Collection · 103 walks
Classic horseshoes & rounds
Circular routes that link four or more summits and finish near where they started. That is the whole test, and it is applied to every route we have measured — so “classic” here is the shape of the day rather than a ranking, and this is a shelf to choose from rather than a shortlist we have judged. Among them are the Fairfield and Kentmere Horseshoes, the Coledale and Newlands rounds and the Coniston and Mardale skylines.
What they have in common is the commitment, not the quality: these are long days with real ascent, sometimes exposed, and hard to cut short once you are on the ridge. Check each route's distance, ascent and difficulty, allow plenty of daylight, carry a map and compass, and check the mountain forecast before you go.
103
walks
5.3–27.6 km
distance range
from 1.6 hr
shortest day
The count is of the list on this page. Distances are measured from each route’s GPX track. Times are worked from distance and climb by Naismith’s rule. How we check →
Effort is the size of the day, from the distance and the climb; each route’s own page grades the steepness, navigation, exposure and ground underfoot, and names the hardest.
- Too windy for the topsSour Howes, Sallows, Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick and Troutbeck Tongue in the sun!27.56 km~1424 m climb~7¾–10½ hSevere effort Severe: distanceWalked April 2025Park: Ambleside, Low Fold (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThe longest day in this group — 27.6 km and 1,424 m over six tops of the Kentmere and Troutbeck skyline, with a steepest sustained descent of about 30%. Severe for length, hard for terrain and exposure; about 7¾–10½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 33% over 250 m. Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsLong Hike to Fairfield from Ambleside22.39 km~1425 m climb~6¾–9¼ hSevere effort Severe: distanceWalked April 2023Park: Ambleside, Lake Road (paid) · Bus: 555, 340 m walk from Ambleside, at Hayes Garden CentreA big horseshoe day from Ambleside — 1,425 m of ascent in 22.4 km, opening with a relentless 739 m pull onto Red Screes. Fairfield's flat summit plateau is notoriously hard to navigate in cloud, and the day ends on the jarring stone steps down Nab Scar.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 32% over 250 m. Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsHart Side, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, Watson's Dodd and more21.89 km~1281 m climb~6½–8¾ hSevere effort Severe: distanceWalked August 2023Park: Low How (layby) · Bus: 509, 1.6 km walk from Dockray, outside The Royal HotelThe Dodds from High Row: seven tops in 21.9 km with about 1,280 m of climbing, over Birkett Fell and Hart Side to Raise, the highest at 883 m, then back north over Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd, Great Dodd and Clough Head. Severe for length and hard for navigation: the tops are broad grassy domes with few features, so carry a map and compass for cloud. The descent off Clough Head reaches about 37% over its steepest 250 m, and the day ends with a long walk east along the Old Coach Road. About 6½–8¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 37% over 250 m. Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Too windy for the topsCarrock Fell High Pike, Knott and Great Calva20.98 km~877 m climb~5½–7¾ hHard effort Severe: distance, steepness and terrainWalked September 2026Park: Roadside parking for Carrock Fell (free)Nine tops on the northern fells in a 21 km round with 877 m of climbing, linking Carrock Fell, High Pike, Knott and Great Calva. One stage pulls 434 m up in 1.7 km, averaging 26%, and the open ground is rated hard to navigate. About 5½–7¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 43%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsHelm Crag, Gibson Knott, Calf Crag, Steel Fell and Tarn Crag20.82 km~950 m climb~5¾–7¾ hHard effort Severe: distanceWalked June 2024Park: Stock Lane Car & Coach Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThe full Far Easedale horseshoe from Grasmere, and a longer, wetter day than Helm Crag alone suggests. The true summit — the Howitzer — needs an exposed scramble, and beyond Gibson Knott the ground turns to peat hags and bog that stay wet in all seasons, with Brownrigg Moss the hardest crossing of the day.Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsLonscale Fell, Skiddaw Lesser Man, Skiddaw and Bakestall in the sun!19.25 km~1118 m climb~5½–7¾ hHard effort Hard: distance, steepness and terrainWalked June 2025Park: Latrigg car park (free) · Bus: 554, 2.5 km walk from Keswick, opposite The PheasantSkiddaw the long way, taking in Lonscale Fell and Bakestall: 19.3 km and 1,118 m, with a pull averaging 22% from Lesser Man onto Little Man and loose slate underfoot high up. The plateau is open to the wind. The easy exposure grade is for the walking line, but the route visits Lonscale Pike, which sits right on the edge of the crags above Glenderaterra, so keep well back there. From Bakestall it is 9.7 km out, with 213 m of climbing still in it.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 29%. Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Lonscale Fell (14 June 2026) and Skiddaw (13 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Too windy for the topsBlencathra to Mungrisdale Common and over the back17.59 km~1011 m climb~5–7 hHard effort Hard: distance and steepnessWalked May 2026Park: Mungrisdale village hall (paid) · Bus: 509, 3.2 km walk from Mungrisdale, adjacent to Road EndBlencathra by its southern ridges — Scales Fell and Doddick Fell onto Hallsfell Top — then over the back for Bannerdale Crags and Bowscale Fell, taking in Mungrisdale Common on the way. Nine tops, 17.6 km and 1,011 m, rated hard for steepness but only moderate for navigation and exposure. About 5–7 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 30%. Exposure and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsMardale circuit17.48 km~1142 m climb~5¼–7¼ hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked February 2025Park: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)The full circuit of the head of Haweswater — up the Rough Crag ridge to High Street, then Harter Fell, Branstree and Selside Pike around the far side. 17.5 km and 1,142 m, with eight mapped crag features near the line.
Too windy for the topsWalla Crag, Bleaberry Fell, High Seat, High Tove and Armboth Fell17.02 km~812 m climb~4¾–6½ hHard effort Hard: distance and steepnessWalked August 2025Park: Walla Crag car park (free) · Bus: 78 at the startThe long boggy ridge south from Keswick: five tops in 17 km with 812 m of climbing, hard for length and steepness. Beyond Bleaberry Fell the ground is wet and knolly with a faint path, and in mist it is easy to drift off line, so bring a map and compass and be ready to use them. The easy exposure grade is for the walking line. Walla Crag's summit edge is a steep, unfenced drop, so keep back from the lip. About 4¾–6½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 26%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Too windy for the topsFairfield Horseshoe16.92 km~1009 m climb~5–6¾ hHard effort Hard: distance, steepness, navigation and exposureWalked April 2023Park: Pelter Bridge, Rydal (paid) · Bus: 555, 2.3 km walk from Rydal, at White Moss CommonOne of the classic Lakeland rounds and a fine first big horseshoe. From the car park at Rydal it's a steady climb, hard rather than moderate on the pull out of Rydal (about 30% at its steepest), with only a minor amount of scrambling — my kids, then 7 and 10, managed it, though they found it a long day. You can easily start from Ambleside instead: stock up at the shops on the way out and finish at the Royal Oak for a well-earned pint. The full round takes in eight Wainwrights, nine tops with Heron Pike’s north top (a Birkett), with Fairfield's broad summit the high point and Windermere laid out behind you on the descent.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 30%; the steepest descent, about 30% over 250 m. Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground.
