How long does The Nab from Dalehead take?

Most walkers take 1.5–2.5 hours for the 4.4 km route, which has 390 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Dalehead (grid reference NY 433 165). Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.

Can I get there by public transport?

Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.

It's graded easy. Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.

Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

Trevor Littlewood · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Dalehead Easy

The Nab from Dalehead

Bagging route Wainwright Out and back

A 576 m Wainwright in the eastern Lake District, climbed from Dalehead.

Distance: 4.4 km
Ascent: 390 m
Time: 1.5–2.5 h
Grade: Easy
Route: Out and back
High point: 576 m

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Route mapped on 24 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 22 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

The Nab from Dalehead is an easy 4.4 km out-and-back walk with 390 m of ascent, taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It starts at Dalehead (grid reference NY 433 165). It climbs The Nab (576 m), a Wainwright.

The Nab is one of Wainwright's 214 fells, rising to 576 m (1,890 ft) in the eastern Lake District.

From Dalehead, paths lead most of the way to the top.

Great views Dog friendly

Route

1
The approach

From Dalehead, follow the path towards The Nab.
2
The summit

Climb to the summit of The Nab.
3
Return

Return the same way.

Summit

The Nab

576 m

Wainwright

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 1 h 58 min
Back by: 10:58
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at The Nab summit (576 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Dalehead
Grid ref: NY 433 165
Parking: Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

Patterdale Youth Hostel Hostel · 3.6 km
YHA Helvellyn Hostel · 6.8 km
Mosedale Cottage Bothy · 9.3 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Access & seasonal notes

Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

Land and access

In England you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does The Nab from Dalehead take?: Most walkers take 1.5–2.5 hours for the 4.4 km route, which has 390 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Dalehead (grid reference NY 433 165). Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.
Can I get there by public transport?: Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
How hard is it?: It's graded easy. Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.
Which hill does it climb?: The Nab (576 m, Wainwright).
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).

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