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Robinson and Hindscarth from Little Town

This walk could be called the Scope Horseshoe, as it takes in the fells above Scope Beck, which is situated deep in the Newlands Valley. Robinson and Hindscarth are the two Newlands fells that can be see from the summit of Cat Bells whilst looking south west. Their north east ridges look steep and interesting and have a slight mirror image resemblance.

The walk starts from Little Town, a small collection of farms and cottages just below Catbells. Passing Newlands church the walk heads for the oddly named Low High Snab. After a lung bursting steep ascent on the grass and bracken side of High Snab Bank there is a respite along the ridge. At the end of the ridge is a descent to a shallow col. Climbing towards Robinson, three increasingly tricky rock bands lie across the route. In ascent, and dry conditions, these are quite straightforward but in wet weather become slippery. Avoid descending this way in poor weather.

The first rock step is easy. The second slightly more difficult, but you'll see the key easily enough. It's the third that might make you pause at first sight as it looks much more difficult. But look carefully and the line is clearly marked on all of them by a lighter worn trail climbing gullies and short steps.

Above the rock steps, the walk to the summit of Robinson is uneventful. Following Littledale Edge and the shortcut climbing to Hindscarth summit is a pleasant stroll. Then descending the long ridge initially NNE, then north east the view outward is to the lovely Newlands valley. A pastoral patchwork dotted with farms and the occasional road. Beyond is the Vale of Keswick, backed by the Skiddaw range and Blencathra.

On Scope End the nature of the ridge changes. It narrows, undulates around, and is clad in bell heather and bilberry. Then finally it falls in a long series of short rocky steps to Low Snab. Making use of a footbridge over Newlands Beck, and the Newlands track, the car park is just a short stroll away.

At Little Town there is a small parking area beside Chapel Bridge, where the farmer allows car parking currently for a small fee.