pick up the main path down from High Snab Bank. The weather continued summery, sunny and warm and it was very pleasant walking down the track to Newlands Church. I stopped to have a look inside. I’ve visited it before but still couldn’t resist another look. These remote country churches are small, simple and more in keeping with the purpose they are intended for. Shortly after the church I reached the car park at Chapel Bridge which was now full with cars parked along the lane as well.