Bag 5 Wainwrights in One Day: The Coledale Horseshoe Circular Route

Why the Coledale Horseshoe is a Must-Do for Wainwright Baggers

If you’re looking to make real progress on your Wainwright list in a single day, the Coledale Horseshoe is one of the best-value walks in the Lake District. This high-level circular route starts and ends in the village of Braithwaite and takes in five Wainwrights — or even more if you’re feeling ambitious.

You’ll follow a natural arc along a series of well-defined ridgelines, with panoramic views stretching from Skiddaw to Buttermere and beyond. It’s a proper mountain day without the need for scrambling, and one of the most rewarding circuits in the North-Western Fells.

Route Snapshot

• Wainwrights Ticked Off:
  
  Grisedale Pike (791m)
  
  Hopegill Head (770m)
  
  Crag Hill / Eel Crag (839m)
  
  Sail (773m)
  
  Outerside (568m)
  
  
• Distance: ~14 km / 8.5 miles
  
  
• Total Ascent: ~1,200m
  
  
• Time Required: 6–7 hours
  
  
• Start/End Point: Braithwaite Village
  
  
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard (sustained climbs, exposed ridges)
  
  
• Best Map: OS Explorer OL4 – North-Western Fells
  
  

Summit-by-Summit Breakdown

1. 

Grisedale Pike (791m)

A steep start out of Braithwaite gets your legs working early, but you’re quickly rewarded with sweeping views back to Derwentwater and across to Skiddaw. Grisedale Pike has a sharp, distinctive shape and sets the tone for the rest of the day — airy ridges and big sky panoramas.

What makes it memorable:

• Iconic pyramid profile
  
  
• Exposed summit with great light in early morning
  
  
• Popular first Wainwright for many hikers
  
  

2. 

Hopegill Head (770m)

From Grisedale Pike, the narrow ridge leads to Hopegill Head — another rocky summit with dramatic drops into Gasgale Gill. On a clear day, the views west to the coast are exceptional.

Why it stands out:

• One of the best ridge sections in the northwest
  
  
• Great perspective on the Whiteside ridge
  
  
• Can be wild and windy — bring a buff or windproof layer
  
  

3. 

Crag Hill (aka Eel Crag) (839m)

The high point of the route and a real highlight. The broad summit feels spacious and remote, with views in all directions. Many hikers stop here for a break and a bite.

Don’t miss:

• Looking north to Grisedale Pike to admire your progress
  
  
• Spotting Grasmoor to the west — a possible future add-on
  
  
• Easy navigation on the broad plateau, but beware mist
  
  

4. 

Sail (773m)

A grassy, less dramatic summit, but still an important tick on the Wainwright list. The famous zig-zag path down the far side is easy underfoot and makes for a quick descent into the next stage.

Top tip:

• The switchbacks on Sail are surprisingly kind to tired knees — use them to your advantage
  
  
• Look back at Crag Hill for one of the best ridge shots of the day
  
  

5. 

Outerside (568m)

Last but not least, this smaller fell gives one final summit to tick off and a wonderful retrospective view of the full horseshoe you’ve just completed. It’s a gentle climb from the col and a relaxing way to finish the day.

Why it’s worth including:

• Easy final summit
  
  
• Views back over the full loop
  
  
• Peaceful alternative to heading straight down Coledale
  
  

Full Route Description: Coledale Horseshoe from Braithwaite

1. Start in Braithwaite and follow signs for Grisedale Pike – the path climbs steeply but directly up the spine of the fell.
   
   
2. Continue along the airy ridge to Hopegill Head, then follow the contour above Gasgale Crags.
   
   
3. Swing south to Crag Hill, the highest point, then descend east to Sail via the connecting ridge.
   
   
4. Continue downhill via the zig-zags and pick up the rising path to Outerside if you still have the energy.
   
   
5. Descend into the Coledale Valley and follow the obvious track back toward Braithwaite, completing the loop.
   
   

Navigation & Safety Notes

• In good weather, the route is obvious and well-trodden, but in mist or rain, navigation becomes more serious — especially around Crag Hill.
  
  
• The ridges are exposed in places, so check wind forecasts and avoid in high winds.
  
  
• Bring a proper map and compass, or use a GPS/GPX track (available in the Peaky Baggers app).
  
  

What to Pack

• Map & Compass (OL4 recommended)
  
  
• Headtorch (especially in autumn/winter)
  
  
• Windproof/waterproof layer — the ridges are exposed
  
  
• Food & plenty of water
  
  
• Phone with GPX route / offline map
  
  
• Walking poles if you want help on the descent
  
  

Post-Hike Pub Options

• The Royal Oak, Braithwaite – classic Lakeland pub with hearty meals and local ales
  
  
• Coledale Inn – closer to the trail end, great beer garden if the sun’s out
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Coledale Horseshoe is a perfect balance of big mountain feel and fell-bagging efficiency. With five Wainwrights in the bag, varied terrain, and views from start to finish, it’s the kind of walk you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Whether you’re chasing the full 214 or just after a satisfying day out, this one delivers in every season.

📲 Log your Coledale Horseshoe circuit in the Peaky Baggers app — track your Wainwrights, upload your summit shots.

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Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash

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