One of the best Lake District walks, the Newlands Horseshoe takes in the summits of Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Cat Bells.
Along the Newlands Valley
Small parking areas are available at the nose of Cat Bells or between Little Town and the Newlands Church in the Newlands valley.
From either place the walk then commences by enjoying the delightful Newlands Valley.
One of the highlights of any walk in the Newlands valley is passing the small whitewashed Newlands Church with its tiny annex which was village school from 1887 to 1967.
Lucie Carr, the daughter of one of the Newlands vicars, was the little girl featured in Beatrix Potter's story of Mrs Tiggywinkle. Illustrations in the book show Cat Bells, and in the background, the Newlands Church.
Onto the High Fells and the Best Lake District Walks
From Newlands Church the track leads to High Snab farm, then on up the Newlands valley following Scope Beck. The path then climbs steeply to ascend to the summit of Robinson.
A high level ridge traverse follows for a mile and a half to Dale Head. On this section the fell walker has the option of an out and back extension to take in the summit of Hindscarth, another of the 214 of Wainwright's Lakeland Fells.
From the summit of Dale Head to Dale Head Tarn the descent is fairly steep. Dale Head Tarn provides a pleasant spot to sit and rest before ascending once more to the summit of High Spy.
From High Spy it is a pleasant downhill route and, in good weather, the fell walker will be able to enjoy the views to Skiddaw and down to Derwentwater whilst enjoying the easy walking to Maiden Moor and onto Cat Bells.
From the summit of Cat Bells those who have parked at Littletown may wish to retrace their footsteps to the Cat Bells / Maiden Moor Col in order to pick up the path which descends directly to Littletown. This takes around two miles of the total route length. Otherwise continue to head due north and descend the nose of cat bells to Hawse End. If relying on public transport the Derwentwater Launch runs from Hawse End across the lake to Keswick.
Fell Running the Newlands Horseshoe
Each year on a Saturday near April the 20th a fell race is held around the Newlands Horseshoe. Known as the Anniversary Waltz it has become one of the most popular fixtures in the English fell racing calendar. The race record is currently held by Ian Holmes who in 2003 completed the circuit of 11 miles and 3,600 feet of ascent in 1 hour 28 minutes and 27 secs. The ladies' record of 1 hour 48 mins has been held by Angela Mudge since 1997.
Setting out on Best Lake District Walks
The Newlands Horseshoe walk is a total of 11 miles with an ascent of 4,000 feet. For most fell walkers the route will take a whole day to complete.
The Newlands Horseshoe is a high level traverse. Weather changes rapidly on the Lake District fells. It will be far colder on the fell tops than at valley level. Walkers should be properly clothed and equipped, and should have a map and compass and know how to use them.
The 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey map to the NW Lake District covers the area.
Other best Lake District walks in the area include a walk to the Great Gable War Memorial.
Jane Hodgson - physiobench.com/physios/2/Jane-Hodgson I'm co owner of Physiobench, a web based physiotherapy (physical therapy) practice. We're ...
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