Birketts by Kentmere Horseshoe

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Cocklaw Fell (2.5 km, 170 m)

   Climb of about 170 m over 2.5 km (around 7% average).

   From the valley floor, head south up the enclosed, walled lanes. Once through the fell gate, break out onto the open hillside and begin a steady ascent over rough, tussocky ground, on a bridleway and then a path OSM maps, trending south up the broad spur to the minor, indistinct rise of Cocklaw Fell.

   Waypoints

   Valley floor (start), walled lane, Cocklaw Fell.

   Decision point

   The walled lane leads you onto the correct spur. Once on the open fell, simply maintain a southward climb, using the rising gradient to guide you to the highest ground on the immediate spur.

   Easy to get wrong

   The lower walled lanes are frequently churned into deep mud by farm traffic and water runoff. Once on the open fell, it is a relentless trudge through thick, energy-sapping grass and hidden, waterlogged depressions; OSM maps a bridleway and then a path up here, but on the ground the path may be faint through the vegetation.

   If you need to get off

   Simply turn 180 degrees and retrace your steps down the grassy spur to the fell gate and the walled lane, which provides a fast, sheltered return to the start.

2. 2

   Cocklaw Fell → Hollow Moor East Top (1.2 km, 56 m)

   About 1.2 km with 56 m of ascent.

   Traverse west across the vast, sodden expanse of the Green Quarter Fell plateau. The route rolls gently through a maze of peat hags and marshy hollows before a barely noticeable incline brings you to the grassy swelling of Hollow Moor East Top.

   Waypoints

   Cocklaw Fell, Green Quarter Fell (plateau), Hollow Moor East Top.

   Decision point

   This is featureless terrain; you must rely strictly on a compass bearing in low visibility. Keep the deeper trench of Skeggles Water's catchment away to one side to avoid dropping off the plateau prematurely.

   Easy to get wrong

   This plateau is a notorious sponge. The ground is heavily waterlogged year-round, requiring exhausting zig-zags and wide detours to bypass deep sphagnum bogs and hidden drainage channels. The lack of any distinct gradient makes it incredibly fatiguing on the legs.

   If you need to get off

   If the bogs become too much, retreat east back to Cocklaw Fell and descend the way you came.

3. 3

   Hollow Moor East Top → Hollow Moor (Green Quarter Fell) (0.5 km, 22 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.5 km.

   Make a short, soggy hop west/north-west across the plateau, navigating the final stretch of peat and reeds to move from the East Top to the slightly higher, equally indistinct main summit of Hollow Moor.

   Waypoints

   Hollow Moor East Top, Hollow Moor summit (426m).

   Decision point

   Micro-navigation is key if the clouds drop, as the tops here are merely slight convexities in a flat, green ocean. Use pacing to ensure you do not overshoot the summit and begin descending towards the valley.

   Easy to get wrong

   The terrain remains frustratingly lumpy and wet. The true summit is marked only by a pathetic collection of stones and offers little reward other than ticking off the Birkett; in thick clag, you will struggle to confirm you are actually on the highest point.

   If you need to get off

   We have not checked a line down from Hollow Moor for this guide, so none is offered here. The way back is the way you came.

4. 4

   Hollow Moor (Green Quarter Fell) → Shipman Knotts (3.6 km, 293 m)

   Climb of about 293 m over 3.6 km (around 8% average).

   Leave the Green Quarter bogs and head north, crossing the old, stony Sadgill to Kentmere packhorse route before tackling the steep, rugged climb up the southern nose of Shipman Knotts. The path weaves through rocky outcrops and steep grass to finally gain the main eastern ridge of the Kentmere Horseshoe.

   Waypoints

   Sadgill/Kentmere packhorse track (crossing), Shipman Knotts southern flank, Shipman Knotts summit (587m).

   Decision point

   The east-west packhorse track is a major catching feature crossing your path. Once you begin climbing Shipman Knotts, a dilapidated drystone wall appears; use it as a bulletproof handrail leading directly up the spine of the fell to the summit.

   Easy to get wrong

   The crossing of the old track offers a brief respite on hard ground before a strenuous, calf-burning pull. The upper slopes of Shipman Knotts feature blocky volcanic rock which can be slick, and the wind immediately bites with full force once you crest the exposed ridge line.

   If you need to get off

   We have not checked a way out along the packhorse track for this guide, so none is offered here. The way back is the way you came.

5. 5

   Shipman Knotts → Goat Scar (0.8 km, 44 m)

   About 0.8 km with 44 m of ascent.

   From Shipman Knotts, follow the wall north, staying with the ridge as it continues north to the rough, rocky protrusion of Goat Scar, which juts out precipitously over the Longsleddale valley.

   Waypoints

   Shipman Knotts ridge wall, Goat Scar crags (approx 620m).

   Decision point

   Keep to the ridge and aim north toward the obvious rocky bluff. The sheer, terrifying drop into Longsleddale acts as a hard, distinctive boundary to your right (east).

   Easy to get wrong

   OSM maps the same path to Goat Scar that the route follows along the ridge before and after it. The ground here is shattered and craggy, demanding careful foot placement, and the eastern drop into Longsleddale is a sheer, dangerous cliff face that must be respected, especially in high winds.

   If you need to get off

   Retreat west to the main ridge wall and retrace your steps south over Shipman Knotts. Under absolutely no circumstances should you attempt to descend the crags of Goat Scar directly into Longsleddale.

