Five Wainwright Peaks to Conquer on this Newlands Horseshoe Walk
Begin your Newlands Horseshoe walk with roadside parking near Gutherscale, just north-east of Skelgill. Start by ascending south up and across the Skelgill Bank ridge. Continue south to Cat Bells, the first Wainwright summit. Enjoy stunning Derwent Water views from the outset. Proceed along the ridge to Maiden Moor, your second Wainwright. This popular Lake District walk boasts clear, well-defined paths.
Continue your journey south to High Spy, the third Wainwright fell of the day. Then, head south from High Spy to Dalehead Tarn. This area, lower down and sheltered, is ideal for a lunch break. The next challenge is ascending to Dale Head’s summit, the fourth Wainwright fell and highest point of the Newlands Horseshoe walk. Revel in spectacular views north down the Newlands Beck valley.
Next, journey west from Dale Head, crossing Hindscarth Edge. Here, enjoy breathtaking vistas towards Buttermere and Crummock Water. Then, head north to Hindscarth, the fifth and final Wainwright fell. After Hindscarth, continue along the ridge north-east and descend via Scope End. This descent includes tricky sections that may require scrambling.
After descending Scope End, head north to Little Town. Then continue north-east across the countryside back to Skelgill and the car park. This remarkable 10½ mile high-level Lake District walk encapsulates the essence of a horseshoe-style trek.
Newlands Horseshoe Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Newlands Horseshoe Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 10½ miles
Distance: 16½ kilometres
Duration: 6 hours
Ascent: 3459 feet
Ascent: 1054 metres
Type: Circular walk
About the Newlands Horseshoe
The Newlands Horseshoe walk in the Lake District is an exceptional and popular circular trail, renowned for embracing the main peaks around the Newlands Beck valley. This trek is a high point for those seeking a high-level ridge walking experience, offering breathtaking views and a challenging adventure. As one of the Lake District’s classic horseshoe circuits, it stands alongside other notable routes like the Coledale Horseshoe and Kentmere Horseshoe.
Encompassing six Wainwright peaks, the walk includes Catbells, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head, Hindscarth, and Robinson. Dale Head, the highest peak at 753 meters, towers at the head of the Newlands Beck valley, adding a majestic backdrop to the south of the trail. Commonly embarked from either Littletown or Gutherscale, enthusiasts often prefer to tackle this route in a clockwise direction.
Unique to the Newlands Horseshoe walk is the flexibility it offers. Walkers can either extend or shorten their journey. A popular variation, favoured by the esteemed British fellwalker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, excludes Robinson, opting for a descent via Hindscarth and Scope End. This alternative route, highlighted on this page, rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the Newlands Beck valley, making it a truly memorable experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned walker or a curious explorer, the Newlands Horseshoe walk promises a remarkable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes the Lake District has to offer. It’s not just a walk; it’s an adventure that encapsulates the essence of the majestic Lake District.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL4, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Newlands Horseshoe Walk: My Photos
The view over Derwent Water from Skelgill Bank on a misty but very atmospheric morning.
Enjoying the views soon after the start of the Newlands Horseshoe walk.
Walking in the Yorkshire Dales with 43 Circular Routes
AD This Cicerone guidebook includes 43 circular walks exploring valleys, hills, and moors between Kirkby Stephen and Pateley Bridge. With OS maps, local highlights, and routes ranging from 3–11 miles, it is a year-round companion for walkers of all abilities.
Mike and I, with Derwent Water in the background.
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
Looking towards the southern end of Derwent Water from Skelgill Bank.
The top of Cat Bells comes into view. The fog would hang over higher ground for the rest of the day.
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
One of a few instances where extra care was needed on the wet slippery rocks.
The Cat Bells summit, height 451 metres (1480 feet).
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
The view east towards the Lodore Falls Hotel nestled below Ashness Fell.
The summit of High Spy, height 653 metres, 2142 feet. We’re about one-third of the way round our Newlands Horseshoe walk.
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
Mike, Jamie and Mick look north down into the Newlands Beck valley, whilst Nick contemplates our impending climb to the top of Dale Head.
Dalehead Tarn. A fantastic spot for a coffee break or lunch on the Newlands Horseshoe walk.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.
The summit of Dale Head, height 753 metres, 2470 feet. This is roughly halfway around the Newlands Horseshoe walk.
The descent from Hindscarth to Little Town via High Craggs and Scope End.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.