On its way from Keswick to Buttermere, the B5289 tops out at 1168ft (356m) above sea level – at Honister Pass. This windswept gap in the hills is occupied by the buildings of the Honister Slate Mine and a YHA hostel. There is also a National Trust car park, making it a good place for walkers looking for a head-start on their ascent of the fells. (The summit of Dale Head is a relatively short walk away, and Honister also makes a good starting point for those with their sights set on Great Gable.)
Drivers should be aware there is a 6ft 6ins width restriction on the road, which has a gradient of one in four (25 per cent) in places.
