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.

Dalehead Tarn. A fantastic spot for a coffee break or lunch on the Newlands Horseshoe walk.

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.

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.

Newlands Horseshoe Walk: My Photos

The view over Derwent Water from Skelgill Bank on a misty but very atmospheric morning.

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.

Enjoying the views soon after the start of the Newlands Horseshoe walk.

Mike and I, with Derwent Water in the background.

Mike and I, with Derwent Water in the background.

Looking towards the southern end of Derwent Water from Skelgill Bank.

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.

The top of Cat Bells comes into view. The fog would hang over higher ground for the rest of the day.

One of a few instances where extra care was needed on the wet slippery rocks.

One of a few instances where extra care was needed on the wet slippery rocks.

The Cat Bells summit, height 451 metres (1480 feet).

The Cat Bells summit, height 451 metres (1480 feet).

The view east towards the Lodore Falls Hotel nestled below Ashness Fell.

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.

The summit of High Spy, height 653 metres, 2142 feet. We're about one-third of the way round our Newlands Horseshoe walk.

Mike, Jamie and Mick look north down into the Newlands Beck valley, whilst Nick contemplates our impending climb to the top of Dale Head.

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.

Dalehead Tarn. A fantastic spot for a coffee break or lunch on the Newlands Horseshoe walk.

The summit of Dale Head, height 753 metres, 2470 feet. This is roughly halfway around the Newlands Horseshoe walk.

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.

The descent from Hindscarth to Little Town via High Craggs and Scope End.

Top Lake District Walking Guides for Exploring the Fells

The Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking walks in the UK. These four guidebooks stand out for their detailed routes and practical advice, covering everything from high-level fell walks to peak bagging the Wainwrights. Whether you’re exploring lesser-known summits or conquering famous peaks, these guides are essential companions for your adventures in the Lake District. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!

Lake District High Level Mountain and Fell Walks.

Discover the Lake District’s highest peaks with Vivienne Crow’s pocket-sized guide. It features 30 of the best walks on the higher fells, covering both lesser-known summits and favourites like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. Each route is circular and ranges from 4 to 15 miles, with walks graded by difficulty. The guide is illustrated with Ordinance Survey mapping and vibrant colour photography, making it both informative and visually appealing. Crow also includes practical notes on parking, public transport links, and nearby refreshment spots. With easy access from popular centres like Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, this guide is an essential companion for your Lake District adventures.

Lake District Classic Lakeland Mountain Routes.

Mark Richards’ large-format guidebook showcases 50 classic walks in the Lake District’s mountains. These routes are designed for experienced hillwalkers, with distances ranging from 4 to 13 miles. Richards provides clear route descriptions, accompanied by Harvey mapping and his own hand-drawn illustrations. You’ll find walks covering popular fells such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, as well as lesser-known routes that offer a unique challenge. Optional low-grade scrambling adds an adventurous twist to some walks. Practical details, including parking and post-walk refreshment options, are also included to ensure a well-rounded day out in the fells.

Peak Bagging the Wainwright Fells in 45 Walks.

Karen and Dan Parker present 45 carefully crafted routes to help you complete all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s iconic fells in the Lake District. The routes are divided into sections that mirror Wainwright’s original guides. They are designed to be both efficient and enjoyable. Key highlights include the Scafell round and the Glenridding Horseshoe. The Parkers provide detailed maps, elevation profiles, and essential logistics such as parking and transport options. Whether you’re completing the Wainwrights over years or in record time, this guide will be your perfect companion throughout the journey. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone looking to conquer these famous fells.

Climbing the Lakeland Wainwrights in 64 Walks.

Graham Uney’s guide offers 64 walks that cover all 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. Uney’s approach ensures flexibility, with some summits featured more than once, allowing you to revisit favourite peaks. While Wainwright’s original guides are invaluable, Uney provides a modern perspective. He helps walkers plan full-day routes that cover multiple fells efficiently. This guidebook is filled with detailed, updated routes and practical advice, making it an excellent companion to the classic Pictorial Guides. Whether you’re aiming to complete the Wainwrights or simply explore the fells, this guide will be invaluable.