A well defined group of fells lies within the triangle of valleys formed by Borrowdale, Newlands and Buttermere, with the two passes of Honister and Newlands completing the boundaries. The best known fell in this section is without doubt Catbells, a magnet for many visitors to Keswick from where it's bold outline across Derwent Water issues an invitation that can hardly be refused. The ascent may also be combined with a trip on one of the lake launches, and the wonderful scenery on display during the climb is ample compensation for those who may find more effort is required than anticipated. The ridge beyond Catbells continues over Maiden Moor to High Spy a fine walk giving excellent views of Borrowdale, and from the Newlands edge startling downward ones into that valley. Beyond High Spy the ridge descends to Rigg Head a crossroads where paths meet from the head of Newlands and Borrowdale. Nearby is Dalehead Tarn at the foot of the highest fell covered here Dale Head, and a largely reconstructed path goes up the hillside from the tarn. Dale Head is well named as can be seen when standing by the summit cairn or walking up Newlands towards it. To many other points the fell tends to turn it's back or hide completely, but it is clearly the head of the family when the position can be studied. There is a fascinating old miners track leaving Newlands at Castlenook which climbs to Dale Head Mine from where the ridge can be gained on a continuing path above Gable Crag. Robinson and Hindscarth are twins with summits set back from the connecting ridge at Littledale Edge. Both fells send fine ridges of their own down to Newlands; that from Hindscarth in particular over Scope End is a beauty. High Snockrigg has no special fame, and is not always mentioned even, but the view down to Buttermere and Crummock Water makes a call here well spent on the way up to Robinson. The charms of Castle Crag, part of the ?Jaws of Borrowdale' are well known; the summit providing a nice picture of the head of Borrowdale, and over Derwent Water to Skiddaw. In the midst of some of Lakelands most beautiful scenery these fells are a joy to walk on, apart from the fact that the ground here does not remain wet for long. Dale Head and company are rarely without visitors, and it is easy to see why.

 ROUTE ONE. DALE HEAD FROM BUTTERMERE VIA HIGH SNOCKRIGG, ROBINSON AND HINDSCARTH.
5 miles 3050ft of ascent.

  The path up the slopes of High Snockrigg to Robinson leaves the Newlands Pass road on the right at the first bend up the hill. It is one of those remarkable ?made' routes surmounting steep slopes to be found all over the Lake District. Higher up it becomes a deep groove before cresting the ridge just to the north of the top of High Snockrigg to which a less frequented path makes it's way. The summit is worth visiting for a grand view of the two lakes and village below; while the High Stile range looks down on it all. Aim east over Buttermere Moss to rejoin the main path which is steep and rough for a time before the slopes ease back to the summit. It seems as though someone has tried to cut a road in the rocks here, otherwise the summit is unremarkable. Go south to the fence and over it to look at Hackney Holes before continuing down to Littledale Edge. Hackney Holes are worth the detour to look at them; though the local farmer has decided to dump old wire fencing down into the cavities. At the depression bear left across the fellside up to the pleasant top of Hindscarth. For Dale Head go south a short way on the ridge, and then take the path going to the left to rejoin the direct ridge walk from Robinson. There is a short rocky section as Dale Head is approached before simple ground leads to the famous pillar cairn on the top of the Newlands Face. Tough walkers have been known to do all sorts of things on their way back to Buttermere including the ascent of Fleetwith Pike after dropping down to Honister Pass. The Pike can be bypassed by using the tramway up to the Drum House and then descending into Warnscale Bottom and walking by the lake. The easiest option is to catch the bus at Honister!

ROUTE TWO. DALE HEAD FROM NEWLANDS VIA HINDSCARTH.
3.5 miles 2325ft of ascent. 2.25 miles 2000ft of ascent to Hindscarth.

   From Newlands Church walk up the lane to Low Snab, and turn up right at the gate beyond the farm. The path leads to the foot of the Scope End ridge which provides an enjoyable ascent up the crest above steep rough slopes. It is best done in August when the heather is in bloom. On the final longer climb to the big cairn at the head of the ridge take the opportunity to rest at times, and look back down the ridge and over to Dale Head and High Spy. An easy but interesting walk curves round Hindscarth Edge and over some rockier undulations before arriving on the level summit of Dale Head. The walk should if possible be extended preferably down to Dalehead Tarn in order to traverse the ridge over High Spy to Maiden Moor. Keep to the path on the Newlands face on Maiden Moor to enjoy dramatic views down into the valley and later over Catbells to Skiddaw. Tum down left at Hause Gate for Little Town and the start point.

ROUTE THREE. DALE HEAD FROM HAWSE END VIA CATBELLS, MAIDEN MOOR AND HIGH SPY.
5.25 miles 3100ft of ascent.

   The ascent starts at the northern extremity of Catbells ridge where the Newlands to Grange road curves round to the Derwent Water flank. The path commences just above the cattle grid on the Newlands side, and in a series of zig zags attains the lower ridge of Skelgill Bank. The final climb to Catbells is steep and rocky in places. A descent to Hause Gate, where the route can be joined from Grange or Little Town, is followed by a steady climb up the ridge to Maiden Moor. Keep to the path along the rim above the Newlands edge. After the short ascent of Narrow Moor visit the cairn on Blea Crag before continuing to High Spy. A considerable loss of height has to be conceded down to Rigg Head and Dale Head Tarn before the steep ascent up the paved path to Dale Head. Descend to Newlands over Hindscarth and the Scope End ridge.

ROUTE FOUR. DALE HEAD FROM ROSTHWAITE VIA CASTLE CRAG.
3.5 miles 2450ft of ascent. 1.25 miles 650ft of ascent to Castle Crag.

   Go down the lane opposite the village shop to the crossing of the River Derwent at New Bridge. At the next gate turn up the path ascending Lingy Bank, and follow it to it's junction with the Grange to Seatoller and Rigg Head track. A short distance on the right right a path slants up below a small crag ?onto the Castle Crag ridge. Keep left of the fence at the first stile, and go over the second step stile and the ladder stile on the other side. Another short rise leads to the foot of the quarry spoil at the base of the summit structure, and a series of short zig zags up the slate is succeeded by a little climb over tree roots and round the top quarry face. The large rock boss on the summit has a war memorial plaque affixed to it for the men of Borrowdale who gave their lives for their country. Return to the main track by the same route, and follow it left but keep to the right (continuation of the quarry road) and ascend into the recess of Tongue Gill. Cross the stream a little higher up to gain the path on the opposite bank; which has been improved for the section up to Rigghead Quarries. The workings are not without interest, but best viewed from the safety of the path. Above the quarries easy ground crosses Rigg Head to Dalehead ??Tarn. This is a good place to rest and recharge the batteries before starting up the steep relaid path to Dale Head. The easiest way down is by the south ridge to Honister Pass; where the old road can be taken down to Seatoller. From here the path to Longthwaite can be followed to the Youth Hostel, and a short way up the lane over the bridge a field path on the left goes to Rosthwaite.