The Coledale Horseshoe (Coledale Round): Nine Wainwrights from Braithwaite
A big day in the North Western Fells, taking in Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Whiteside, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags, Causey Pike, Outerside and Barrow.
The Coledale Horseshoe is one of the finest ridge walks in the northern Lake District. Starting and finishing in Braithwaite, just outside Keswick, the route follows the high fells surrounding Coledale, with steep climbs, rocky ridges and wonderful views in almost every direction.
The classic horseshoe is already demanding, but this extended version adds Whiteside, Causey Pike, Outerside and Barrow, taking in nine Wainwright summits. It is a long day on the fells, but one that rewards the effort.
The route at a glance
- Start and finish: Braithwaite, near Keswick
- Distance: Approximately 20 to 22 km (estimate; check the OS Maps route for the exact distance)
- Ascent: Approximately 1,500 to 1,700 metres (estimate)
- Time: Allow 8 to 10 hours or more
- Difficulty: Hard. Significant ascent, rocky terrain and a long day of mountain walking
- Navigation: OS Explorer OL4, The English Lakes, North Western Area
View this Coledale Horseshoe route on OS Maps
Starting from Braithwaite
Braithwaite is an excellent starting point, with the route heading out of the village towards the Whinlatter Pass road before joining the long eastern ridge of Grisedale Pike.
If you fancy cheating a little on the initial climb, there is limited roadside parking partway up the Whinlatter Pass road, close to the start of the Grisedale Pike path. It can save some climbing out of the village, but spaces are limited, particularly at weekends and during the holidays.
There is also a catch. If you complete the full horseshoe and finish back in Braithwaite, someone still has to hike back up to collect the car! Sometimes it is easier to accept the extra walking and start in the village.
Grisedale Pike
The first major climb takes you onto Grisedale Pike, rising to 791 metres. It is a steady, sustained ascent, initially across grassy and heathery slopes before the ridge becomes narrower and rockier towards the summit.
The views improve with every bit of height gained. Behind you are Keswick, Derwentwater, Skiddaw and Blencathra, while the high fells of Coledale gradually reveal themselves ahead.
The final approach involves loose stone and rocky steps, but the reward is an excellent viewpoint across the northern Lake District.
Hopegill Head and Whiteside
From Grisedale Pike, continue towards Hopegill Head, following high ground above the dramatic cliffs of Hobcarton Crag. Hopegill Head reaches 770 metres and offers a choice of routes.
Rather than turning immediately towards Coledale Hause, this walk heads west along the ridge towards Whiteside. It is a lovely stretch of walking, with steep slopes falling away and views opening up towards the Lorton Valley, Crummock Water and the western fells.
Whiteside makes an excellent addition to the route, particularly in clear weather. After reaching the summit, retrace your steps towards Hopegill Head before turning south towards Coledale Hause.
Coledale Hause and Crag Hill
The descent from Hopegill Head passes over Sand Hill before reaching Coledale Hause. It is a natural stopping point and a useful place to reassess the weather, your energy levels and the time remaining.
The route then climbs towards Crag Hill, also known as Eel Crag. At 839 metres, Crag Hill is the highest summit of the day, with Grasmoor rising immediately to the west.
The ground is rocky in places, and the northern face drops dramatically into Coledale. From the summit, there are extensive views across the surrounding fells, and it is an excellent place to look back at the ground already covered.
Sail and Scar Crags
From Crag Hill, the route heads east across the rocky ground of The Scar before continuing towards Sail. This is another enjoyable section of high level walking, although there are still plenty of ups and downs.
Sail stands at approximately 773 metres, and its distinctive zigzag descent towards Sail Pass is one of the more recognisable features of the Coledale Horseshoe. The path then climbs again towards Scar Crags at 672 metres.
Although lower than the earlier summits, Scar Crags provides lovely views across the Newlands Valley, with Causey Pike waiting further along the ridge.
Causey Pike and Outerside
Continuing east brings you to Causey Pike, one of the most distinctive fells in this part of the Lakes.
Its unmistakable shape, with a series of knobbly bumps along the summit ridge, will be familiar to anyone who regularly drives the A66 past Keswick. Along with the white-painted Bishop of Barf, a little further west along the road, it is one of those Lakeland landmarks you cannot help noticing once you know what you are looking for.
At 637 metres, Causey Pike is lower than the main Coledale summits, but the views are no less impressive. Its steep sides rise dramatically above the Newlands Valley, and the summit provides a fantastic viewpoint across the surrounding fells.
Rather than descending directly towards Rowling End, this route retraces part of the ridge before branching north towards Outerside.
Outerside, at 568 metres, is a quieter grassy summit with excellent views over Coledale and the old Force Crag Mine road. After all the rocky ground of the earlier summits, this section feels noticeably gentler underfoot.
Barrow and the descent to Braithwaite
The final Wainwright on the route is Barrow, standing at 455 metres. From Outerside, descend towards Low Moss before continuing across to Barrow.
It might be the lowest summit of the day, but its position above Braithwaite gives it some wonderful views. Derwentwater, Keswick and the surrounding fells spread out below, making it a rewarding final summit after a long day.
From Barrow, follow the grassy ridge downhill towards Braithwaite, completing the extended Coledale Horseshoe.
A few things worth knowing
This is a demanding mountain walk, and the additional summits make it considerably longer than the standard Coledale Horseshoe.
The ascent of Grisedale Pike is steep, while the ground around Hopegill Head, Crag Hill and The Scar can be rocky and exposed. Strong winds, low cloud and wet conditions can make these sections significantly more challenging.
There is also a considerable amount of accumulated ascent, so do not underestimate the later climbs simply because the summits are lower.
If conditions deteriorate, Coledale Hause provides a useful opportunity to descend into the valley and follow the old mine road back towards Braithwaite. In autumn and winter, daylight is another important consideration. Carry a headtorch, suitable clothing and navigation equipment, and check the mountain forecast before setting off.
Where to eat and drink afterwards
One of the advantages of finishing in Braithwaite is that there are some excellent places to stop for food and a drink after your walk.
The Coledale Inn is well worth a visit. It is a traditional Lakeland pub serving hearty food and a selection of ales. The beer garden is particularly lovely when the weather allows, with views over the surrounding fells. After a long day on the mountains, it is a great place to spend an hour or two.
The Ruddings, formerly the Middle Ruddings Hotel, is another excellent option. Following its refurbishment, it offers a more contemporary setting while retaining plenty of character. Both are worth knowing about, whether you are finishing the Coledale Horseshoe or simply visiting Braithwaite.
A great day in the North Western Fells
The extended Coledale Horseshoe packs an enormous amount into a single walk. From the initial climb onto Grisedale Pike to the dramatic ridges around Hopegill Head, Whiteside and Crag Hill, there is no shortage of impressive mountain scenery.
The second half brings a different character, crossing Sail and Scar Crags before the distinctive summit of Causey Pike and the gentler hills above Braithwaite.
Nine Wainwrights, a full circuit of Coledale and a well-earned pint at the end. It is a fantastic route for experienced walkers looking for a challenging day in the Lake District.