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A Coledale Horseshoe [NW] GradeGradeGrade
In memory of Indy
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SOLO    Sep 09, 2025 Braithwaite, Kinn, Grisedale Pike, Hobcarton Crag, Hopegill Head, Whiteside, Sand Hill, Coledale Hause, Wandope, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags, Causey Pike, Rowling End   
Distance 12.85 miles, Time 8.13 h, Total Ascent 5,007 ft     Imperial | Metric

The last of four walks in memory of Indy, who loved these fells so much.
Quite a full "Coledale Horseshoe" taking in the fantastic ridge to and from Whiteside which we unfortunately missed out last time due to bad weather.
This was my last day and I pushed it a bit, despite the intermittently poor weather. The wind was at times very strong

Path from Kinn, grass and bracken. Grisedale Pike to the right, clouds above Coledale Hause. Cloudy blue sky, Sep 09, 2025

Grisedale Pike looms on the right after the steep pull up Kinn from Braithwaite

On the ascent to Grisedale I overtake several others (like Indy, I am much faster ascending than descending), including a friendly couple whom I overtake twice more during the day because I am hiking a longer route with more detours.

This is all I missed by putting my head down and getting on with it (view down to the Force Crag Mine route)

Small sheepfold shelter just past the summit of Grisedale Pike, Sep 09, 2025

I am soon on the other side of Grisedale Pike summit near this small sheepfold where Indy and I previously had a water break

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 4, Sep 09, 2025

It clears a bit for a view to Hobcarton Crag and beyond

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 5, Sep 09, 2025

Once en route to Whiteside up on the ridge, views unfold NW toward the coast

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 6, Sep 09, 2025

Looking behind, the descent onto the ridge (and the ascent on the return journey) somehow looks far more difficult than it is

Rocky mountain ridge of Whiteside with green hills and valleys in the background under a partly cloudy sky, Sep 09, 2025

View westwards from the excellent Whiteside ridge. The weather is clear (although there is still a strong wind)

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 7, Sep 09, 2025

About half way along the Whiteside ridge. The lone fell on the far side of Crummock Water is Mellbreak

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 8, Sep 09, 2025

Having retraced my steps along the ridge and past Sand Hill, Coledale Hause comes into view. Here I overtake the couple for the second time (they had not detoured to Whiteside).

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 9, Sep 09, 2025

I cross over to Wandope, with this view down to Buttermere, and stop for a long lunch break with panoramic views all around (see below)

Panorama. Click on the image to start / stop rotation.

360° view from Wandope

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 10, Sep 09, 2025

I chat to this friendly Collie for a few minutes while his owners are otherwise engaged

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 11, Sep 09, 2025

This is the side of Crag Hill, the next objective

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 12, Sep 09, 2025

Crag Hill summit, where I catch up with the couple for a third time...

I explain that I spent a long time on Wandope having lunch and taking pictures. Then they ask me if they can claim to have completed a "Coledale Horseshoe" if they miss out Causey Pike on the descent. I don't have strong opinions on that kind of thing, and since they were steadfastly climbing Grisedale Pike early in the morning I say emphatically Yes.

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 13, Sep 09, 2025

Strong wind. Cold. Cloudy. No Indy.

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 14, Sep 09, 2025

The clear path down Sail and up towards Causey Pike. The couple in question plan to turn left (N) at the junction before the climb to Causey Pike and make their descent via Barrow Door (not a bad idea)

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 15, Sep 09, 2025

From the top of Causey Pike looking down on Rowling End, a good side-on view of Cat Bells and Newlands

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 16, Sep 09, 2025

Hikers picking out their own routes on Causey Pike

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 17, Sep 09, 2025

A last look back at Causey Pike and some of the Coledale Horseshoe

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 18, Sep 09, 2025

And finally on Rowling End proper where the heather is in full flower

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 19, Sep 09, 2025

Now I remember why I often skip Rowling End - it is a tough proposition in either direction with rocky steep paths and difficult steps

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 20, Sep 09, 2025

A sight for sore eyes

A Coledale Horseshoe - Image 21, Sep 09, 2025

A nice easy path back to Braithwaite along the base of Barrow


Start: Braithwaite

1) Buses from Keswick to Braithwaite
2) Car parking in Braithwaite village and in the school during holiday periods

Route

Braithwaite, Kinn, Grisedale Pike, Hobcarton Crag, Hopegill Head, Whiteside, Sand Hill, Coledale Hause, Wandope, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags, Causey Pike, Rowling End
Distance 12.85 miles, Time 8.13 h, Total Ascent 5,007 ft
Wainwright Pictorial Guide: The North Western Fells

Please do your own research to verify current routes and information on car parking, bus services and so on
Route maps from Ordnance Survey are scaled 1:25000 unless otherwise indicated.
Distance, Hike Time and Total Ascent as supplied by OS. Image shows planned route.

Distance 12.85 miles, Time 8.13 h, Total Ascent 5,007 ft
Route Map and Details


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