The Kentmere Horseshoe Hike
- Kate
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Kentmere Horseshoe Overview
Route Type: Circular
Distance: 21km
Duration: 7–8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Total Ascent: ~1132m
Start/Finish: Kentmere village
Best For: Ridge walkers, big-day hikers, solo adventurers, and anyone wanting a quieter alternative to the busier Central Fells.
Facilities: Unfortunately, there are no facilities on this route, and therefore, make sure you have enough food and water for the hike.
This loop takes in the classic surrounding peaks of the Kentmere valley, including Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag, Mardale Ill Bell and Harter Fell. Expect a long but rewarding day on the hill.
Preparing for the Kentmere Horseshoe Hike
Route Map & GPX: You can download the GPX file below to use with the Ordnance Survey app (or a similar app), and pair it with a paper map to ensure safe navigation.
Introduction: Why The Kentmere Horsshoe Is Special
There are some hikes in the Lake District that feel like a proper full-day mountain adventure — and the Kentmere Horseshoe is definitely one of them. Long, dramatic, exposed in places, and absolutely packed with ridge views, this circular walk is one of the best horseshoe routes in the National Park.
If you love a big mountain day with minimal scrambling, great trails, sweeping panoramas, and a sense of real remoteness, this one is for you.
More Hiking Routes:
The Kentmere Horseshoe Route
1. Kentmere Village to Garburn Pass
The walk begins gently from Kentmere village, following a stony track that gradually climbs towards Garburn Pass. This section is a steady warm-up — nothing too steep, just enough to get the legs moving.
The views start opening up quickly, with the valley behind you and the first hint of the surrounding fells ahead. Once you reach the top of the pass, you join a more defined trail heading directly towards Yoke, the first official summit on the ridge.
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2. Yoke to Ill Bell
From Garburn Pass, the climb becomes more direct but still manageable. The ascent to Yoke is steady and enjoyable, and once you hit the summit, you get your first proper panorama of Windermere stretching into the distance.
The ridge then rolls beautifully towards Ill Bell, arguably the most dramatic peak on the horseshoe. The route narrows slightly (but never feels technical), and the iconic cairns on Ill Bell offer one of the best viewpoints of the day.
This whole section is airy, exposed, and incredibly scenic — exactly what you want from a ridge walk.
3. Ill Bell to Froswick and Thornthwaite Crag
Dropping down from Ill Bell, the path becomes rockier as you head towards Froswick, the quietest of the Kentmere peaks. It’s a shorter climb, but the terrain becomes more rugged, and you start to get that proper “mountain day” feeling.
From Froswick, the trail continues towards Thornthwaite Crag, marked by its distinctive tall columnar beacon. This is a brilliant spot for a break — panoramic views in every direction and usually a nice breeze.
It’s also where you start turning the corner of the horseshoe, heading towards the return half of the loop.
4. Thornthwaite Crag to Mardale Ill Bell
The ridge to Mardale Ill Bell is much quieter than the earlier summits, and this section feels wild and remote. With the High Street peaks towering above and Haweswater Reservoir visible below, it’s one of the most atmospheric legs of the route.
The terrain here becomes more uneven, with sections of boulder and loose rock, but nothing too technical. The sense of isolation is brilliant — this is what makes Kentmere such a special choice for a big day out.
5. Harter Fell to Nan Bield Pass and Down to Kentmere
From Mardale Ill Bell, the final big climb of the day takes you to Harter Fell. It’s a punchy ascent but short-lived, and the reward is another huge viewpoint, especially back across the full ridgeline you’ve just completed.
Descending from Harter Fell, you drop into the well-built cairns and stone shelters of Nan Bield Pass, a stunning little col with views across two valleys.
The final descent is long but steady, with a good path leading back into the Kentmere valley. The scenery softens again as you approach farmland and eventually return to the village.
A long day, but a seriously rewarding one.
Is the Kentmere Horseshoe For You?
Choose this hike if you want:
A long, quiet mountain ridge day
A proper horseshoe with excellent views
A less crowded alternative to Helvellyn or Scafell Pike
A challenging but non-technical route
A classic Lakeland experience
Avoid it if you don’t enjoy:
Long distances
Big ascents
Ridge exposure in bad weather
Limited escape routes (once you’re committed, you’re committed!)
Final Thoughts
The Kentmere Horseshoe quickly became one of my favourite long-distance ridge walks in the Lake District. It’s quieter, wilder, and more varied than many popular big routes, yet still incredibly accessible.
If you’re craving a full-day adventure with endless ridges, dramatic summits, and the kind of views that make you stop every few minutes just to take them in, this is the one to add to your list.
