Hindscarth

About Hindscarth

Hindscarth, which Wainwright called ‘a twin of Robinson’, stands in the North Western Fells between Buttermere and the Newlands Valleys. Its elevation is 727 m (2,385 ft) above sea level and the prominence is 71 m (233 ft). It is therefore listed as a Hewitt and a Nuttall, in addition to being classified by Wainwright. Dale Head is its parent peak.

From the summit of Hindscarth, there are lovely views across the Newlands Valley, with most of the other major fell groups are visible too, apart from High Street. It is marked by two cairns on a gravel and grass summit. One of the cairns, large and circular in shape, forms a rudimentary shelter and is marked on older maps as an antiquity. Despite being the more prominent of the two cairns on the summit, it actually stands lower than the highest point – although the views from here are said to be better.

Hindscarth is notable as being the only Lake District Fell that has ever been mined for gold. The Goldscope Mine on its lower slopes dates back over 600 years and was requisitioned for the Crown’s use in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. The mine has been designated by English Heritage as a nationally important site.

Climbing Hindscarth

Hindscarth sits right next door to Robinson and is often climbed in conjunction with it. If you are following in Wainwright’s footsteps, the Newlands Round takes in these two along with Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells.

A popular ascent route begins at Newlands Church in Little Town and passes over the Scope End ridge before continuing up the craggy slope to the summit.

An alternative route from Buttermere first ascends Robinson then Hindscarth before travelling along the ridge that connects it to Dale Head.