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Kentmere Horseshoe Trail Running Route: 19km Lake District Loop

A 18.7km circular trail running route from Kentmere village / church area a classic Lake District horseshoe from Kentmere around the high fell ridges above the valley and reservoir, with around 1,041m of climbing and a highest point of 826m.
18.7km

Distance

1041m

Elevation Gain

3.5 hours to 4.6 hours running / 6.2 to 8.5 hours walking

Estimated Time

Difficulty

Distance Band

Route Map

Details
Kentmere Horseshoe

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About this route

This Kentmere Horseshoe trail running route is a circular loop from Kentmere village / church area, built from the supplied GPX file and suitable for runners who are comfortable on mixed trail terrain.

The GPX measures approximately 18.7km with around 1,041m of elevation gain and reaches a highest point of about 826m. This is a serious mountain loop with long climbs, open ridges and very limited facilities. It rewards good conditions with superb views across the Far Eastern Fells.

Use the GPX for navigation, carry appropriate kit for the distance and weather, and always check local access, parking and public transport details before travelling.

Route Features

At a Glance

📍 Start:Kentmere

Getting there

Start Point

Kentmere
LA8 9JL

Parking

Kentmere parking is limited and sensitive. Use signed parking only, do not block farm access or narrow lanes, and consider starting from Staveley if village parking is full.

Public Transport

Public transport to Kentmere itself is limited. Staveley has rail access and is the nearest practical public transport base, but reaching Kentmere from there adds distance.

Toilets

Do not expect toilets at the immediate start in Kentmere. Use facilities in Staveley or nearby towns before travelling.

Nearest Town

Staveley

what3words

What's underfoot

Expect mountain paths, fell paths, rocky tracks, grassy ridges, bridleways, steep climbs, open fell. The route has approximately 1,041m of climbing over 18.7km, so pace should be adjusted for terrain, weather and navigation.

Best Seasons

Navigation Difficulty

Kentmere

Weather Notes

Avoid poor visibility, high winds and heavy rain on exposed or high-level sections. Paths may be slippery, boggy or harder to follow after prolonged wet weather.

Recommended Equipment

Trail shoes are strongly recommended for this route. Here’s what we’d suggest.

Recommended kit for this route

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Before, during & after

Water

Carry your own water. Natural water sources should not be relied upon unless treated/filtered, and facilities may be limited or seasonal.

Shops Nearby

Staveley has the nearest useful shops and cafes. Carry food and water from the start.

Post-Run Recommendation

Head back to Staveley for coffee, food or a pub stop after finishing the Kentmere Horseshoe.

How to run it

Route Steps (route_steps repeater)
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Follow the well-signed footpath from the car park.
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Before you go

⚠ Safety Notes

Follow the GPX closely and carry a map/backup navigation. Conditions can change quickly on open fell, moorland or mountain ground. Take extra care on wet rock, boggy sections, steep descents and road crossings. Let someone know your plan for longer or more remote routes. For this route, carry full mountain running kit, extra layers, food, water, a charged phone and an emergency plan.

🌦 Weather Notes

Avoid poor visibility, high winds and heavy rain on exposed or high-level sections. Paths may be slippery, boggy or harder to follow after prolonged wet weather.

Local knowledge

💡 Local Tip

Start early for quieter trails and easier parking. Check weather and daylight before setting off, especially outside summer. The best experience is usually in a settled dry spell when the views are clear and the paths are less boggy.

🧭 Navigation Difficulty

Frequently Asked Questions

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More routes nearby

Trail Art · Monetisation · Nice to have

Trail Art

Route Trail Poster

A hand-illustrated trail map poster of this route — perfect for your home or as a gift for a fellow runner. Printed on 300gsm card.

Buy the poster