Honister pass starts at Gatesgarth Farm, at the southern end of Buttermere. It connects the Buttermere valley with the eastern end of Borrowdale valley. Rising to 1167 feet in height at the summit, it is one of Cumbria’s highest passes, with a gradient of 1 in 4. Flowing through the pass from the summit to Buttermere is Gatesgarthdale Beck.
Today’s visitors use the summit, where you can find the Honister Slate Mine, as the start of a walk up to Great Gable or Dale Head (2473 ft).
Here also is Honister Hause Youth Hostel.
The Honister Pass forms part of a beautiful circular scenic drive from Keswick that includes Newlands Pass, Buttermere and Crummock Water, areas that aren’t as dominated by visitors compared with other parts of the Lake District.
Looking down on Honister Pass from the Via Ferrata.