Bag 8 Wainwrights in One Day: The Kentmere Horseshoe

Why the Kentmere Horseshoe is a Peak-Bagger’s Dream

The Kentmere Horseshoe is one of the most satisfying long ridge walks in the Lake District especially if you’re on a mission to tick off multiple Wainwrights in a single day. This circular route wraps around the quiet, scenic Kentmere Valley and bags eight distinct summits, with consistent views and flowing ridge terrain that keeps the energy up.

It’s a full-day undertaking with decent elevation and distance, but the trails are well-defined, the navigation is straightforward, and the sense of achievement is huge. It’s perfect for Wainwright baggers, ridge lovers, and anyone wanting a day away from the more crowded central fells.

Route Snapshot

• Wainwrights Ticked Off:
  
  • Yoke (706m)
  
  • Ill Bell (757m)
  
  • Froswick (720m)
  
  • Thornthwaite Crag (784m)
  
  • Mardale Ill Bell (760m)
  
  • Harter Fell (778m)
  
  • Kentmere Pike (730m)
  
  • Shipman Knotts (587m)
  
  
• Distance: 18–20 km
  
  
• Ascent: Approx. 1,200m
  
  
• Time Required: 6.5–8 hours
  
  
• Start/End Point: Kentmere village (limited parking)
  
  
• Difficulty: Hard (long distance, exposed ridges, steady climbs)
  
  
• Best Map: OS Explorer OL7 – South-Eastern Area
  
  

Summit-by-Summit Breakdown

Yoke (706m)

The first real climb of the day. Yoke gives expansive views back down the Kentmere Valley and is a good warm-up for what’s to come.

Highlights:

• Starts the ridge properly
  
  
• Strong views toward Windermere
  
  
• Feels remote early on
  
  

Ill Bell (757m)

One of the highest points on the route and one of the most dramatic. Its three cairns make for a great photo stop.

What makes it great:

• Feels like a “proper” fell
  
  
• Sharp drop-offs and long sightlines
  
  
• Connects easily to Froswick
  
  

Froswick (720m)

Less dramatic than Ill Bell but offers great views over Troutbeck and down into the valley. Often quiet and a quick win.

Why it matters:

• Central position on the western ridge
  
  
• A clear milestone as you move into the higher ground
  
  
• One of the easiest summits to tick off
  
  

Thornthwaite Crag (784m)

Home to the huge beacon cairn, Thornthwaite Crag is one of the most prominent and recognisable fells on the round.

Why you’ll love it:

• Impressive beacon marking the summit
  
  
• Great spot for a break and refuel
  
  
• Feels like the turning point of the route
  
  

Mardale Ill Bell (760m)

Overlooks the dramatic bowl of Blea Water, with rugged slopes and moody terrain.

Worth the detour:

• View down to the glacial tarn is one of the best
  
  
• Usually quieter than Thornthwaite Crag
  
  
• Wild-feeling summit
  
  

Harter Fell (778m)

Marks the eastern high point of the loop. It’s broad, grassy and gives great views toward Haweswater and the Northern Fells.

Why it’s satisfying:

• Highest point of the eastern ridge
  
  
• Excellent views back over the full horseshoe
  
  
• Good spot to take stock before the descent ridge
  
  

Kentmere Pike (730m)

A gently sloping summit with expansive views back over the valley and into Longsleddale.

Why it’s a crucial link:

• Straightforward summit to bag
  
  
• Easy walking between here and Shipman Knotts
  
  
• Good for keeping momentum going late in the day
  
  

Shipman Knotts (587m)

Final summit of the round and a grassy, knobbly ridge-top with a bit of up and down.

Last but not least:

• Not dramatic, but very scenic
  
  
• Satisfying end to a full circuit
  
  
• Descent from here is simple and grassy
  
  

Full Route Description: Kentmere Horseshoe from the Village

1. Start in Kentmere village (limited parking—arrive early) and head north-west to ascend Yoke via Garburn Pass.
   
   
2. Follow the ridge to Ill Bell and Froswick, then continue toward Thornthwaite Crag with its beacon cairn.
   
   
3. Turn east and pick up the second ridge line, heading to Mardale Ill Bell and on to Harter Fell.
   
   
4. Continue south to Kentmere Pike and finally to Shipman Knotts, then descend south-west back into the valley to complete the loop.
   
   

Navigation & Safety

• Navigation is mostly easy in good weather, but mists can roll in quickly.
  
  
• The ridge lines are well-defined, but bring a map and compass or GPS for confidence.
  
  
• Be aware of the long distance and consistent ascent—this is a big day, so pace accordingly.
  
  
• Very little water en route — fill up before setting off.
  
  

What to Bring

• OS Explorer OL7
  
  
• At least 2L of water
  
  
• Plenty of snacks or a packed lunch
  
  
• Layers for wind and light rain
  
  
• Phone or GPS with offline mapping
  
  
• Walking poles (especially useful on descents)
  
  

Nearby Refreshments

• Wilf’s Café (Staveley) – legendary outdoor café with filling post-walk meals
  
  
• The Eagle & Child Inn – traditional Lakeland pub in nearby Staveley
  
  
• More? The Artisan Bakery – excellent for takeaway pastries and bread
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Kentmere Horseshoe is one of the most efficient and satisfying Wainwright link-ups in the Lakes. With eight distinctive summits, ever-changing views, and the satisfying symmetry of a ridge-walk loop, this route has it all.

It’s a physical day, but not overly technical—making it an ideal challenge for strong walkers looking to tick off a chunk of the Eastern Fells in one go.

Track your full round in the Peaky Baggers app, log your summits

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Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash