Home / Routes / Mardale Horseshoe

Severe steepnessLoopWalked in part

Mardale Horseshoe

15.33 km

Distance

~4.5–6 h

Typical time

~900 m

Ascent

Summits

Photo: © Lee McCoy

Download GPX →Walked in part · km 9.0–12.2 from the map

Key facts

Distance 15.33 km

Ascent ~900 m

Descent ~906 m

Time ~4.5–6 h

Difficulty Severe overall — hardest: Steepness

Type Loop

Start Mardale Head (Haweswater)

Seven tops around the head of Mardale, from Kidsty Pike over High Street to Harter Fell and back down to Haweswater. The going is easy underfoot and the tops are flat — but there is almost no shelter up there beyond a single stone wall.

🥾 Walked in part — Lee walked this ground in July 2025; km 9.0–12.2 of this line is from the map. A planned line is a suggestion, not a guarantee — conditions change. Navigate independently and carry a map & compass. How to use this guide.

Difficulty profile

LengthHard15.33 km — a long day out.

SteepnessSevereSteepest sustained pull about 38% around the 2.6 km mark.

TerrainModerateMostly good mountain path — rough/natural surface. desk assessment — not field-verified

NavigationHardCare needed in cloud — ~30% featureless high ground, 48 path junctions near the line. desk assessment — not field-verified

ExposureHardFlat tops, but very exposed to wind, with only a stone wall for shelter on the main summit.

Five independent axes, not one score. “Desk” ratings come from maps and guidebooks, not yet walked — treat them as a guide, not a survey.

Conditions on this route

We score every Lakeland Wainwright each morning on cloud, wind, rain and underfoot, and this route crosses 6 of them. The worst summit governs the verdict — a route is only as kind as its roughest top.

Modelled guidance — not a substitute for the mountain forecast or your own judgement. See how every fell ranks today →

Daylight & turnaround

Daylight is short from October to February — check today’s sunrise and sunset before you set off, and carry a head-torch and spare batteries. On short days, decide your turn-back time before you start.

Why this matters: 78% of Mountain Rescue call-outs come after midday — the day runs out on the way home, not on the way up. See also walking in bad weather and today’s conditions.

OpenTopoMap

Elevation profile, shaded by steepness

1 Kidsty Pike2 Rampsgill Head3 The Knott (High Street)4 High Street5 Mardale Ill Bell6 Harter Fell (Mardale)7 Little Harter Fell

Easy 61%Moderate 34%Hard 5%Severe 1%

~900 m

Total ascent

831 m

High point

251 m

Start height

Free mapping: OpenTopoMap / OpenStreetMap (switch layers top-right).

This walk covers about 15.33 km with around 900 m of ascent, taking in 7 summits. The map above shows the line; the elevation profile and stage notes are below.

Access & barriers

Can a dog, a buggy or dodgy knees manage this route? A quick read from the gates and stiles mapped along the way.

Dog

Gates only

Buggy

Not buggy-able

Knees

Steep in places

Dog: Gates and kissing gates only — a dog can do the whole route.
Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
Knees: A sustained ~28% descent around the 14.6 km mark — a little jarring on tired knees.

On the line: 5 gates · 1 kissing gate

These are mapped barriers, from OpenStreetMap — coverage in the Lakes is good but not guaranteed complete. Spotted a stile or gate we’ve missed? Tell us (opens in new tab) and we’ll fix it. Barrier data as of 2026-07-09. Access data © OpenStreetMap contributors (via Overpass).

Pacing

Summit	Cumulative	Ascent	Time (fast–steady)
1Kidsty Pike	4.4 km	566 m	1:49–2:25
2Rampsgill Head	5.9 km	598 m	2:11–2:54
3The Knott (High Street)	6.6 km	599 m	2:19–3:05
4High Street	8.4 km	726 m	2:53–3:50
5Mardale Ill Bell	9.9 km	735 m	3:12–4:16
6Harter Fell (Mardale)	11.7 km	899 m	3:50–5:06
7Little Harter Fell	12.9 km	900 m	4:05–5:25
Finish	15.3 km	900 m	4:34–6:04

Naismith-based estimate — a fast/steady range. Your pace will vary. These use Naismith’s textbook constants (5 km/h, 600 m of ascent an hour). Measured against a pace fitted to 41 recorded Lakeland walks they run about 8% slow, and we have left them that way deliberately: a slow estimate strands nobody.

