We set-off to do the Coledale Horseshoe on Saturday in August. We started from Braithwaite towards Grisedale Pike. Unfortunately, the weather kept on getting worse and we had to abandon the rest of the horseshoe. Still ticked one Wainwright (Grisedale) and one Birkett (Kinn) … and not forgetting a (saving grace visit to the) pub !
Do not attempt this walk if your mountain experience is limited. We came off the side of Grisedale pike on the scree towards Hobcarton Gill. As far as descending on scree; I have seen worse but only OK to do if you have experienced this kind of terrain before or you are accompanied by seasoned mountaineers.
Stats
| Difficulty | Technical – only attempt if you have experience on scree or accompanied by someone who does |
| Length | 11.1 mi – 17.9 km |
| Total elevation | 3,153 ft – 961m |
| Highest point | 2,458 ft – 749m |
| Walking time | 5h20 |
| Terrain | Walking paths, Alpine paths and scree (Off-piste) |
| Equipment | Layers, layers, layers ! Even if it is a beautiful day in the valley, it can get chilly and exposed on top. Sufficient water for 6 hours / 11 miles, there are no pubs before the start / end. Good boots, you will be going down scree. |
View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
Getting there
- Driving: Whinlatter Pass car park is free but only has 12 spots. Alternatively, you can park at the primary school and put a donation in the box.
- Public transport: The X5 runs once per hour from Keswick; unfortunately, public transport options from the North West are limited but not impossible. I personally took the train to Penrith and then two busses to Braithwaite.
Watering Holes
- The Coledale Inn – Braithwaite – At the start or end of the walk
Built in the late 1800’s as a woolen mill and later converted as a country inn. Muddy boots and paws are more than welcomed.
Home-made food and good ales. The kitchen is open every day from 12:00-21:00. Expect pub classics including delicious pies.
Beer garden with stunning views of Skiddaw during the summer and roaring wood-fires to warm up in winter.
Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat
For a walking week-end, Braithwaite is definitely the place the stay. Endless possibilities on the door-step for both low and high level walks and of course, the Coledale horseshoe.
But if you are after a mix of walking, wining, dining and shopping; Keswick is only 2 miles down the road.
For camping and glamping: Braithwaite Village camping and caravanning site
Grass pitches for tents and camper vans with awning, hard-standing pitches for caravan and motor-homes.
Outstanding range of services: from dedicated accessible facilities, parents and baby room, and bike servicing area.
In terms of comfort it has everything, from shower blocks, flushing toilets, wi-fi in the club room, washing machine, dog-wash area.
For a cosy week-end: The Coledale Inn – Braithwaite
Definitely a Inn made for walkers. They have drying facilities.
Cosy rooms and they offer good deals for 2 nights mid-week DBB.
Family rooms availabl.
For groups or families: The Old Farmhouse – Braithwaite
A beautiful cottage dating 1656. It has 2 king rooms and 1 double.
For larger groups, rent out the cottage as well as the annex and you can sleep up to 12 people.
Peregrinating the North West and Beyond 
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