Too windy for the topsThe Grasmoor Round16.17 km~1304 m climb~5¼–7¼ hSevere effort Severe: steepnessWalked August 2026Park: Lanthwaite Green (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startOne of the hardest starts in the Lakes — a gruelling climb averaging 27% over loose scree onto Whiteside — followed by superb high ridge walking over Hopegill Head and Grasmoor. There is a short, hands-on scramble onto Hopegill Head, a broad plateau that disorients in fog, and a narrow descent along Whiteless Edge.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 39%; the steepest descent, about 40% over 250 m. Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsThe Grasmoor round: Whiteside, Hopegill Head and Whiteless Pike16.17 km~1161 m climb~5–7 hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked August 2026Park: Lanthwaite Green (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startTen tops and the finest ridge walking in the North Western Fells — up Whiteside, along the narrow crest of Gasgale Crags to Hopegill Head, over the great whaleback of Grasmoor, then out along Wandope and down the elegant cone of Whiteless Pike to Rannerdale. Sixteen kilometres, a thousand metres of climbing, and views over Crummock Water all the way round.
Too windy for the topsColedale Round16.13 km~1277 m climb~5¼–7¼ hSevere effort Hard: distance, steepness, navigation and exposureWalked May 2026Park: Kinn car park · Bus: 77, 720 m walk from Braithwaite, at Croft TerraceOne of the great north-western horseshoes, and a properly big mountain day from Braithwaite. From the little car park tucked behind the trees on the Whinlatter Pass road — or straight off the bus — a steady wake-up climb leads up over Kinn and Sleet How before Grisedale Pike shows its hand: a steep, craggy pull the map never quite warns you about, with hands needed on rock near the top. From its rocky summit the round opens out — the airy ridge over Hobcarton Crag to Hopegill Head's tiny, wind-blown perch, the broad sweep to Crag Hill and Sail, then a long, satisfying horseshoe back over the tops of Outerside, Stile End and Barrow. Six Wainwrights, a handful of Birkett tops, and some of the best ridge-walking in the Lakes for the effort.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 32%. Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Grisedale Pike (14 June 2026), Hopegill Head (14 June 2026), Crag Hill (Eel Crag) (14 June 2026) and 1 more; they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Too windy for the topsConiston Old Man Round16.1 km~1155 m climb~5–7 hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked August 2024Park: Coniston Station car park (paid) · Bus: 505, 520 m walk from Coniston, outside The Ruskin CentreA satisfying round of the Coniston fells, and a simpler approach to the Old Man than my longer outing. From Coniston it climbs to the Old Man itself, then follows the high ridge over Brim Fell and Swirl How and back over Wetherlam, with an out-and-back to Grey Friar along the way, which the distance and climb include. You can extend it further by adding Dow Crag. Big views over the southern fells and the sea, old copper-mine history underfoot, and a proper mountain feel without the biggest mileage.Measured from the GPX track: the distance.
Too windy for the topsHelm Crag & Far Easedale15.93 km~870 m climb~4½–6¼ hHard effort Hard: distance and steepnessWalked January 2025Park: Stock Lane Car & Coach Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 555 at the startFrom Grasmere along the ridge above Far Easedale — Helm Crag's rocky top first, then Gibson Knott and Calf Crag — and round the head of Greenburn to Steel Fell. A long day at 15.9 km, and the head of Easedale can be vague in cloud.Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsGlenridding Dodd, Sheffield Pike, Catstye Cam, Birkhouse Moor15.58 km~1269 m climb~5–7 hSevere effort Hard: distance, steepness, terrain, navigation and exposureWalked September 2023Park: Beckside Car Park (paid) · Bus: 508 at the startA hard round above Glenridding by every measure the site records — 1,269 m of ascent in 15.6 km. A steep pull straight out of the valley leads over Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike, then the notoriously wet ground at Nick Head, the fine cone of Catstye Cam, and a long 558 m descent that tells on tired knees.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 34%; the steepest descent, about 32% over 250 m. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsWest of Grasmere15.44 km~863 m climb~4½–6¼ hHard effort Hard: distanceWalked March 2025Park: Red Bank Road, Grasmere (W&F, paid) · Bus: 555, 320 m walk from Grasmere, opposite Heaton Cooper StudioSix tops on the rough ground west of Grasmere — Tarn Crag, Codale Head, Sergeant Man, Blea Rigg, Swinescar Pike and Silver How — in 15.4 km with 863 m of climbing. Hard for length, moderate for steepness; about 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 24%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsUllscarf, Eagle Crag & Sergeant's Crag14.83 km~756 m climb~4–5¾ hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked April 2026Park: Stonethwaite lane (layby) (free) · Bus: 78, 430 m walk from Rosthwaite, opposite Longthwaite road endA rugged ~15 km round from Stonethwaite over three Wainwrights: straight up the bold rocky nose of Eagle Crag, over Sergeant's Crag to the broad whaleback of Ullscarf, and back down Greenup Gill into the head of Borrowdale.
Too windy for the topsFusedale Circuit14.68 km~888 m climb~4¼–6 hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked September 2024Park: unnamed car park south-east of Hallin Fell (free) · Bus: UB1, 540 m walk from Martindale Cattle Grid (near)A ~15 km circuit of the Far Eastern fells from St Peter's Church above Howtown, on Ullswater — Hallin Fell, Steel Knotts, Wether Hill, Loadpot Hill, Arthur's Pike and Bonscale Pike — broad grassy tops with grandstand views over the lake. A fine Steamer-and-walk outing.
