Walk the Coledale Round: 8 Wainwrights, One Epic Lake Day

Intense rivalry exists for the title of “best horseshoe walk” in the Lakes.

Do you prefer the rollercoaster experience of theKentmere Horseshoe? Maybe you favor the ruggedness of the Mosedale Horseshoe from Wasdale Head, the grandeur of the Newlands Round from Little Town, or the Wainwright-loadedFairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside?

Another top option is this hike: the Coledale Round starting from Braithwaite, which is a high-level route that includes climbing the summits of Coledale Beck. It is considered one of the best walks in the north-western fells – and a practical trip for those aiming to complete Wainwright’s challenges.

There are numerous variations of the climb, and we’ll begin with an ascent of the well-defined eastern ridge ofTrail 100highest point of Grisedale Pike, offering breathtaking views acrossKeswick, northern leviathan Skiddaw and ahead to the looming cliffs of Hobcarton Crag.

And the pleasures continue. Hopegill Head offers outstanding views of the Vale of Lorton; the uneven ridge from Scar Crags to Causey Pike’s rugged peak is open and enjoyable; and the grassy mounds of Outerside and Barrow seem like two extra rewards for your Wainwright book-checking.

All of this could potentially make it Lakeland’s top horseshoe.

How many Wainwrights do you complete on the Coledale Round?

The classic Coledale Round includes Outerside, Scar Crags, Sail, Crag Hill, Hopegill Head, and Grisedale Pike – a rewarding hike that features six Wainwrights.

For individuals seeking to increase the difficulty, including Barrow and Causey Pike at the beginning provides two additional satisfying peaks (which is the route outlined below, totaling 8 Wainwrights).

For the most dedicated hikers, it’s possible to add Wandope, Grasmoor, Whiteless Pike, and Whiteside, resulting in a remarkable eleven Wainwrights covered in one day.

How challenging is it to hike the Coledale Round?

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 17km

Time: 7 hours

Total ascent: 1,438m

Fitness: A good level of physical fitness is necessary for this extended, demanding hike that involves considerable elevation gain.

TerrainThere are a few challenging parts, needing some very basicscramblingHowever, this walk is never technical or exposed. Typically good, well-worn fell paths and trails, with a brief road section.

NavigationGood navigation abilities are needed, but typically the path follows trails and visible ridgelines.

Where does the walk begin?

The tiny parking area located off the B5292 Whinlatter Pass (grid reference NY227237). Alternatively, board the Stagecoach Keswick–Workington X5 bus to Braithwaite.

What is the top map for the Coledale Round?

– OS Explorer OL4

– OS Landranger 89

– Harvey British Mountain Map Lake District

Coledale Loop | Detailed path instructions

1. From the small parking area, follow the wooden steps heading north-west, as indicated by a fingerpost sign that reads ‘Public Footpath Grisedale Pike’. Ascend along the well-defined trail before making a sharp turn south across hillsides covered in bracken. Pass through a gate and proceed along a grassy path that heads west and then south-west toward Kinn.

2. Head south-west along a broad grassy path, making sure to look back for stunning vistas of Keswick and the Skiddaw Massif. Turn west as the climb becomes steeper, passing the Lanty Well spring to reach the Sleet How ridge. The last stretch heading south-west and west to the peak follows a rocky, narrowing ridge, but there are no challenging sections. Cross old metal fence posts and reach the summit of Grisedale Pike.

3. Head south-west along an old, dilapidated drystone wall. The trail turns left and right for a short distance before reaching a pass. Ascend over rocky ground – including a short part of simple scrambling – to reach the 739m peak of Hobcarton Crag. Descend briefly towards the west and, at a cairn, take the right path to follow a wall to a pass. Continue along the path ahead, staying near but safely away from the edge of the crags to the north, to arrive at the 770m summit of Hopegill Head.

4. Go back southeast for a short distance, take a right turn, go down to a small pass, and then easily climb forward to the top of Sand Hill. Head south down over rocky, loose ground to Coledale Hause. The path ahead is blocked by rocks, so take a right and climb south alongside a stream. At a crossroads, go left and steadily climb northeast to the trigonometric pillar on Crag Hill.

5. Turn right and head east down The Scar ridge – which includes some simple scrambling – to a pass. Continue easily forward to the peak of Sail, which is slightly to the left from the main trail. Go down towards the northeast and east along the winding, back-and-forth switchbacks of a constructed path to arrive at another pass. Ascend towards the northeast to the marked summit of Scar Crags.

6. Go down the ridge in an east-northeast direction to a pass and climb smoothly over rolling, bumpy ground to reach the striking peak of Causey Pike. Return along the same path to the pass and take a right turn onto a short route that bends west and then north toward High Moss. Continue upward to the top of Outerside. Head downward towards the northeast to Low Moss, go around Stile End in a southeasterly direction on narrow paths to Barrow Door, and then slowly climb east and northeast to reach the summit of Barrow, the last Wainwright of the day.

7. Go down Barrow’s north ridge along a clear, frequently used trail. Disregard a path that goes left towards Barrow Gill, and keep going north-north-east to Braithwaite Lodge. Pass through the enclosed farm area and across a field to reach the road. Turn left and travel north-north-west through the village. Cross the bridge over Coledale Beck and go past the Royal Oak pub to get to the B5292 Whinlatter Pass. Take a left onto the narrow road and climb westward then northward. As the road becomes steeper, return to the car park located at the base of Grisedale Pike’s eastern ridge.

Find this Coledale Round pathin the OS application here.

What equipment is required for this hike?

We suggest the clear fundamentals ofwalking boots or hiking shoes, a good hiking daypack, a reliable waterproof jacket, and a set of fast-dryingwalking trousers with some packable waterproof overtrousers in your bag.

You should also carry insulating layersbecause it can become chilly, particularly when you’re on the open summits of the Lake District fells.

Where is the optimal location to reside?

Excellent hostel lodging available atYHA Keswick. Camping? Try Scotgate Holiday Parkin Braithwaite. Or if you’re spending a bit more, maybe go for theColedale Inn.

About the author

James Forrestwrites regular articles and trail maps for Trail andLFTO, and has been one of our primary equipment testers for several years. James lives on the edge of the Lake District, so when he’s not embarking on his latest wild adventure or challenge, he’s hiking through the nearby fells.