Lakes - Wasdale, Mosedale horseshoe 2
Hiking Route
· United Kingdom

Responsible for this content
Harry BrownThe Mosedale Horseshoe. This route takes in the technical sections so is quite difficult. Taking in Pillar via the High Level Traverse and Yewbarrow, up Stirrup Crag and down Great Door. Pub/Hotel at the finish and camping too
difficult
Distance 16.1 km
Mosedale is a typical glacial hanging valley with Ritson's Force at the entrance. (The waterfall was named after the founder of the Wasdale Head Inn).
The route shown omits Kirk Fell as doing so makes it a more acceptable day hike. It is also a pleasanter hike in both views and the easier ascent to Black Sail Pass
1 Park in the car park at Wasadale Head and make for the Wasdale Head Pub/Hotel. Go through the buildings to reach the stream
2 This is where the more difficult High Level Traverse route via Robinson's Cairn drops off to the right. Only for the adventures as there is also a narrow shelf that slopes away, and only in good weather too! It is a steep climb up from Pillar Rock to Pillar summit. The alternative easier route to the top of Pillar is straight on at point 2 and holds no difficulties
3 Straight ahead and up for the short but difficult Stirrup Crag, which should only be done in good weather. It also requires some fitness and physical height to extend the hands to the holds. The alternative is to go right and down the valley alongside and on the right of Over Beck (stream),, which is quieter than the usual left. Having ascended Yewbarrow the top is an easy place to be but the descent off Yewbarrow via Gt Door is a pain (!)
Mosedale Valley flanked by Kirk Fell on the right and Yewbarrow on the left
4 Go over the wall to be on the Lake side for better views
The route shown omits Kirk Fell as doing so makes it a more acceptable day hike. It is also a pleasanter hike in both views and the easier ascent to Black Sail Pass
1 Park in the car park at Wasadale Head and make for the Wasdale Head Pub/Hotel. Go through the buildings to reach the stream
2 This is where the more difficult High Level Traverse route via Robinson's Cairn drops off to the right. Only for the adventures as there is also a narrow shelf that slopes away, and only in good weather too! It is a steep climb up from Pillar Rock to Pillar summit. The alternative easier route to the top of Pillar is straight on at point 2 and holds no difficulties
3 Straight ahead and up for the short but difficult Stirrup Crag, which should only be done in good weather. It also requires some fitness and physical height to extend the hands to the holds. The alternative is to go right and down the valley alongside and on the right of Over Beck (stream),, which is quieter than the usual left. Having ascended Yewbarrow the top is an easy place to be but the descent off Yewbarrow via Gt Door is a pain (!)
Mosedale Valley flanked by Kirk Fell on the right and Yewbarrow on the left
4 Go over the wall to be on the Lake side for better views
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
880 m
Lowest point
65 m
Start
Coordinates:
OS Grid
NY 18698 08537
DD
54.465675, -3.255852
DMS
54°27'56.4"N 3°15'21.1"W
UTM
30U 483416 6035365
w3w
///voltage.thrusters.after
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
OS Grid
NY 18698 08537
DD
54.465675, -3.255852
DMS
54°27'56.4"N 3°15'21.1"W
UTM
30U 483416 6035365
w3w
///voltage.thrusters.after
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendations for this region:
Show more
Recommended maps for this region:
Show more
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
16.1 km
Duration
5:43 h
Ascent
1,012 m
Descent
1,014 m
Highest point
880 m
Lowest point
65 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Help others by being the first to add a review.
Photos from others