Coledale Horseshoe
Seven Wainwrights, 1,199m of climbing, and a long ridge with exposure on both sides. This is proper fell running territory — you need to move well on open ground.
Effort: Shorter distance, serious climb
Underfoot: Open fell or rough terrain
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A real mix of running and walking — expect significant climbing.
A classic Lake District fell round bagging seven Wainwrights above the Coledale valley. Starting from Braithwaite, the route climbs Grisedale Pike and traverses a high ridge via Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, Sail, Outerside, and Barrow.
Seven Wainwrights, 1,199m of climbing, and a long ridge with exposure on both sides. This is proper fell running territory — you need to move well on open ground.
The route
From Braithwaite village, climb directly onto the north ridge of Grisedale Pike (791m). The ridge heads southwest to Crag Hill (839m, highest of the day) then along to Sail, Outerside, and Barrow before a descent back to the village.
Fell running vs walking
The route is frequently walked as a full day out. As a run, the ridge sections reward fast movement and the grassy ridges between summits are enjoyable. Seven Wainwrights in one outing is a good reason to be here.
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Exposed ridges throughout — serious in strong wind. Navigation in cloud requires compass work, particularly between Crag Hill and Sail. Descent off Grisedale Pike is steep.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
- Most runners complete Coledale Horseshoe in 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
Run by us· last checked July 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
About the author
Runner reports
Nobody's logged a run here yet. If you get out on it, a few lines about how it went helps the next person plan their day.
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