Map & Elevation
About this Route
The Kentmere Horseshoe is a full mountain day around the skyline of one of the Lake District’s quieter valleys. The classic clockwise circuit links Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag, Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell, Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts. It starts and finishes beside Kentmere Institute and climbs the Garburn Pass side first. The supplied GPX measures 19.5 km with 1,054 m of ascent. Allow roughly 7–9 hours with stops, depending on your pace and conditions; the 5h 39m Naismith figure is a moving-time estimate.
Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick form the western arm, with rocky descents and fresh climbs between the tops. Beyond the tall stone beacon on Thornthwaite Crag, follow the crossing around the head of the Kentmere valley to Mardale Ill Bell. This links the two ridges above Kentmere Reservoir, with views towards Haweswater from Mardale Ill Bell.
Descend from Mardale Ill Bell to the stone shelter at Nan Bield Pass, then climb to Harter Fell above Mardale. Turn south along the ridge to Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts. At Shipman Knotts the GPX follows the ridge path on the west side of the wall; the summit outcrop is on the other side and is marked by a GPX waypoint. Continue down by Wray Crag and return through the Green Quarter side of the valley to Kentmere.
This is a strenuous walking route in suitable summer conditions, without a graded scrambling section. It still has steep, rocky steps, wet grass, boggy patches and long exposed stretches. The broad ground around Thornthwaite Crag and Harter Fell needs confident navigation in cloud, and the rocky lower descent demands attention when tired. Snow, ice or strong winds can change the character completely; this guide describes ordinary hillwalking conditions.
Parking near the village hall and church is extremely limited. Use only spaces where parking is permitted, follow the current signs and donation arrangements, and leave passing places, gates and access lanes clear. Do not assume overflow field parking will be open. Arrive with food and water for the whole round; Staveley is the practical place to organise supplies before entering the valley.
…the Kentmere Horseshoe is still a must-do for lovers of Lakeland.
James Forrest, “7 of the Best Horseshoe Ridge Walks in the Lake District”
Route Waypoints
Start beside the village hall at NY 456 041. Follow the lane north towards The Nook, then join the bridleway climbing west onto Garburn Pass. Check the GPX at the early lane and track junctions.
From Garburn Pass, follow the mapped ridge-path junction north towards Yoke at 5.0 km. Continue over Ill Bell at 6.0 km and Froswick at 6.9 km, with steep descents and fresh climbs between the tops. Stay on the ridge paths and take care on the rocky ground; avoid the steep valley flanks.
Reach Thornthwaite Crag’s beacon at 8.6 km, then take the eastward path around the head of Hayeswater Gill. At the broken wall, follow the crossing around the head of the Kentmere valley towards Mardale Ill Bell, reached at 10.5 km. Check your direction carefully at the path junctions in cloud.
Descend from Mardale Ill Bell on the rough, partly pitched path to Nan Bield’s shelter at 11.2 km. Climb the rocky path to Harter Fell at 12.3 km, then turn south towards Kentmere Pike. The escape path south into Kentmere is outside this GPX; the circuit stays on the ridge.
Follow the open, sometimes boggy ridge to Kentmere Pike at 14.1 km, then south-east and south towards Shipman Knotts at about 15.9 km. Keep to the ridge path towards the cairn on the west side of the wall; the summit outcrop beyond the wall has a separate GPX waypoint. Descend carefully over the steep rocky steps by Wray Crag at about 16.8 km.
Follow the GPX through the lower paths on the Green Quarter side and back onto the village lanes. Finish at the same Institute/church start point. Close gates and respect farm access; the circuit includes the full low-level return.
Essential Tips
Plan around 7–9 hours with stops, and longer if your pace or the conditions require it. The 5h 39m Naismith estimate is moving time only. Carry food, water, layers and a head torch, and set a turnaround time. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and check the mountain forecast and access notices before travelling.
Use OS Explorer OL5 and OL7, or equivalent detailed mapping covering the whole round. Save the GPX offline and carry a compass. Thornthwaite Crag and Harter Fell have broad, confusing tops in cloud; a visible path is not proof that it leads to your next waypoint.
Ill Bell’s rocky ground, the Nan Bield paths and the Wray Crag descent need careful footing. This is a walking guide for suitable snow-free conditions. Snow and ice can require winter mountaineering skills and equipment; choose another walk when conditions exceed your experience.
Early in the round, retracing to Garburn Pass provides a straightforward decision to turn back. Later, Nan Bield offers an established path south into Kentmere. Neither is a reason to descend directly down the steep slopes beneath Ill Bell or Froswick. Escape routes require their own navigation and are not included in this circuit’s GPX.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this Kentmere Horseshoe walk?
The clockwise circuit is 19.5 km with 1,054 m of ascent. Allow about 7–9 hours with stops, depending on fitness, weather and navigation. Its 5h 39m Naismith estimate is moving time only.
Is the Kentmere Horseshoe a scramble?
This version is a strenuous mountain walk in suitable snow-free conditions, with no graded scrambling section. Expect steep rocky steps, rough paths and exposure to weather. Wet rock, snow or ice can make it substantially more serious.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
The GPX starts and finishes beside Kentmere Institute, opposite St Cuthbert’s Church, at NY 456 041. Parking is very limited. Follow current signs and local arrangements, and do not park in passing places or block gates. Overflow field parking cannot be assumed.