6. 6

   Goat Scar → Kentmere Pike (1.2 km, 118 m)

   Climb of about 118 m over 1.2 km (around 10% average).

   Rejoin the main ridge line and follow the drystone wall northwards. The gradient steepens into a persistent, draggy climb over grassy and stony ground, leading up to the summit trig point of Kentmere Pike, which sits just on the western side of the boundary wall.

   Waypoints

   Ridge boundary wall, Kentmere Pike summit trig point (731m).

   Decision point

   The drystone wall and fence line combination is a handrail all the way to the summit. You will need to cross the wall via a prominent wooden stile to physically reach the white trig pillar.

   Easy to get wrong

   This is a monotonous but physically taxing pull. The path hugging the wall is heavily eroded and frequently turns into a muddy, water-filled trench. In winter, massive snowdrifts bank up against this wall, occasionally burying it completely and making the traverse exhausting and treacherous.

   If you need to get off

   Turn south and follow the wall back down over Shipman Knotts, the way you came. Dropping west directly off Kentmere Pike into the valley involves dangerously steep, pathless, and craggy terrain.

7. 7

   Kentmere Pike → Harter Fell (Mardale) (1.8 km, 84 m)

   Climb of about 84 m over 1.8 km (around 5% average).

   Continue along the high, rolling ridge, following the fence line as it dips into a broad, grassy saddle before making the final, rocky ascent up to the sprawling, cairn-studded summit plateau of Harter Fell.

   Waypoints

   Connecting saddle, Harter Fell summit (779m).

   Decision point

   Cling to the fence line across the saddle. Once it terminates near the summit rocks, you must use a compass or rely on the prominent stone cairns and remnants of iron fence posts to navigate across the plateau.

   Easy to get wrong

   This is high, serious mountain terrain, fully exposed to extreme weather. The summit of Harter Fell is a confusing jumble of stones, scattered cairns, and old iron-work; it is a notorious black spot for navigation in thick mist, as the plateau is vast and featureless away from the craggy edges.

   If you need to get off

   Escaping laterally from this high ridge is highly dangerous due to the crags on both sides. You must either reverse back to Kentmere Pike or push forward over Harter Fell to the Gatescarth Pass track, which the route follows down to the finish.

8. 8

   Harter Fell (Mardale) → Little Harter Fell (1.2 km, 5 m)

   Descent of about 104 m over 1.2 km.

   Descend from the summit of Harter Fell heading north-east at first, then swing east-south-east over rough, stony ground to reach the minor prominence of Little Harter Fell.

   Waypoints

   Harter Fell eastern descent, Little Harter Fell (approx 681m).

   Decision point

   Nan Bield Pass lies behind you to the west and is not on this leg; if you find yourself descending towards it you have left the summit on the wrong side. Little Harter Fell sits right on the edge of the plateau, above the steep eastern drops.

   Easy to get wrong

   The initial descent off Harter Fell is steeply stepped and rocky, requiring significant care to avoid a slip on the loose stones, especially when wet. The way on to Little Harter Fell follows a public footpath that OSM maps, over lumpy terrain that hides ankle-twisting holes.

   If you need to get off

   Continue to Adam Seat and the Gatescarth Pass track, which the route follows down to the finish.

9. 9

   Little Harter Fell → Adam Seat (0.4 km, 5 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.4 km.

   From Little Harter Fell, skirt the rim of the upper valley, traversing a short, spongy section of moorland heading south-east to reach the subtle, grassy dome of Adam Seat, situated just before the main Gatescarth Pass track.

   Waypoints

   Kentmere valley upper rim, Adam Seat summit (666m).

   Decision point

   Aim for the distinct, massive scar of the Gatescarth Pass track visible on the hillside ahead. Adam Seat is the last high ground you must cross before you intersect this pass.

   Easy to get wrong

   The ground here transitions quickly back to boggy and indistinct, contrasting sharply with the rocky tops of Harter Fell. In bad weather, it is very easy to drift too far south and end up bluffed out above dangerously steep, craggy ground at the head of Longsleddale.

   If you need to get off

   The route drops east from Adam Seat to the Gatescarth Pass track (next stage), which leads down to the finish.

10. Adam Seat → Finish (4.4 km, 1 m)

    Descent of about 461 m over 4.4 km.

    Drop east from Adam Seat to intersect the wide, heavily eroded track of Gatescarth Pass. Turn south-south-east and begin the long, bone-jarring descent into the head of Longsleddale. The track crosses the River Sprint by a bridge at about 420 m, then stays beside the river down the valley floor all the way back to Sadgill.

    Waypoints

    Gatescarth Pass track, River Sprint bridge, Longsleddale valley floor, Sadgill (finish).

    Decision point

    The Gatescarth track is clear and heavily contained by the steep valley walls and the river.

    Easy to get wrong

    Gatescarth Pass is an old byway covered in loose, fist-sized rubble that acts like ball-bearings underfoot; it is exceptionally harsh on the feet and knees at the end of a long day. The 4.4 km walk-out feels endless, though the gradient mercifully eases once you pass the reservoir and hit the tarmac lanes.

    If you need to get off

    You are on the optimal, unavoidable escape route. Stick strictly to the main track and do not attempt to shortcut across the river or the marshy valley floor, which is full of deep bogs and private land.