The walk, stage by stage

1
Start → Kidsty Pike (4.4 km, 566 m)
Climb of about 566 m over 4.4 km (around 13% average).
From the Mardale Head car park at the end of Haweswater, cross the bridge over Mardale Beck and take the path ascending the steep, rocky spur of Kidsty Howes to reach the prominent summit of Kidsty Pike
Waypoints
Mardale Head car park, Mardale Beck crossing, Kidsty Howes rocky steps, Kidsty Pike summit (780 m)
Decision point
The ridge of Kidsty Howes provides a natural, unmistakable line of ascent directly toward the summit. The vast expanse of Haweswater remains a massive visual reference point behind you
Easy to get wrong
A solid 13% average climb, but the gradient is heavily concentrated on the rugged scramble up Kidsty Howes. This section requires hands-on balance over minor rocky steps and can be exceptionally slippery when wet. Bracken lower down can obscure foot placement in high summer
If you need to get off
Retrace your steps carefully down Kidsty Howes to the car park. Do not drop north into Riggindale from the ridge, as the slopes are dangerously steep, craggy, and trackless
© Lee McCoy
2
Kidsty Pike → Rampsgill Head (1.6 km, 32 m)
Undulating section of about 1.6 km.
Head north-west from Kidsty Pike across the broad, grassy plateau, skirting the deep, dramatic bowl of Riggindale to the south, before arriving at the subtle summit of Rampsgill Head
Waypoints
Kidsty Pike summit, Riggindale edge (skirted), Twopenny Crag, Rampsgill Head summit (792 m)
Decision point
Keep the precipitous edge of Riggindale to your left (south) as a massive handrail, but maintain a safe distance from the cornices in winter or the steep grassy drops in summer
Easy to get wrong
Mechanically, this is very easy walking, but the plateau is completely exposed to prevailing winds. In thick clag, the sheer vastness of this upland terrain makes it notoriously difficult to navigate, as distinguishing features disappear
If you need to get off
Retreat east back to Kidsty Pike and descend Kidsty Howes. Bailing north into the Martindale catchment is a major navigational trap that will strand you miles from your vehicle at Mardale Head
© Lee McCoy · 2 photographs
3
Rampsgill Head → The Knott (High Street) (0.7 km, 1 m)
Descent of about 56 m over 0.7 km.
Turn south-west and descend gently over grassy terrain to the dome of The Knott, situated just off the main High Street ridge near a major junction of paths
Waypoints
Rampsgill Head, Straits of Riggindale (crossroads), The Knott summit (739 m)
Decision point
Aim for the distinct saddle at the Straits of Riggindale. The Knott is the obvious rounded grassy hill immediately ahead on the right
Easy to get wrong
A quick, straightforward descent on soft ground. The primary hazard here is losing concentration at the crossroads (Straits of Riggindale) and taking the wrong path in poor visibility
If you need to get off
From the Straits of Riggindale, you can safely abort the high ridge by taking the steep, zigzagging path east directly down into the Riggindale valley, following the watercourse back to Haweswater
4
The Knott (High Street) → High Street (1.8 km, 127 m)
Climb of about 127 m over 1.8 km (around 7% average).
Ascend south from The Knott, rejoining the broad ancient Roman Road to tackle the steady, grassy haul up to the flat, expansive summit of High Street
Waypoints
The Knott, Roman Road track, High Street summit (Racecourse Hill - 828 m)
Decision point
The wide, eroded track of the old Roman Road acts as an excellent linear feature. An ancient drystone wall runs along the ridge and passes right by the summit trig point, providing an infallible handrail
Easy to get wrong
A steady 7% climb that can feel like a slog on tired legs. The summit plateau is incredibly broad and featureless, making navigation in the mist a serious challenge, as there are few distinct landmarks besides the trig pillar and the wall
If you need to get off
Turn north back to the Straits of Riggindale and utilize the descent path east into the Riggindale valley
5
High Street → Mardale Ill Bell (1.5 km, 9 m)
Descent of about 80 m over 1.5 km.
Continue south along the ridge line, descending gently over the grassy expanse towards the rocky, prominent outcrop of Mardale Ill Bell
Waypoints
High Street summit, Blea Water edge (skirted below), Mardale Ill Bell summit (760 m)
Decision point
The drystone wall remains a reliable handrail for much of this section. Keep the massive drop to Blea Water to your left (east)
Easy to get wrong
Straightforward walking underfoot, but the eastern edge drops vertically into the deep corrie containing Blea Water. Keep a respectful distance from the crags, particularly in icy or windy conditions
If you need to get off
Retrace steps north to High Street. Do not attempt to drop east down the sheer crags directly to Blea Water
© Lee McCoy
6
Mardale Ill Bell → Harter Fell (Mardale) (1.8 km, 164 m)
Climb of about 164 m over 1.8 km (around 9% average).
Descend steeply south-east to the stone shelter at Nan Bield Pass, then tackle the zig-zagging, rocky climb up the north-western flank of Harter Fell to its summit cairn
Waypoints
Nan Bield Pass (shelter), Small Water (skirted below), Harter Fell summit (778 m)
Decision point
The large, cross-shaped stone wind shelter at Nan Bield Pass is an unmistakable waypoint. From the pass, the zig-zag path up Harter Fell is highly visible, heavily worn into the rock and scree
Easy to get wrong
The initial descent to Nan Bield Pass is rocky, loose, and can be slick. The subsequent 9% climb up Harter Fell is rough, stony, and often feels relentless late in the day
If you need to get off
Nan Bield Pass provides an excellent, safe escape route. Turn left (east) at the pass shelter and descend the pitched path past Small Water directly back to the Mardale Head car park
© Lee McCoy · 2 photographs
7
Harter Fell (Mardale) → Little Harter Fell (1.2 km, 0 m)
Descent of about 114 m over 1.2 km.
Head east from the summit of Harter Fell, following a line of old fence posts down the broad, grassy slope to the minor, indistinct bump of Little Harter Fell
Waypoints
Harter Fell summit, old fence line, Little Harter Fell
Decision point
The rusty iron fence posts that march eastwards down the ridge are a highly dependable navigational handrail in low visibility
Easy to get wrong
A quick descent on ground that holds water significantly worse than the rocky western ascent. Expect peat hags and boggy patches that require wide, energy-sapping detours after heavy rain
If you need to get off
Retreating west back up to Nan Bield Pass is the safest option if the weather turns aggressively, as the ongoing descent off Little Harter Fell towards Gatescarth Pass is steep
Little Harter Fell → Finish (2.4 km, 0 m)
Descent of about 423 m over 2.4 km.
Continue east to drop steeply onto Gatescarth Pass, then turn left (north-west) to descend the winding, rocky bridleway back down the valley to the Mardale Head car park
Waypoints
Gatescarth Pass junction, zigzag bridleway, Mardale Head car park (Finish)
Decision point
The intersection at Gatescarth Pass is clear and gated. Once you turn north-west onto the pass track, the steep valley sides funnel you perfectly down to Haweswater, which dominates the view ahead
Easy to get wrong
A knee-crunching final descent of 423 m. The track down Gatescarth Pass is an old vehicular route heavily surfaced with loose, rolling stones, making it incredibly easy to slip and turn an ankle when fatigued
If you need to get off
You are on the final exit route. Ensure you turn north-west toward Haweswater at Gatescarth Pass; turning south-east into Longsleddale is a major geographical trap that will maroon you in completely the wrong valley