Too windy for the topsCastle Crag, Brund Fell & Great Crag14.11 km~838 m climb~4–5¾ hHard effort Hard: distance and steepnessWalked August 2025Park: Rosthwaite (NT, paid) · Bus: 78 at the startBorrowdale's small rough summits in one round: Castle Crag, King's How, Brund Fell and Great Crag, 14.1 km and 838 m. None is higher than 449 m, and that is not the same as easy. One pull reaches about 36% over 250 m early on, the ground between the tops is rough, and with 58 path junctions near the line it is easy to wander off in cloud.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%. Terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Too windy for the topsMardale Ill Bell, High Street, The Knott, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Kidsty Pike13.7 km~904 m climb~4¼–5¾ hHard effort Hard: steepness, terrain, navigation and exposureWalked July 2025Park: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)Six far-eastern tops from Mardale Ill Bell over High Street to Rampsgill Head — 13.7 km and 904 m. Rated hard for terrain, navigation and exposure together, which few routes here manage. About 4¼–5¾ hours.Exposure, terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsWhinlatter Loop13.56 km~712 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked May 2025Park: Spout Force, Whinlatter (free) · Bus: 77, 2.5 km walk from Lorton Winder Hall (near)A north-western round above Whinlatter that opens with a brutal climb onto Graystones, about 56% over its steepest 250 m. After that it is undulating grass and forest over Broom Fell, Lord's Seat and Barf — boggy in places, and Lord's Seat is marked by the remains of an old fence post rather than a cairn.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 48%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsNorth of Skiddaw13.22 km~729 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Hard: steepnessWalked August 2024Park: Longlands Fell car parkEight tops in the grassy country north of Skiddaw — Longlands Fell, Brae Fell, the two Sca Fells, Meal Fell and Great Cockup among them. Gentle underfoot, but nearly a fifth of the line is featureless ground where a compass earns its keep.Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsGrike, Crag Fell and Lank Rigg13.07 km~623 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Moderate: distance, steepness and navigationWalked May 2025Park: Flat Fell (verge)Four tops in the far western fells — Grike, Crag Fell, Whoap and Lank Rigg — in 13.1 km and 623 m. Rough grass and big skies, a steep drop into Ennerdale beside Crag Fell's top, and faint, featureless ground over Whoap and Lank Rigg Moss where a compass bearing matters in cloud.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 20%. Terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsThe Buttermere Ridge Anti-Clockwise12.88 km~970 m climb~4–5¾ hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked October 2026Park: High Snockrigg (verge) · Bus: 77, 330 m walk from Buttermere Youth Hostel (near)A loop of about 12.9 km from Buttermere village over Dodd, Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag and Seat, with about 970 m of climbing: up beside Sourmilk Gill to Bleaberry Tarn and Dodd, up the red scree path to Red Pike, along the ridge over High Stile to High Crag, steeply down Gamlin End to Seat and Scarth Gap, and back along the shore of Buttermere.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 38%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground.
Too windy for the topsCatbells, Maiden Moor & High Spy12.59 km~726 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Hard: steepnessWalked May 2026Park: Skelgill Bank, north car park · Bus: 77 at the startA ridge walk above the western shore of Derwentwater: from Hawes End over Catbells and Maiden Moor to High Spy, 12.6 km and 726 m. The pull onto Catbells is short and steep, about 36% over its steepest 250 m, with rocky steps where you may want your hands, and they are slippery when wet. High Spy has steep crags on both sides, so keep to the crest in wind or cloud. The ridge path is clear in good weather, but carry a map and compass for the cloud. The reward is Derwentwater and the Newlands valley below you the whole way.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 29%. Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Cat Bells (Catbells) (13 June 2026), Maiden Moor (14 June 2026) and High Spy (14 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Too windy for the topsSkiddaw via Ullock Pike and Dodd12.41 km~1123 m climb~4¼–6 hHard effort Hard: steepness and navigationWalked June 2025Park: Dodd Wood (paid) · Bus: X4 at the startA grand horseshoe of the northern Skiddaw group from the forest at Dodd Wood. The walk climbs the clean, shapely ridge over Ullock Pike and along airy Longside Edge to Long Side, then drops to the col by Carl Side before the stiff, loose scree pull onto Skiddaw itself — and one of the great Lakeland summit views, out across the Solway Firth to Scotland. The return crosses back over Carl Side and takes a careful, GPS-checked line down to the wooded little top of Dodd before the drop home through the trees. Five Skiddaw-group Wainwrights — Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side, Skiddaw and Dodd — on a satisfying, varied loop: clean ridge, real summit, forest to finish.Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground.
Too windy for the topsLangdale Pikes Round12.12 km~884 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked June 2024Park: New Dungeon Ghyll (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startA grand round of the Langdale Pikes and the fells behind them. From Great Langdale it climbs past Stickle Tarn to Sergeant Man, loops over High Raise and Thunacar Knott, then takes in Pavey Ark (by the walkers' line, not Jack's Rake), Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle and Loft Crag before dropping back to the valley. It's a simpler line than my previous version, which added Blea Rigg — boggy on the approach from Sergeant Man. Handily, there are toilets at the car park at the end.Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Sergeant Man (14 June 2026), High Raise (High White Stones) (14 June 2026), Thunacar Knott (14 June 2026) and 4 more; they draw on Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.
Too windy for the topsHartsop Fells and Hart Crag11.87 km~837 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked July 2025Park: Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) · Bus: 508 at the startSix tops from Gale Crag over Hartsop Above How to Hart Crag: 11.9 km and 837 m, about 3¾–5¼ hours. Severe for steepness: the push onto Hart Crag is loose and rocky, with simple steps where you may need your hands, and the way down off High Hartsop Dodd is a very steep grass nose, about 43% over 250 m near 9.5 km and slippery when wet. The rest is moderate, though the ridge from Hart Crag to Dove Crag is rocky and hard on the ankles.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 41%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Too windy for the topsHaystacks11.21 km~792 m climb~3½–4¾ hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationWalked April 2026Park: Honister Pass (paid, slate mine) · Bus: 77 at the startFrom Honister up the old quarry tracks to Fleetwith Pike, down past Dubs Hut to the tarns and rocky knolls of Haystacks, then a late climb back over Brandreth and Grey Knotts — four Wainwrights in one round. There is a scramble to the true top of Haystacks, and a maze of paths up there that needs care in cloud.Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsSt Sunday Crag10.22 km~838 m climb~3¼–4¾ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked January 2025Park: Patterdale Hotel Car Park (Patterdale Hotel, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startThree tops and an outlier on the long Patterdale ridge: Arnison Crag, Birks and St Sunday Crag, with Gavel Pike a short detour off the summit, 10 km and 838 m. The walking line stays clear of the crags, but it is not all grass: the ridge to St Sunday Crag turns rocky, and the way back off Gavel Pike crosses steep grass and small rocky steps that are treacherous when wet or icy. The descent reaches about 45% over 250 m near 8.3 km.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 45% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Arnison Crag (14 June 2026), Birks (14 June 2026) and St Sunday Crag (13 June 2026); they draw on Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Too windy for the topsHartsop Dodd, Stony Cove Pike, Thornthwaite Crag and Gray Crag10 km~858 m climb~3¼–4¾ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked February 2025Park: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 590 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endFour tops above Hartsop in 10 km with 858 m of climbing, including a stage averaging 35% — as steep as anything on the site. Severe for steepness but only moderate for navigation and exposure. About 3¼–4¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 51%. Exposure and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsAngletarn Pikes and the Martindale round22.23 km~1402 m climb~6¾–9¼ hSevere effort Severe: distanceWalked in partPark: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 560 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endA long circuit of the Far Eastern fells above Patterdale — over Rest Dodd and out to the remote peak of The Nab, then back across Brock Crags to the twin tops of Angletarn Pikes, and home over Beda Fell and Place Fell. Twenty-two kilometres and six summits.
