Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy and Catbells from Lingholm

The route

This 20.9km horseshoe is one of the great Lake District rounds, climbing from Lingholm on the shore of Derwentwater to trace the skyline ringing the Newlands valley. From the cafe the route works up onto Robinson at 737m, the highest point of the day, before the airy traverse to Dale Head at 753m with its commanding view straight down Newlands to Skiddaw.

Five Wainwrights

Every summit on this round is a Lake District Wainwright, one of the 214 fells described in Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guides. From Dale Head the ridge curves north over High Spy at 653m, then on across Maiden Moor and finally to the much-loved little summit of Catbells at 451m. Maiden Moor is easy to overlook but the track crosses its top, so it counts as the fifth Wainwright of the day. The Catbells ridge gives a thrilling, rocky finish high above the lake before the descent back to Lingholm.

Why it works

This is a complete mountain day with around 1175m of ascent, blending genuine high fell on Robinson and Dale Head with the popular, photogenic ridge of Catbells. The Newlands skyline keeps you high and exposed for long stretches, so the running is committing despite the modest distance. Catbells in particular is busy and its rocky steps demand care. Pick a clear day for the views and the navigation, carry full kit, and finish with cake at Lingholm, the walled garden that inspired Beatrix Potter.

Getting there

Lingholm sits just outside Portinscale, a short distance from Keswick by road, bus or the lakeside path. For a different start you can cross Derwentwater on the launch and join the ridge at the Catbells landing. However you arrive, this is committing mountain ground, so check the forecast, carry full kit, and be ready to shorten the round at Catbells if the weather closes in on the higher fells.