Wasdale Horseshoe Extended
The Wasdale Horseshoe Extended is a 34 km fell-running circuit of Wasdale from the head of the valley — taking in Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Pillar and the surrounding ridges in a comprehensive round of the highest fells in England.
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 Wasdale Horseshoe Extended
Wasdale Head is the most dramatic valley in England — surrounded on three sides by the highest, steepest fells, with the dark water of Wast Water below. The Extended Horseshoe circuits the full ring of fells surrounding the valley, adding Pillar (892 m) and Kirk Fell to the standard horseshoe of Scafell Pike and Great Gable.
At 34 km with around 3,200 m of ascent, it is a serious full-day fell run. The views from every summit — Scafell Pike (978 m), Great Gable (899 m), Pillar (892 m) — justify every metre of climbing.
The route
From Wasdale Head: ascend Scafell Pike via Lingmell or the Corridor Route. West to Sty Head and Great Gable (899 m). Traverse Kirk Fell (802 m). Pillar (892 m) and the famous Pillar Rock (a serious scramble to visit). Descent via Black Sail Pass and Mosedale back to Wasdale Head.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Wasdale Head. Remote valley — single-track road from Gosforth (limited bus service). National Trust campsite at Wasdale Head.
Best time: May to October.
Safety
The most serious of all Lake District horseshoe routes — multiple summits above 850 m, remote valley, serious terrain throughout. A full day's planning required. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Wasdale MRT. Pre-register SMS 999.
Have you completed Wasdale Horseshoe Extended?
Log your round — time, date, attempt type, photos. Connect Strava to pull in your activity automatically.
Completions
No completions logged yet — be the first.