Buttermere - The grand show of rugged and majestic fells commanding attention on the south side of the Buttermere valley may be a delight to the casual traveller along the dale road, but for the best effect one needs elevation! The suggested [black] route (10 miles with 3900ft ascent) provides just that, and begins in reflective mood by strolling along the shore of Buttermere before pitching up the magnificent razor ridge of Fleetworth Pike. On reaching the summit the feeling is that of soaring above the wild pass, with the spacious view back over Buttermere and Crummock Water vale a heady cocktail for the senses. From the crest of Honister Crag the route draws down by the old slate quarry incline to the road. From here it sets course for Dale Head, followed by Hindscarth & Robinson, and completes the ridge trail by plunging from the scarp brink of high Snockingrigg and bowling back down into Buttermere village.

The suggested alternative linear [blue] route (5 miles with only 770ft ascent) involves getting dropped off at the top of Honister Pass and heading to Buttermere village via the magnificent Haystacks (Wainwright's favourite mountain) and Scarth Gap Pass. A much more strenuous linear alternative also involves getting dropped off at the top of Honister Pass and heading back to Buttermere village via the Dale Head, Hindscarth & Robinson [black] route.