Summits bagged (7)

1Kidsty Pike781 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall
2Rampsgill Head792 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall
3The Knott (High Street)739 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Synge
4High Street828 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall, Marilyn
5Mardale Ill Bell761 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge
6Harter Fell (Mardale)779 mFar Eastern · Wainwright, Birkett, Fellranger, Synge, Nuttall, HuMP
7Little Harter Fell681 mFar Eastern · Birkett

In the order you walk them — the same numbers the elevation profile, the stage notes and the pacing table use.

Getting there & parking

⛽ Nearest fuel to this start: Bridge End Garage, Bampton, 9.9 km by road. Nearest shop: Bampton Valley Stores, 10.0 km. Both measured along the road from the parking we publish at Mardale Head, Haweswater, checked 8 August 2026. Coming in from a particular direction you may pass a closer one — the last petrol before each valley →

Mardale Head, Haweswater (free) — 0.0 km from the start (straight line)

Free but small and fills very early — High Street, Harter Fell, Kidsty Pike, Branstree. Fees: Free parking; donation cairn with suggested £2 contribution (cash only - no mobile signal) plus a Mountain Rescue donation cairn (wildhaweswater.co.uk) (United Utilities, checked Aug 2026). Open at all times, but a Public Space Protection Order prohibits overnight parking (wildhaweswater.co.uk, checked Aug 2026). Open 24/7 (United Utilities, checked Aug 2026).

Directions Something changed here?

Branstree (layby) — 0.2 km from the start (straight line)

Walking base for Rough Crag (Riggindale), High Street, Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell (Mardale) — the 'Mardale circuit' route starts 166 m away. Also serves 'Mardale Ill Bell, High Street, The Knott, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Kidsty Pike'. Free (OSM-tagged). Unpaved surface (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Branstree, north (layby) — 0.8 km from the start (straight line)

Nearest fells: Branstree (1.2 km), Branstree NE Top (Branstree East Top) (High Howes (Mardale)) (1.5 km), Selside Pike (1.5 km). Free (OSM-tagged). Ground surface (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Brown Howe (layby) — 1.6 km from the start (straight line)

Nearest fells: Brown Howe (Mardale) (0.8 km), Castle Crag (Mardale) (1.3 km), Selside Pike (1.4 km). Free (OSM-tagged). Unpaved surface (OSM-tagged).

Directions Something changed here?

