Coledale Horseshoe
Seven Wainwrights, 1100m of climbing, and a long ridge with exposure on both sides. This is proper fell running territory — you need to move well on open ground.
Seven Wainwrights, 1100m of climbing, and a long ridge with exposure on both sides. This is proper fell running territory — you need to move well on open ground.
A classic Lake District fell round bagging seven Wainwrights above the Coledale valley. Starting from Braithwaite, the route climbs Grisedale Pike and traverses a high ridge via Crag Hill, Sail, Outerside, and Barrow.
The route
From Braithwaite village, climb directly onto the north ridge of Grisedale Pike (791m). The ridge heads southwest to Crag Hill (839m, highest of the day) then along to Sail, Outerside, and Barrow before a descent back to the village.
Fell running vs walking
The route is frequently walked as a full day out. As a run, the ridge sections reward fast movement and the grassy ridges between summits are enjoyable. Seven Wainwrights in one outing is a good reason to be here.
Exposed ridges throughout — serious in strong wind. Navigation in cloud requires compass work, particularly between Crag Hill and Sail. Descent off Grisedale Pike is steep.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Common questions
More routes in Lake District
HARD
EXPERT
HARD