Recommended Map - Ordnance Survey Maps - Outdoor Leisure Map 4- North Western Area (1:25,000) and Outdoor Leisure Map 6 - South Western Area (1:25,000)
Start and End Point – Wasdale Green Car Park - free of charge
Distance 16.8 kilometres (10.44 miles)
Distance including gradient 19.2 kilometres (11.93 miles)
Time - Allow between 7 to 8 hours
Maximum Height Achieved - 892 metres, (2926 feet)
Total Ascent - 1174 metres (3852 feet)
Accommodation – various hotels, pubs, camping and private accomodation in the area. See the accomodation section in the links page
The Mosedale Horseshoe is one of those walks you want to do again, and again, and again. It is one that has everything a good Lakeland walk should have. It is certainly long and tiring on the feet, so therefore my recommendation is that you allow a good 7 or possibly 8 hours. It's not ideal for those short winter days, unless you start early and move quickly. If not, you'll be finishing in the dark. This is a walk that you simply have to savour and not rush. I would also recommend that you have a clear day and avoid it in misty conditions. The views are truly magnificent every step of the way. Each segment of the walk offers a complete new view over a different valley. The sight of Pillar Rock is awesome and dropping down to Dore Head, with the imposing Yewbarrow looming ever closer is sensational.
This is one of those walks that tends not to grab the headlines, probably simply because Wasdale is not on the tourist route. However, anyone who has done the Mosedale Horseshoe usually includes it as one of their most favourite walks and talks about it often.
I advise to do this walk in an anti-clockwise direction for a number of reasons. Firstly, the ascent of Yewbarrow (if you wish to do it) is probably better this way around. Also, if you want to take the path under Pillar Rock, then again it's a better alternative. Finally, if you do run out of daylight - at least you have a road section for the final 30 minutes or so. For the route description that includes Pillar Rock and Yewbarrow, click here.
Tip: Click on the photographs for a larger, more detailed image. They are all size 1600 by 1200 and are ideal for computer desktop wallpaper.
The day started off rather cloudy, but offered hope of better weather. It subsequently turned out that the day was a record breaker across Britain as temperatures soared to their highest October figures ever recorded. Certainly a good day to pick!
From the Green, head north up the walled road to the Hotel buildings. The route you need to take intersects the buildings and arrives alongside a stream. Follow the stream north until the bridge where the path splits. Carry on over the bridge and go through the gate. The path initially follows a wall on your left in a north-westerly direction before the landscape opens out at the neck of the Mosedale valley.
At this time Kirk Fell is on your right, and you can see Black Sail pass swinging into view as you walk - deep in early morning shadow if you are lucky with the weather. The path is distinct, dry and easy to follow. When offered a choice of paths at Gatherstone Beck, take the one heading right and up towards Black Sail Pass. Gradually the height is now gained as you walk north to north-east alongside the stream to your left. My route indicates the path 'proper' as it crosses stepping stones over the stream. However, the weather previously suffered in the area in the prior days meant that the stream was a little too heavy for comfort on this day. Not to worry, just keep on upwards and you'll find that the stream narrows suitably in several places further up. Eventually you arrive at the summit of Black Sail Pass with the impressive valley views on both sides.
A quick breather, and then it's up to the aptly named Looking Stead (north-west). If you want to make the more demanding route via Pillar rock, watch out for the path just after Looking Stead which branches away to the right. Click here for the route description.
As you can see, the terrain on the upper path is very good. The path keeps onwards and upwards and eventually arrives at the summit and the highest point of this walk.
If you decide to ascend the summit of Pillar via the upper route (as directed in this walk) you simply must take the opportunity to view Pillar Rock. From the summit cairn of Pillar, head north to the shelter - you can't miss it! In fact Pillar offers great views all round including the distinctive Great Gable, the Scafell's, the Buttermere fells and also out over Ennerdale towards the Irish Sea. One of the summits you can also see is Steeple, where we are headed next.
From the summit cairn, head south-west losing height along the path towards Wind Gap. Look out for the glorious views from here - great for the camera shots! From Wind Gap you climb again up the path over Black Crag to Little Scoat Fell. What is distinctive here is the high wall that appears on the right.
Once on top of Little Scoat Fell, Steeple comes into view. You need to get to the other side of the wall at a suitable opportunity. Some may find the airy path to Steeple a little daunting, but there really isn't much difficulty negotiating it. I suppose the feeling of a drop on both sides may come into play with some. No worries either way though, as you can choose not to do it and still complete the rest of the walk.
From Steeple, make your way back to Little Scoat Fell and then south-east towards Red Pike. Stick to the path that hugs the crags. On the way you'll see Scoat Tarn down in the valley to your right. In front to your left, the crags of Red Pike look imposing. The sun lower in the skies in October, casts an eerie shadow, adding a dramatic contrasting perspective. The summit of Red Pike is quickly achieved, and again the views are sensational.
Keep going straight along summit of Red Pike and a brief rocky descent brings you out to the path taking you down to Dore Head. The path can initially be difficult to make out on the rocky ridge, but keep straight direct to Dore Head and you will find it. In front the incredible Yewbarrow looms.
At Dore Head you have a choice of 3 routes back to Wasdale. One route is over Yewbarrow. (Click here for details). Another path is down the screes to the Mosedale valley. I actually quite fancied this route but thought twice after realising I was with my wife who'd just had an operation on her hand 2 weeks prior! She took one look at the screes (and I needed just one look at her reaction!!) and I knew then it would be a very pleasant walk down the 3rd option - via the Over Beck path!
To be perfectly honest, the Beck route is a great descent. Very pleasant and really easy on the knees in the main. There is a steep grassy section at Bowderdale (pictured on the right), but this really is a lovely walk back. Eventually you need to walk along the Wasdale road, which can be hard on the feet after such a long day walking. A couple of beers later at the Wasdale Head Inn and a perfect day is finished in style!
This walk and pictures are protected by copyright©. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited without the prior permission of the author. If you wish to use this document, then contact me. I would also like to hear your comments and thoughts. If you use this document for your walk please give me feedback (good or bad). If you have very good quality photographs and a good narrative and want them on these pages, contact me also.
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Author - Antony Towers – 27th October 2005. I hope you enjoy this walk either virtually or in reality as much as I did but please remember that your safety is your responsibility. Always use a map, compass and be equipped for the conditions. Conditions can change very quickly, even at low levels. Check the weather conditions before setting off and always be prepared for Mother Nature.
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