Positions are approximate. Lakeland car parks fill before 9am on fine weekends.

Vehicles are left entirely at their owner’s risk. We list places people park; we cannot vouch for any of them. Judge it on the day: take valuables with you, leave nothing on show, and if a spot feels wrong when you get there, park somewhere else.

Every option near this start, on the parking map →

💧 No mapped drinking water or shelter on this route — that doesn’t mean there is none, and never drink untreated from a beck. (Facilities data © OpenStreetMap contributors.)

Buses

The nearest bus stop we hold is the 508 at Hartsop, adjacent to road end, 8.6 km of walking from this start — not realistically reachable without a car.

Rural routes change seasonally — confirm on stagecoachbus.com (opens in new tab) or Traveline before travelling.

If the parking is full

There is no real plan B here. Every place we know beside this route serves the same walks and sits close together, so if one is full the others usually are too. Worth starting early, or having a different walk in mind before you set off.

Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)
Branstree, north (layby)
Branstree (layby)

Worked out from the parking we hold within walking reach of this route and the other walks each place serves — two places that serve the same walks fill for the same reasons. We are not saying whether anywhere has spaces today, and we never will: this is what exists, not what is free.

When the sun reaches the tops

Not sunrise — the moment the sun clears the skyline from that summit, which on a fell with high ground to its east can be a good deal later. The two equinoxes are shown because they fall in the walking season, and late December too wherever a top keeps you waiting then; the clock gap between the equinoxes is British Summer Time, not the hill. Rounded to the nearest quarter hour and meant as a general idea, not a schedule.

Kidsty Pike — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Rampsgill Head — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
The Knott (High Street) — in late March the sun reaches it around 07:00, about half an hour later. In late September, about 07:45. It waits longest in late September — about half an hour after sunrise. In late December, not until about 09:00.
High Street — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Mardale Ill Bell — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Harter Fell (Mardale) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.

Modelled from a 30 m elevation model against each summit’s own skyline — the same figures the fell pages carry, never observed. Cloud is not in it.

Safety & conditions

Check live conditions in the “From the fells” panel, on MWIS (opens in new tab) and the Met Office mountain forecast (opens in new tab) before you set off.

Make it easier or harder

Short version: turn back at about 7.3 km (drop to Start) — roughly half the distance.

Download

Download GPX

GPX track for your GPS or phone.

Places to stay near this start

Haweswater Hotel (opens in new tab) hotel

about 3.4 km from the start, in a straight line

It is the only hotel in the valley these five routes start in, and by its own account "The only building in 100 square miles of nature reserve" - so if it is full there is nothing else inside the radius but a bothy. It answers exactly one family question, and answers it with unusual precision: twelve named rooms take dogs, and you can ask for a non-dog room instead. Two things on it should be settled by phone or email before anyone drives up. Its nav sells an "Exclusive Use" page, so whole-hotel bookings are a product here and your dates can be closed to you with no second option within three miles. And the only line in the whole cache bearing on children is a positioning line - "No crowds or ice-cream parlours" - which is not a policy and must not be read as one; children_welcome is empty because they never say.

Built in 1937 as part of the Haweswater dam scheme, to replace the Dun Bull Inn that the rising reservoir drowned - and the coping stones in its garden were salvaged from the Mardale walls now under the water the five routes start beside.

Dogs “Dogs are allowed in the following rooms: Wainwright, Mardale, Lonsdale, Westmorland, Artle Crag, Lakeside, Measand, Whelter Crag, Swindale, Cawdale, Rosgil, Wet Sleddle. Please let us know if you prefer to stay in a non-dog friendly room.”
Evening meal “THE HAWESWATER RESTAURANT Our restaurant was awarded Two Rosettes in 2024”

Also nearby, but not independent

Mosedale Cottage (opens in new tab) hut

about 2.8 km from the start, in a straight line

The nearest roof to the start at 2.82 km and the only thing inside the radius that is not the hotel - but it is an unlocked MBA bothy, so it belongs on a walker's plan, not on a family's booking list, and it is here for completeness rather than as an alternative to a bed. Its own page holds four usable things and no more: the grid reference NY 495 095, the fact that it has a stove but "No local fuel", the MBA's restriction on party size, and - as of the 13 Aug 2026 fetch - its absence from the MBA closure news that on the same day named Ryvoan, Craig, Haughton Green and Dubs Hut. That last is the only availability check this property has, and it is worth re-reading the same page before setting out, because it changes week by week.

Its two-line feature list pairs a multi-fuel stove with "No local fuel" - the stove works, but everything burnt in it is carried in over the tops.

What each place says about itself, quoted from their own site. We have not stayed at any of them, and there are no prices, no booking and no affiliate links. Distances are straight lines from the route start, never walking times. Properties found via OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab).