Mosedale Horseshoe

This is a circular walk from Wasdale Head, and the 10.8 miles quoted is the complete loop rather than one side or one leg of it. Expect around 1,036 metres of ascent and roughly eight hours of walking, with the route climbing from about 75 metres in the valley to about 859 metres on the high ground.

From the village green the path runs up the Mosedale valley to Black Sail Pass, then traverses to the summit of Pillar. The high ground continues over Wind Gap, Black Crag and Scoat Fell, with a there and back detour to Steeple before returning to Scoat Fell. From there the walk crosses to Red Pike and drops to Dore Head, descending beside Over Beck to rejoin the valley road and path back to Wasdale Head.

Rated 8 out of 10, this is a hard high level mountain day. The climbing is steep, the ground is rough, rocky and bouldery in places, and boggy or wet sections are common. Paths can feel faint underfoot, and the descent beside Over Beck often runs wet, so allow time and choose footwear that copes with loose rock and standing water.

Once high there is little shelter, and the connecting ridges are open to wind and weather. Navigation is demanding in mist or cloud, where summits and passes look similar and the path is not always obvious. Carry a map and compass plus a navigation backup, and be prepared to turn back if visibility closes in.

The start sits deep in a remote valley reached by a narrow road, and the upper circuit keeps you a long way from easy escape once committed. Parking at the valley head can be busy on popular days, but the high ground gives a strong sense of space, with views over Mosedale, out across the western fells and down toward Wastwater and the coast.

Begin at Wasdale Head Village Green, near the Wasdale Head Inn, rather than at the Lake Head car park, using the designated parking on the green. A National Trust car park network serves the wider valley, but this route starts at the green itself. Keep the narrow valley road clear and stay within marked areas. Dogs are not suited to this walk, as the shared steep, rocky and narrow mountain route from Wasdale Head is described as unsuitable for them.