Too windy for the topsThe Coniston Horseshoe20.8 km~1333 m climb~6¼–8½ hSevere effort Severe: distanceWalked in partPark: Walna Scar Road, Coniston (paid, rough track) · Bus: 505, 1.8 km walk from Coniston, outside The Ruskin CentreThe full Coniston Horseshoe — the grand ~21 km, ~1,330 m round of seven Wainwrights above Coniston: Wetherlam, the steep Prison Band onto Swirl How, Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Brim Fell, the Old Man of Coniston and Dow Crag. The big day out; for the shorter version see the <a href="/routes/coniston-old-man-round.html">Coniston Old Man round</a>.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%.
Too windy for the topsKentmere Horseshoe20.14 km~1064 m climb~5¾–7¾ hHard effort Severe: distanceWalked in partPark: Kentmere Institute (donation, very limited)The classic round of the Kentmere valley — a 20 km, ~1,060 m horseshoe over eight Wainwrights: up over Yoke and the shapely Ill Bell ridge to Thornthwaite Crag, then back over Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell, Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts. A long, high, broad-ridged day in the Far Eastern fells.
Too windy for the topsBrock Crags, Angletarn Pikes, Beda Fell & Place Fell19.71 km~1072 m climb~5½–7¾ hHard effort Hard: distance and steepnessWalked in partPark: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 580 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endA big, varied Far Eastern round above Patterdale and the Boredale and Bannerdale valleys — over Brock Crags to Angle Tarn, along the grassy whaleback of Beda Fell, and up Place Fell for its view down Ullswater. Nearly 20 km and a proper day out, but rarely hard underfoot.
Too windy for the topsLongsleddale Round (Kentmere Pike, Tarn Crag, Grey Crag & Shipman Knotts)17.86 km~1114 m climb~5¼–7¼ hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked in partPark: Hollow Moor (layby) (free)A long ~18 km round from Hollow Moor, crossing into Longsleddale at Sadgill, over six Wainwrights — Grey Crag, Tarn Crag, Branstree, Kentmere Pike, Harter Fell and Shipman Knotts — across some of the broadest grass tops in the Far Eastern fells. Real navigation in cloud.Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground, on the stretches he walked.
Too windy for the topsCarrock Fell and Knott16.62 km~751 m climb~4½–6¼ hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked in partPark: Roadside parking for Carrock Fell (free)Five northern tops from Carrock Fell over Miton Hill and High Pike to Knott — 16.6 km and 751 m, with one stage climbing at an average of 25%. Severe for steepness, hard for length, but only moderate to navigate. About 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 42%. Navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsHelvellyn & Nethermost Pike via Seat Sandal15.66 km~1182 m climb~5–7 hHard effort Severe: steepnessWalked in partPark: Swirls, Thirlmere (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startHelvellyn the steep way — 729 m of climbing inside the first 3.5 km at 21% average, before the ridge eases over Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike and comes back over Seat Sandal.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 47%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Too windy for the topsBirketts by Carrock Fell15.34 km~699 m climb~4–5¾ hHard effort Hard: distance, steepness, terrain and navigationWalked in partPark: Mosedale car park (donation)Eight tops on the northern fells from Carrock Fell over Round Knott, Miton Hill and Great Lingy Hill — 15.3 km and 699 m, with one stage averaging 16% and a 36% descent over 250 m late on. Hard for terrain and navigation: boulder fields, then open ground with few landmarks. About 4–5¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 36% over 250 m. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsMardale Horseshoe15.33 km~929 m climb~4½–6¼ hHard effort Hard: distance, steepness, navigation and exposureWalked in partPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)Seven tops around the head of Mardale, from Kidsty Pike over High Street to Harter Fell and back down to Haweswater: 15.3 km and 929 m. The climb onto Kidsty Pike is a steep, rocky spur with small steps where you may want a hand for balance, slippery when wet, and there is a rocky zig-zag climb from Nan Bield Pass onto Harter Fell. Between them the tops are broad and grassy, with almost no shelter beyond one stone wall. The hard exposure grade is mostly the wind; keep back from the crag edges above Blea Water and Small Water.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 34%. Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground, on the stretches he walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Kidsty Pike (14 June 2026), Rampsgill Head (14 June 2026), High Street (13 June 2026) and 2 more; they draw on Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.- Too windy for the topsScar Crags, Causey Pike12.16 km~848 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked in partPark: Braithwaite village (roadside/small areas) · Bus: 77 at the startBarrow, Outerside, Scar Crags, Causey Pike and Rowling End above Newlands — five tops in 12.2 km with 848 m of climbing. Hard for terrain, navigation and exposure, severe for steepness; about 3¾–5¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 42%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
DryBirketts by Gowbarrow12.03 km~591 m climb~3¼–4¾ hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationWalked in partPark: Aira Force (NT, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startFive tops around Gowbarrow Park above Ullswater, including the Wainwright summit of Gowbarrow Fell — 12 km and 591 m, with one stage averaging 16%. Rated hard to navigate despite the modest scale. Around 3¼–4¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 27%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsUp to Skiddaw Round Trip12.01 km~849 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Hard: steepnessWalked in partPark: Latrigg car park (free) · Bus: 555, 2.6 km walk from Keswick, at Latrigg CloseA compact way onto Skiddaw over Lonscale Fell — 12 km and 849 m — keeping off the tourist path for most of the climb. Burnt Horse Ridge is steep and often wet underfoot, the summit plateau is fully exposed to whatever the weather is doing, and the return is a sustained 527 m descent on stone and gravel.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 30%; the steepest descent, about 31% over 250 m. Exposure and terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Lonscale Fell (14 June 2026) and Skiddaw (13 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.- Too windy for the topsStile End, Outerside, Causey Pike, Rowling End10.08 km~692 m climb~3–4¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked in partPark: Braithwaite village (roadside/small areas) · Bus: 77 at the startFour small Newlands tops in 10.1 km, though 692 m of ascent packed into that makes it steeper than the distance suggests, with one stage averaging 16%. Both the terrain and the exposure are rated hard along Causey Pike's knobbly crest. About 3–4¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 42%. Exposure and terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsSwarth Fell and Loadpot Hill9.69 km~599 m climb~2¾–4 hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked in partPark: Hallin Fell car park (free) · Bus: UB1, 530 m walk from Martindale Cattle Grid (near)Four far-eastern tops above Ullswater — Swarth Fell, Loadpot Hill, Brownthwaite Crag and Steel Knotts — in 9.7 km with 599 m of climbing. Severe for steepness, hard to navigate; about 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 36%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsTwo Birketts from Mardale Head9.6 km~550 m climb~2¾–4 hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationWalked in partPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)Branstree and its north-east top above Haweswater, with two more summits on the way — 9.6 km and 550 m, a stage averaging 19%, and hard route-finding on featureless ground. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 27%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsBlack Star Brandreth and others9.29 km~629 m climb~2¾–4 hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationWalked in partPark: Honister Pass (paid, slate mine) · Bus: 77 at the startStraight up from the Honister pass — Honister Crag, Fleetwith Pike, Brandreth and Grey Knotts in 9.3 km with 629 m of climbing. Short but hard for steepness, with one stage averaging 15%. