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- The Wasdale Horseshoe
The mountain that surround the Wasdale Valley are some of the Highest in the Lake District, including the top two, Scafell Pike and Scafell.
This challenge joins two separate groups of mountains in one epic walk that is sure to put your fitness to the test. Starting from Wasdale Head we climb via Yewbarrow onto the ridge that makes the horseshoe surrounding Pillar, and after completing this great group of mountains we climb over Great Gable to make our way to Scafell Pike, shortly followed by Scafell.
An enjoyable challenge not to be underestimated.
Summits included on this route:
Yewbarrow628 metres / 2060 feet
Red Pike (Wasdale)826 metres / 2710 feet
Scoat Fell841 metres / 2759 feet
Pillar892 metres / 2927 feet
Kirk Fell802 metres / 2631 feet
Great Gable899 metres / 2949 feet
Lingmell (Optional)800 metres / 2625 feet
Scafell Pike978 metres / 3209 feet
Scafell964 metres / 3163 feet
The Wasdale Valley is considered the birthplace of climbing, and over the course of this day we will traverse around the top of the valley across some of the biggest and finest mountains in the district. Starting from the iconic Wasdale Head Inn our first section will be along the road as we make our way to the southern face of Yewbarrow. The southern face of Yewbarrow is impressive but steep, however it is a good way to gain height quickly. We will summit Yewbarrow, where we will have an incredible view down onto Wastwater below, and across to the Scafell Massif. We will then walk across it's summit plateau before descending its steep northern face to Dore Head.
We now start to re-ascend and join the main ridge of the horseshoe. Not before too long we summit our second peak, Red Pike, which is again followed shortly after by Scoat Fell. From Scoat Fell we will turn to the North- East and follow the narrower ridge gently down to Wind Gap, which is usually, and unsurprisingly quite windy. A steep rocky climb brings us onto the flat top of Pillar, and the highest point of this first section.
We now descend over the grassy slopes to the Black Sail pass, and to the start of the second section of the route. This part of the route will feel tough as a large ascent is closely followed by a large descent. This happens as we climb up and over Kirk Fell and descend to Beck Head, before again climbing to the summit of Great Gable, where we are rewarded with even more magnificent views, especially over Wastwater again.
Now at the very head of the Wasdale Valley we are well over half way. We descend steeply to the Styhead Pass. We now start the third and final section of the walk, and also the highest. We will make our way to Lingmell Col via the Corridor Route, an popular route that traverses the hillside.
As we reach Lingmell Col if we are feeling energetic we have the option to bag Lingmell in a 'there and back' detour. The climb up to Scafell Pike from here starts steeply but soon eases as we start to zig-zag our way up the fellside. As the gradient starts to ease we find ourselves emerging onto the summit plateau, and after a very short scramble through some boulders we will be standing on the summit of England.
The walk is now in its very final stages, however it has a sting in its tail. To summit Scafell, although only 14m shorter, we must descend at least 250m before we reascend to it's summit. There are multiple routes up to Scafell, ranging from a gully scramble to a walk up a steep slope. From the summit of Scafell we will start our final descent over the gentle grassy slopes of Green How before descending steeply one final time to Brackenclose.
We will finish the walk along the river a short distance and back to the Wasdale Head, where we can grab a fine drink to celebrate!
The Wasdale Horseshoe is a very long day out entailing lots of ascent or descent, and will therefore be very physically demanding. It should only be tackled by experienced hill walkers or very fit people. The route can be completed over a few separate walks via Pillar from Wasdale, Great Gable from Wasdale and Scafell and Scafell Pike. Please feel free to Contact Us to discuss your suitability to this walk.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Wasdale Head Inn
Postcode: CA20 1EX
Grid Reference: NY 186 087
Directions
Gosforth can easily be found on the A595 road south of Egremont (An easy drive south from Cockermouth and Workington). Follow the road through the village, turning left as the road forks on the High Street.
Follow this road taking the left hand fork (avoiding Nether Wasdale) and follow the road signs for Wasdale Head and Wastwater.
When a junction is reached near the lake (Wastwater) turn left and follow this lane past the end of the lake until after two sharp bends a car park is seen on the right of the road, a short distance away from the Wasdale Head Inn. Park here and we will meet outside the Wasdale Head Inn.
Bus Services
There are no bus services to Wasdale Head.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
For winter walks (November to March) events please also bring the following:
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
- Snow Goggles
- Gaiters
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
Use spaces to separate tags. Use single quotes (') for phrases.
Questions:
Question:
Is there a minimum number of participants for this event to go ahead?
Answers:
-
Posted by John Scadding on Wednesday, 8 November 2017
For the majority of our events we do not require a minimum group size, however for some events, due to running costs and lengths of day we do have to stipulate a minimum group size for an event to go ahead.
For this event we have a minimum group size of 3 people.
Should we not reach this minimum number one month prior to the event we will contact you and offer you your choice of the following options:
- The option to wait until nearer the event date to see if we reach the minimum number.
- A transfer to another event of your choice (either on the same date or another).
- A Full refund
Question:
What is the minimum age for children on this event?
Answers:
-
Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.
As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Question:
What happens if the weather is bad?
Answers:
-
Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.
Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund
Question:
Are dogs allowed on this walk?
Answers:
-
Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 September 2017
Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.
However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.
There are sections of this walk across rough ground and boulders and as such this walk may not be suitable for all dogs.
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