Mallerstang Horseshoe
The Mallerstang Horseshoe is a 42 km fell-running circuit of Mallerstang Dale — the upper Eden valley between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District fells — visiting Wild Boar Fell, High Seat and the remote moorland ridges above the Settle-Carlisle railway.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Mallerstang Horseshoe
Mallerstang is one of the finest and least-visited dales in northern England — a straight, steep-sided valley carved by glaciers above Kirkby Stephen, with the Settle-Carlisle railway threading through its floor. The horseshoe circuit climbs both flanking ridges: Wild Boar Fell (708 m) and High Seat (709 m) to the west, and the Mallerstang Edge to the east.
At 42 km with around 1,800 m of ascent, it is a strong half-day challenge for fell runners. The views from Wild Boar Fell across the Eden valley and towards the Lake District are excellent on clear days.
The route
From Kirkby Stephen or Nateby: ascend Wild Boar Fell (708 m) via the western ridge. North over High Seat (709 m). Descend and cross the valley floor. Ascend Mallerstang Edge — Hugh Seat (689 m). Return south along the eastern edge to the start.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Kirkby Stephen. Train on the Settle-Carlisle line from Settle and Carlisle.
Best time: April to October.
Safety
The moorland sections between the two ridges are trackless and can be boggy. Limited mobile signal. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association covers this area. Pre-register SMS 999.
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