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 33%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsKirk Fell and Broom Fell7.55 km~486 m climb~2¼–3¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessWalked in partPark: Spout Force, Whinlatter (free) · Bus: 77, 2.5 km walk from Lorton Winder Hall (near)Four tops in the Lorton fells — Kirk Fell, the Graystones pair and Broom Fell — in just 7.6 km with 486 m of climbing and a stage averaging 20%. Easy for length, severe for steepness; about 2¼–3¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 48%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Too windy for the topsVery Long Day Out26.63 km~1810 m climb~8¼–11¼ hSevere effort Severe: distance and steepnessPlannedPark: Overbeck Bridge, Wastwater (NT, paid)The Wasdale head round at its longest — 26.6 km and 1,810 m over twelve tops, from Yewbarrow out to Steeple, Haycock and Caw Fell and back over Seatallan and Middle Fell. One stage climbs 556 m in 2.1 km, averaging 26%, and the whole day is rated severe for both length and steepness: about 8¼–11¼ hours of walking.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 49%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsCockup at the White Hause and other Birketts23.91 km~1316 m climb~6¾–9½ hSevere effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Peter House Farm, Bassenthwaite (roadside) (free) · Bus: X4, 2.5 km walk from Bassenthwaite, opposite High Side FarmA long round on the northern fells over Great Cockup, Great Sca Fell, Knott and Little Calva — 23.9 km and 1,316 m, with a steepest sustained pull of about 27% on the short climb to Cockup. The distance is what makes it a full day: roughly 6¾–9½ hours of walking.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 27%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Too windy for the topsBirketts West of Haweswater23.83 km~1336 m climb~7–9½ hSevere effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)High Street, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Low Raise on the far-eastern tops — eight summits in 23.8 km with 1,336 m of climbing. Severe for length, hard for steepness and to navigate: about 7–9½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 34%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsWest of Wet Sleddale - Birketts23.82 km~912 m climb~6¼–8½ hHard effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Wet Sleddale Reservoir Car ParkNine tops on the empty Shap fells — Seat Robert, High Wether Howe, Nabs Moor, Selside Pike and Hare Shaw among them — in 23.8 km with 912 m of climbing. Severe for length; about 6¼–8½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsBirketts West of Thirlmere23.11 km~1241 m climb~6½–9 hSevere effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Dob Gill, Thirlmere (closed); nearest: Steel End, Thirlmere (paid), about 1.3 km on foot · Bus: 555, 1.8 km walk from Thirlmere, at Armboth turnTen tops on the rough ground west of Thirlmere — Wythburn Fell, Standing Crag and the Coldbarrow Fell saddles among them — in 23.1 km with 1,241 m of climbing averaging about 10% but with a 36% pull over 250 m in the first kilometre. Severe for length, hard for steepness and underfoot; roughly 6½–9 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 29%. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsBirketts North of Skiddaw23.02 km~1472 m climb~7–9½ hSevere effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Peter House Farm, Bassenthwaite (roadside) (free) · Bus: X4, 2.5 km walk from Bassenthwaite, opposite High Side FarmThe full northern sweep over Skiddaw itself — Bakestall, the Middle and South Tops, Sale How and more, nine tops in 23 km with 1,472 m of climbing. Severe for length; about 7–9½ hours of walking and the biggest day in this group.Measured from the GPX track: the distance. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Bannisdale Fell - Long Crag21.61 km~809 m climb~5½–7¾ hHard effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Lamb Pasture (layby)A Birkett round in Bannisdale, off to the east of the main fells — nine tops in 21.6 km with 809 m of climbing and a steepest sustained pull of about 26%. The difficulty here is navigation and distance: it is rated hard to navigate and severe for its length. About 5½–7¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 26%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Borrowdale Birketts21.21 km~857 m climb~5½–7¾ hHard effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Whatshaw Common (layby) (free)Seven tops in the eastern Borrowdale — the one near Shap, not the Lakeland valley — from High House Bank and Robin Hood round to Lamb Pasture. 21.2 km and 857 m, with one descent of about 34% over 250 m. Severe for length; about 5½–7¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 34% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Crookdale Birketts20.95 km~666 m climb~5¼–7¼ hHard effort Severe: distancePlannedPark: Whatshaw Common (layby) (free)Nine tops around Crookdale on the Shap fells — Robin Hood, Harrop Pike, Wasdale Pike and Sleddale Pike among them — in 20.9 km with 666 m of climbing averaging about 6% with one 21% descent over 250 m near the end. Severe for length; about 5¼–7¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 21% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsLangdale Horseshoe20.9 km~1770 m climb~7–9½ hSevere effort Severe: distance and steepnessPlannedPark: Stickle Ghyll (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startThe full Langdale Horseshoe — fifteen tops and 1,770 m of ascent. The Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, the whole Crinkle Crags ridge and Pike of Blisco in a single round. It is long, rough, and the Crinkles will try to lead you down the wrong side. Do not start it late.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Too windy for the topsHarrop Pike & Ancrow Brow - Birketts20.03 km~660 m climb~5–7 hHard effort Severe: distance and steepnessPlannedPark: Sadgill, Longsleddale (free, limited)Eight Birkett tops above Longsleddale in a 20 km round — only 660 m of ascent, which is modest for the distance, but one stage climbs 299 m in 1.2 km, averaging around 25% with a 41% pull over 250 m at the start, and the ground is rated hard to navigate. About 5–7 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 38%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Birketts by Dunnerdale Fells19.95 km~1110 m climb~5¾–8 hHard effort Hard: distance and steepnessPlannedPark: Walna Scar Road, above Seathwaite (layby) (free)A big day on the Coniston side — Walna Scar, White Maiden, White Pike, Pikes and Caw, eight tops in 20 km with 1,110 m of climbing. Hard for steepness and length; about 5¾–8 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 34%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsAround Loweswater19.13 km~1068 m climb~5½–7½ hHard effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.2 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)The full circuit of the fells around Loweswater — six tops from Darling Fell round to Blake Fell, 19.1 km and 1,068 m, with one early pull a sustained 40% over 250 m. A long day with one steep start: roughly 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 35%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsBirketts by Loweswater18.69 km~1082 m climb~5½–7½ hHard effort Hard: distance, steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.3 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)Nine tops above Loweswater, from High Pen and Knock Murton round by Carling Knott — 18.7 km and 1,082 m, with a steepest sustained climb of about 31%. Hard for length, steepness and navigation alike: about 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 31%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsLatrigg, Little Man, Sale & Cumbria Way Section18.15 km~971 m climb~5¼–7 hHard effort Hard: distance and steepnessPlannedPark: Keswick Old Station, hotel car park (paid) · Bus: 509, 450 m walk from Keswick, at Greta Bank- Too windy for the topsRossett Pike, Allen Crags, Great End and more17.95 km~1212 m climb~5½–7½ hSevere effort Hard: distance and steepnessPlannedPark: Old Dungeon Ghyll (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startA five-summit traverse of the high central ground, taking in Rossett Pike, Allen Crags, Great End, Esk Pike and Bowfell. The 1,212 m of ascent is spread over 17.9 km, but the steepest sustained descent is about 34% and the rock underfoot barely lets up. Around 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 40% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsMiddle Fell, Haycock Seatallan and Buckbarrow17.8 km~1298 m climb~5½–7¾ hSevere effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Greendale (layby) (free)Seven Wasdale tops in a 17.8 km round with 1,298 m of climbing and one stage averaging 24%. Hard for length and navigation, severe for steepness — about 5½–7¾ hours on ground that stays rough throughout.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 38%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Middle Fell (14 June 2026), Haycock (14 June 2026), Caw Fell (14 June 2026) and 1 more; they draw on Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Too windy for the topsExtended Mosedale Horseshoe17.75 km~1236 m climb~5½–7½ hSevere effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Wasdale Head village green car park (free)Pillar, Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike around the head of Mosedale, with Yewbarrow to finish — 1,236 m of ascent packed into 17.8 km, rated severe for steepness and hard for exposure. About 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 47%. Exposure: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsBirketts by Kentmere Horseshoe17.58 km~798 m climb~4¾–6½ hHard effort Hard: distance and navigationPlannedPark: Sadgill, Longsleddale (free, limited)Nine lesser tops on a loop from Sadgill in Longsleddale, over the east side of the Kentmere Horseshoe — Cocklaw Fell, Hollow Moor and Green Quarter Fell among them — in 17.6 km with 798 m of climbing, the steepest sustained pull about 23%. Hard for length and navigation; about 4¾–6½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 23%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsBirketts above Ullswater16.45 km~766 m climb~4½–6¼ hHard effort Hard: distance and navigationPlannedPark: High Cascades (NT, paid) · Bus: 509, 750 m walk from Dockray, outside The Royal HotelTen Birkett tops strung along the Dodds above Ullswater, from Low How and Randerside over Great Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd — 16.5 km and 766 m across eleven stages. Rated hard to navigate; about 4½–6¼ hours.Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Ulpha Birketts16 km~778 m climb~4½–6 hHard effort Hard: distance, steepness and navigationPlannedPark: The Pike (layby) (free)Five tops on the Duddon fells — The Pike, Hesk Fell, Yoadcastle, White Pike and Stainton Pike — in 16 km with 778 m of climbing. Hard for length, steepness and navigation; about 4½–6 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 27%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsGrisedale Tarn, Fairfield, St Sunday Crag from Patterdale15.92 km~983 m climb~4¾–6½ hHard effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Patterdale Hotel Car Park (Patterdale Hotel, paid) · Bus: 508 at the start- Too windy for the topsSeathwaite, Green Gable, Base Brown15.85 km~960 m climb~4¾–6½ hHard effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Seatoller, south-east field car park (paid) · Bus: 78, 820 m walk from Seatoller, at National Trust car parkBoth Seathwaite Fell tops with Green Gable and Base Brown — four summits in 15.9 km and 960 m, rated hard for terrain, navigation and exposure and severe for steepness. About 4¾–6½ hours on properly rough ground.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 42%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsHigh Snockrigg, Eel Crag & Lad Hows15.69 km~1446 m climb~5½–7½ hSevere effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: High Snockrigg (verge) · Bus: 77 at the startA big north-western day — seven tops from High Snockrigg over Whiteless Pike to Crag Hill, 15.7 km and 1,446 m, with one stage averaging 22%. About 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 43%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Too windy for the topsStanding Crag, High Tove, Armboth14.26 km~601 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Hard: distance and navigationPlannedPark: Dob Gill, Thirlmere (closed); nearest: Steel End, Thirlmere (paid), about 1.3 km on foot · Bus: 555, 1.7 km walk from Thirlmere, at Armboth turnSix tops on the wet watershed between Thirlmere and Borrowdale — Standing Crag, Shivery Knott, Middle Crag, High Tove and Armboth Fell. 14.3 km and 601 m, rated hard for length and navigation, moderate for steepness. About 3¾–5¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 24%. Terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsBlake Fell, Gavel Fell, Hen Comb14.03 km~764 m climb~4–5½ hHard effort Hard: distance, steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.2 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)Five tops behind Loweswater — Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell, Gavel Fell, Hen Comb and Little Dodd — in 14 km with 764 m of climbing and a steepest sustained pull of about 29%. Hard for length, steepness and navigation alike; about 4–5½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 29%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Birketts North of Thirlmere13.91 km~972 m climb~4¼–6 hHard effort Hard: steepnessPlannedPark: Legburthwaite (United Utilities, small) (paid) · Bus: 555, 400 m walk from Stanah Dam road end (near)Castle Rock, Wren Crag and the High Rigg tops above Thirlmere — six summits in 13.9 km with 972 m of climbing, and one stage averaging 28%, the steepest in this group. About 4¼–6 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 35%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsCrinkle Crags, Cold Pike, Pike of Blisco13.78 km~1025 m climb~4¼–6 hHard effort Hard: steepnessPlannedPark: Old Dungeon Ghyll (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the start
- Too windy for the topsStonesty Pike, Great Knott & Wrynose Fell13.71 km~1075 m climb~4½–6¼ hHard effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Hell Gill Pike (verge, south) · Bus: 516, 4.8 km walk from Old Dungeon Ghyll HotelFive tops on the rough ground between Wrynose and Cold Pike — 13.7 km and 1,075 m, severe for steepness and hard to navigate. About 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 44%. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsBrown Rigg & Blea Tarn13.49 km~509 m climb~3½–4¾ hModerate effort Hard: terrain and navigationPlannedPark: Dob Gill, Thirlmere (closed); nearest: Steel End, Thirlmere (paid), about 1.3 km on foot · Bus: 555, 1.8 km walk from Thirlmere, at Armboth turnFour tops on the boggy watershed above Thirlmere — Brown Rigg, Shivery Knott, Middle Crag and High Tove — in 13.5 km with 509 m of climbing. Rated hard to navigate, which is the whole character of this ground. About 3½–4¾ hours.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsThe Buttermere Ridge13.39 km~1012 m climb~4¼–6 hHard effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Buttermere village (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 410 m walk from Buttermere, outside Court HotelOne of the finest ridge walks in the Lakes — Seat, High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike strung above Buttermere, with plunging drops into Ennerdale on one side and the lake on the other. Earned by the loose, relentless grind of Gamlin End and paid for again on the red scree chute off Red Pike: 13.4 km, 1,012 m of climbing, and severe for steepness.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 35%. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
DrySwineside Knott & Gowbarrow13.27 km~657 m climb~3¾–5 hModerate effort Hard: steepnessPlannedPark: Aira Force (NT, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startA satisfying loop over the heather tops of Gowbarrow above Ullswater, starting from the Aira Force car park and climbing quickly away from the waterfall onto rolling moorland. The round takes in Brown Hills, Swineside Knott and Common Fell before the open summit of Gowbarrow Fell, a Wainwright with one of the finest views over Ullswater, which stays with you for much of the way. Moderate, with one steep early pull — save it for a clear day and let the lake do the rest.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 29%.
