“Grisedale Pike is a nagger of conscience and cannot long be ignored. Nor should it be”
A Wainwright
One of the quieter valleys in the Lake District the Newlands Valley offers some great walking, this weekend takes in two of the best horseshoe walks in the Lake District, on Saturday we make a circuit of the Coledale Horseshoe above Braithwaite, a wonderful horseshoe taking in several summits including Grisedale Pike an Causey Pike.
Sundays walk is a circuit of the Newlands Horseshoe including Robinson, Dale Head and Catbells.
“This is a mountaineering must”
A Wainwright
The Coledale Horseshoe
A great walk for all abilities, once up on the ridge the route can be altered to include any number of summits.
We will climb from Braithwaite along the Kin Ridge to the wonderful summit of Grisedale Pike with great views over Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Keswick and the Solway Coast.
From the summit of Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head is a short walk away before descending to the wide saddle of Grisedale Hause. Here the path climbs again steeply to the summit of Crag Hill, the highest point of the walk and a wonderful viewpoint over the surrounding fells. There are views to Great Gable and Scafell Pike as well as a wonderful view over to the Buttermere Fells.
A short walk from Crag Hill brings us down to the summit of Sail and a short descent to Sail Pass. Here we will either descend back to Braithwaite via Barrow or continue along the main ridge a little further to take in the summits of Scar Crags and the craggy summits of Causey Pike before descending back to Braithwaite.
The Newlands Horsehoe
Although a long walk this route can be adapted to make a shorter route by descending from the ridge at various points.
We will climb the northern ridge of Robinson, along the High Snab Bank ridge to the summit, with great views over the Newlands Valley and down to Crummock Water to the south.
The ridge continues over Hindscarth to the summit of Dale Head, the highest peak of the ridge, with spectacular views north down into the Newlands Valley and across to Skiddaw.
A steep descent on a good path brings us to Dale Head Tarn where we will begin to climb again to the summit of High Spy and the wonderful ridge north over Maiden Moor to Catbells, here we will descend past the old mine workings to the Newlands Valley and Little Town.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Saturday:
Where to meet: Braithwaite
Postcode: CA12 5TD (approximate)
Grid Reference: NY 227 237
Directions
Braithwaite is found just off the A66 main road between Keswick and Cockermouth, turn off the road into the village and follow the signs for Whinlatter Pass, as the road leaves the village and starts to climbs through the trees a small car park (free) will be seen to the left, we will meet here.
Sunday:
Where to meet: Car Park near Little Town, Newlands
Postcode: CA12 5TV (Approximate)
Grid Reference: NY 231 193
Directions
From Keswick / A66:
Turn off theA66 (Between Keswick and Cockermouth into the village of Braithwaite, after the camp site turn left (signposted to the Newlands Valley) turn left again over the bridge and follow this road out of the village.
Continue on this road crossing a cattle grid and the bridge at Stonycroft. Continue past the Stair turning until a bridge is crossed on a hairpin, shortly after this a road will lead to the left, follow this to the bottom of the valley, crossing the bridge until a car park is seen on the right of the road (£2 in 2012), just past a sharp corner. We will meet here.
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Great weekend Review by Simon
Thank you again for another great weekend in the lakes.
Both guides were professional and knowledgeable, and prepared to accommodate the preferences of the group. It's always going to be difficult when walkers of varying abilities and fitness levels turn up but it felt as though everyone was catered for and the pace adjusted to suit.
Two really good walks with views across a vast and beautiful landscape - sadly the fierce winds on the Sunday made it difficult to capture the views (or even to stand up at times!) but a thoroughly enjoyable weekend nevertheless. Thank you. (Posted on 25/03/2024)
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