The Coledale Horseshoe (often known as the Coledale Round) is another classic horseshoe walk in the Lake District, and every bit as dramatic (if not more so) than its more famous cousin, the Fairfield Horsehoe. The Coledale Round has some big climbs, but even bigger views; situated in the North West corner of Lake District, the walk links a series of Wainright summits with broad high ridges and grassy fells surrounding the deep glacial valley of Coledale. The views are some of the best in the Lake Disctrict, with panoramas across the northern and central fells, Keswick and out towards the Solway Firth and Scotland. Coledale is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its history of mineral mining right up to 1990, and much of the mine workings can still be seen today.
Found in the North West corner of the Lake District, the Coledale Round is an often overlooked walking area, as people understandably migrate towards the more famous peaks of the central Lakes. However, the Coledale Round is a fantastic day's walk, with numerous summits along the way and spectacular views of the northern fells, including Skiddaw & Blencathra, along with views out to the Irish sea and across Solway Firth towards Dumfries & Galloway in southern Scotland.
The day starts near the village of Braithwaite, a few miles West of Keswick. Generally tackled in an anti-clockwise direction, the round starts with a stiff character building ascent[!] up the southern ridge of Grisedale Pike. However, once up high, the majority of the day remains that way, with lofty ridges and high grassy fells linking the myriad of summits in the area. Depending on the exact route taken, it is possible to summit anywhere between three and ten Wainwright tops, making this route fantastic for he Wainwright 'baggers' out there.
At the apex of the horseshoe lies Grasmoor, the highest peak in the northwestern fells, standing at 852m above sea level and with a commanding position above Crummock Water, it gives brilliant views across the Buttermere Valley to the South West and North towards the Solway Firth.
After taking in the vista from Grasmoor, the route heads for the summits of Crag Hill and Sail as we start to follow the returning limb of the horseshoe, and in our opinion, is one the best sections of the entire day. Between the tops of Crag Hill and Sail is a small ridge section (see image above), with truly breathtaking views all around, and as far as the Helvellyn Massif to the East.
Although a relatively tough days walking, the Coledale Round is a gem of a horseshoe and one that shouldn't be ignored for long!
The day starts near the village of Braithwaite, a few miles West of Keswick. Generally tackled in an anti-clockwise direction, the round starts with a stiff character building ascent[!] up the southern ridge of Grisedale Pike. However, once up high, the majority of the day remains that way, with lofty ridges and high grassy fells linking the myriad of summits in the area. Depending on the exact route taken, it is possible to summit anywhere between three and ten Wainwright tops, making this route fantastic for he Wainwright 'baggers' out there.
At the apex of the horseshoe lies Grasmoor, the highest peak in the northwestern fells, standing at 852m above sea level and with a commanding position above Crummock Water, it gives brilliant views across the Buttermere Valley to the South West and North towards the Solway Firth.
After taking in the vista from Grasmoor, the route heads for the summits of Crag Hill and Sail as we start to follow the returning limb of the horseshoe, and in our opinion, is one the best sections of the entire day. Between the tops of Crag Hill and Sail is a small ridge section (see image above), with truly breathtaking views all around, and as far as the Helvellyn Massif to the East.
Although a relatively tough days walking, the Coledale Round is a gem of a horseshoe and one that shouldn't be ignored for long!
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Key Information: Group Size - Up to 8. Distance: 13-17km/8-10.5 miles. Ascent: 900-1200m Time: 7-9 hours |
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Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.