Too windy for the topsHigh Stile, Seat via Buttermere12.97 km~881 m climb~4–5½ hHard effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Buttermere village, by the Bridge Hotel (roadside, free) · Bus: 77 at the startFive tops along the High Stile ridge with Buttermere below you the whole way. 881 m of ascent in 13 km, and a stage averaging 20% to gain the ridge in the first place. Roughly 4–5½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 39%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Too windy for the topsCaudale Moor & St Raven's Edge12.96 km~732 m climb~3¾–5¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 570 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endHartsop Dodd, Stony Cove Pike and the Caudale Moor tops — four summits in 13 km with 732 m of climbing, and one stage averaging 35%, which ties the steepest on the site. Hard to navigate; about 3¾–5¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 50%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsScope End, Hindscarth & Dale Head from Little Town12.08 km~757 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Little Town, Newlands (paid, small) · Bus: 77, 2.7 km walk from Manesty, outside Cocklety HowA proper Newlands mountain day that most walkers drive straight past. The shapely Scope End ridge lifts you out of Little Town onto Hindscarth, then an airy walk along Hindscarth Edge carries you over to Dale Head above the head of the valley before a long descent back to the start. It's about 12 km with 760 m of ascent; the pulls are steep and the tops are big and open.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 43% over 250 m. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Hindscarth (14 June 2026) and Dale Head (14 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.- Too windy for the topsGreen Crag & Great Whinscale — the wild Birker Fell round12.03 km~544 m climb~3¼–4½ hModerate effort Hard: terrainPlannedPark: Devoke Water turning, Birker Fell road (verge) (free)A wild, trackless round over the knobbly tops of Birker Fell, in the empty south-western corner of the Lakes that most walkers never reach. From the Birker Fell road, at the turning for Devoke Water, it heads north-north-east across open, boggy moor to a cluster of five rocky little summits: Great Whinscale, Crook Crag, then Green Crag, the Wainwright and high point of the day, before Broad Crag and Great Crag on Birker Fell. About 12 km but genuinely rough underfoot, with a big view over the Duddon, Eskdale and out to the sea.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground.
Too windy for the topsBlencathra via Blease Fell11.88 km~816 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Threlkeld village (no public car park, customers only) · Bus: X5 at the startA shorter, easier way up the great northern fell of Blencathra than my favourite round from Mungrisdale over Souther Fell. From Threlkeld it climbs the grassy shoulder of Blease Fell (Knowe Crags) to the summit, with a fine high traverse over Gategill Fell Top, Doddick Fell and Scales Fell, and it avoids the boggy ground of Mungrisdale Common. Easier than the ridges, not easy: its steepest 250 m runs at about 37%. A grand viewpoint over the northern fells and the Eden valley for the effort — and well clear of the notorious Sharp Edge.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 33%. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Blencathra - Hallsfell Top (15 July 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Too windy for the topsDow Crag without the Old Man11.88 km~630 m climb~3¼–4¾ hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Walna Scar Road, Coniston (paid, rough track) · Bus: 505, 1.8 km walk from Coniston, outside The Ruskin CentreA loop of about 11.9 km from the Walna Scar Road car park above Coniston, with about 630 m of climbing: out along the Walna Scar Road, up a public footpath past Goat's Water to Goat's Hawse and the top of Dow Crag, along the ridge over Buck Pike and Brown Pike, out over Walna Scar to White Maiden and back, and down the Walna Scar Road.
Too windy for the topsBirketts around Grisedale Pike11.7 km~750 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Hard: steepnessPlannedPark: Whinlatter Visitor Centre (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startSeven tops on and around Grisedale Pike, taking in Hobcarton End, Hobcarton Crag and Sand Hill — 11.7 km and 750 m over eight stages, rated hard for steepness. About 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 27%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- Birketts to the South of Ullswater11.53 km~790 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: unnamed car park south-east of Hallin Fell (free) · Bus: UB1, 550 m walk from Martindale Cattle Grid (near)Sleet Fell, Low Birk Fell and the Birk Fell tops on the southern shore — five summits in 11.5 km with 790 m of climbing. Hard for steepness and hard to navigate; about 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsNewlands Hause to the Coledale Tops11.4 km~1107 m climb~4–5½ hHard effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Newlands Hause car park (free) · Bus: 77, 2.2 km walk from Buttermere Youth Hostel (near)A loop of about 11.4 km from Newlands Hause, with about 1,110 m of climbing: over Knott Rigg and Ard Crags, up to Scar Crags and Sail, on to Crag Hill, round over Wandope and along Whiteless Edge to Whiteless Pike, then steeply down to Sail Beck and back up to the Knott Rigg path for the way down to the car park.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 43%.- Too windy for the topsThree Dodds and Calfhow Pike11.12 km~833 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Legburthwaite (United Utilities, small) (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startGrassy, rounded and quick underfoot on the tops: Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd and Great Dodd, with Calfhow Pike tucked between them. 11.1 km and 833 m; the climb averages 16%, and the way down into St John's in the Vale reaches about 54% over 250 m. About 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 47%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsAllen Crags & Glaramara10.94 km~853 m climb~3½–5 hModerate effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Seathwaite Farm, Borrowdale (free verge) · Bus: 78, 2.2 km walk from Seatoller, at National Trust car parkGlaramara's knobbly crest and Allen Crags, five summits linked along the ridge above Borrowdale. 853 m of climbing in 10.9 km, rated severe for steepness though navigation and exposure both stay moderate. About 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 49%. Exposure and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsBlack Sails & Great How10.94 km~822 m climb~3½–4¾ hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Hell Gill Pike (verge, south) · Bus: 516, 4.8 km walk from Old Dungeon Ghyll HotelSix tops on the Coniston skyline — Hell Gill Pike, Little Carrs, Great Carrs, Swirl How, Great How and Black Sails — in 10.9 km with 822 m of climbing, one stage averaging 19% and a 37% pull over 250 m off the road at the start. Hard to navigate; about 3½–4¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 32%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.- DryAround Loweswater to Fellbarrow and Low Fell10.84 km~446 m climb~2¾–4 hModerate effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.2 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)A short north-western round over Low Fell, Sourfoot Fell, Smithy Fell and Fellbarrow — 10.8 km and 446 m, moderate on every axis except steepness, which is severe: the climb onto Low Fell reaches about 43%. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 43%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Too windy for the topsLittle Dale Horseshoe10.77 km~793 m climb~3¼–4¾ hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Little Town, Newlands (paid, small) · Bus: 77, 2.7 km walk from Manesty, outside Cocklety HowA loop of about 10.8 km from Chapel Bridge in Newlands, round Little Dale, with about 790 m of climbing: along the lane and up High Snab Bank to Robinson, over to Hindscarth, and down the ridge over High Crags, Red Knott and Scope End.- DryBirketts North of Loweswater10.58 km~655 m climb~3–4½ hModerate effort Hard: steepness, terrain and navigationPlannedPark: unnamed layby west of Darling Fell · Bus: 77, 4.8 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)A loop of about 10.6 km and 650 m of climbing from the lay-by on the lane north of Loweswater, over seven Birketts on the low fells between Loweswater and the Lorton valley: Darling Fell, Low Fell’s south top, Low Fell, Sourfoot Fell, Smithy Fell, Fellbarrow and Hatteringill Head. Out by a bridleway and a steep pull onto Darling Fell, north along the ridge, and back by old unsurfaced lanes.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%.
