The Kentmere Horseshoe

A 12.8 mile (20.7 km) loop around the head of the Kentmere valley, starting and finishing in the village and taking in eight Wainwright fells on a near continuous high ridge. Expect roughly 1,085 to 1,200 m of ascent and around 8 hours at a steady walking pace. Some parties quote 6 to 8 hours, fit runners and fast walkers manage closer to 5 to 6, but plan for the longer end.

Walked clockwise from the Kentmere Institute, the way climbs the village road and High Lane to Garburn Pass, then turns north along the western arm of the horseshoe over Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick to the tall beacon on Thornthwaite Crag. From there it contours around the head of Hayeswater Gill to Mardale Ill Bell, drops to the col at Nan Bield Pass, and returns down the eastern arm over Harter Fell, Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts, finishing via Wray Crag and High Lane back into the village.

The optional extension onto High Street is a common addition but is not part of this mapped route, so the distance and ascent figures above do not include it.

This is a hard fell day, rated 8 out of 10, mostly for its length, sustained height gain and the amount of time spent above the valley rather than for technical climbing. There is no sustained scrambling on the standard line, though a few short rocky steps need hands on the ridges.

• Road and rough track at the start and finish
• Wide gravelled and stony paths along the ridges
• Grass and boggy ground around the high plateau and cols
• Loose rock on the steeper descents, notably off Harter Fell toward Nan Bield

There are no facilities anywhere on the route and no reliable water, so carry everything you need for the full day. There is no shade on the ridges. The nearest cafes and public toilets are in Staveley, down the valley.

Dogs are welcome on the public route, but you will pass sheep and cattle on the lower fields and open fell. Keep dogs close and on a short lead near livestock and wildlife. If cattle approach and behave aggressively while you have a dog on the lead, let the lead go so the dog can get clear. Bring water for your dog too.

Start from the Kentmere Institute and village hall, opposite St Cuthbert's Church, Kentmere, LA8 9JL. Parking is extremely limited, around nine spaces at the institute, and the approach is narrow single track with passing places. Do not park on the road, in passing places or across field gateways. A farm field is sometimes opened for overflow, but treat that as luck rather than a facility you can count on, and consider arriving early or getting dropped off.

If you know the Fairfield Horseshoe, this is a similar high level ridge circuit of comparable length. Fairfield starts from busy Ambleside and links more summits; Kentmere feels quieter and more remote, with a working valley start and long views over the reservoir and back along the twin arms of the ridge.