Too windy for the topsGreat Gable from Honister Slate Mine9.61 km~721 m climb~3–4¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Honister (NT, paid) · Bus: 77 at the startThe kindest way to England’s most-loved mountain. Honister starts you at 350 m. The route goes out along Moses Trod, under Gable Crag to Beck Head, climbs the steep, stony north-west ridge onto Great Gable, and comes back over Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts. Four Wainwrights, a summit war memorial and the finest view in Lakeland down into Wasdale — but the top is a broad boulder plateau, and in cloud it is one of the great navigation traps.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 45%. Terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.- Birketts Around Devoke Water8.89 km~415 m climb~2¼–3½ hModerate effort Hard: navigationPlannedPark: Devoke Water turning, Birker Fell road (verge) (free)Five small tops circling Devoke Water — White Pike, Woodend Height, Yoadcastle, Water Crag and Rough Crag — in 8.9 km with 415 m of climbing averaging about 7% with one 19% descent over 250 m. Short, but rated hard to navigate. Around 2¼–3½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 19% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Dunnerdale Fells8.76 km~542 m climb~2½–3¾ hModerate effort Hard: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: The Knott car park (donation)Four small rocky tops above the Duddon — Great Stickle, Stickle Pike and Raven's Crag among them — in 8.8 km with 542 m of climbing. Short but rated hard to navigate; about 2½–3¾ hours.Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsThe Greendale Horseshoe8.56 km~789 m climb~3–4¼ hModerate effort Severe: steepnessPlannedPark: Greendale (layby) (free)A round of about 8.6 km from Greendale in Wasdale over Middle Fell, Seatallan, Glade How and Buckbarrow, with about 790 m of climbing: straight up Middle Fell from the road, down to the col between the two fells and steeply up Seatallan, then down its long south ridge over Glade How to Buckbarrow, and a steep path back down to Greendale.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 38%.
- Birketts South of Burnbanks7.64 km~303 m climb~2–2¾ hModerate effort Hard: navigationPlannedPark: Haweswater, by the dam (verge) (free)Four low tops in the woods and crags above Haweswater — Naddle Low Forest, Hugh's Laithes Pike, Wallow Crag and Naddle High Forest. Just 7.6 km and 303 m, easy for length but rated hard to navigate. About 2–2¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
- Too windy for the topsBlencathra by Sharp Edge7 km~669 m climb~2½–3½ hModerate effort Severe: steepness, terrain and exposurePlannedPark: The White Horse (free) · Bus: X5, 2.6 km walk from Threlkeld, opposite Blencathra Centre turnA narrow, airy arete of polished rock above Scales Tarn — a Grade 1 scramble with serious exposure on both sides — followed by a steep pull onto Blencathra and a fine descent over Doddick and Scales Fell. It is a magnificent line. It is also a serious scramble, and we are not going to soften that.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 38%; the steepest descent, about 37% over 250 m. Exposure: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Atkinson Pike (Foule Crag) (27 September 2026) and Blencathra - Hallsfell Top (15 July 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
- The Tilberthwaite Birketts5.26 km~307 m climb~1½–2¼ hEasy effort Hard: steepness and navigationPlannedPark: Tilberthwaite (paid) · Bus: 505, 3.5 km walk from Monk Coniston, at HallA short loop of about 5.3 km from Low Tilberthwaite, with about 310 m of climbing: up the public footpath beside Tilberthwaite Gill, across open ground over four Birketts, Blake Rigg, Haystacks, Hawk Rigg and High Fell, then round below Great Intake and down by Blake Rigg Gill.
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Map
● routes
An interactive map of the walks and fells in this collection. Each marker links to its page; the same walks and fells are listed on this page.
Common questions
What is a horseshoe walk in the Lake District?
A horseshoe is a circular ridge walk that climbs onto the skyline at one side of a valley or tarn, follows the tops around the head of it, and descends the far side — tracing a horseshoe shape back to near the start. Linking several summits in one continuous high-level round, they're among the most rewarding (and most committing) days in the fells. A ‘round’ is the same idea, often named after the valley it encircles.
What are the best horseshoe walks in the Lakes?
The classics include the Fairfield Horseshoe (from Ambleside), the Kentmere Horseshoe, the Coledale and Newlands rounds (from Braithwaite and Keswick), the Coniston skyline over Wetherlam and the Old Man, and the Mardale Horseshoe above Haweswater. This page lists every multi-summit ridge round on the site, with its distance, ascent, time and difficulty.
How long and how hard are these rounds?
Most are half-day to full-day walks — typically 13–20+ km with 900–1,400 m of ascent over four to ten summits. They demand a good level of fitness and confident navigation, and a few add real exposure on edges and ridges. Read each route's difficulty rating (length, steepness, terrain, navigation and exposure) before you commit, and pick a settled day with enough daylight.