Kentmere Horseshoe

• An extended high level route
• Easy walking throughout
• Splendid views north and west

The round of Kentmere is not to be underestimated. It is 11 miles with roughly 3,500 foot of climbing making it one of the biggest walks; not to be left as an afterthought. The benefits though are obvious; I found the  walking easy on an excellent but no over eroded track whilst the views down a multitude of different valleys are excellent. Windermere down Troutbeck, Longsleddale, Haweswater and Kentmere are all clear at different times on the circuit but I really enjoyed looking north over Hayeswater and the topography around Caudale Moor. From the depths of Kentmere to the heights at the head of the valley I always get the feeling of walking in to the heart of the Lakes from the outskirts and then back again, something that is rare and to be cherished. The rocky col at Nan Bield is a special place, last week I paused for a while in the shelter and looked down over Small Water in to Haweswater, the light was just leaving the valley and there was very little wind and the silence was deafening…it was an effort to move on.

Recommend: I prefer aiming for Garburn Pass to start the walk – this leg of the circuit is most interesting whilst the easy descent from Kentmere Pike is good for the knackered!

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL7 The English Lakes South eastern area
Start Point:	459040. Kentmere. A field by the bridge is usually open for a small voluntary contribution. Head past the church, up the hill to Greenhead where the bridleway starts
Terrain:	Walking on the Kentmere Horeshoe is very good with clear but not over eroded paths
Eating & Drinking:	Sadly there is nothing in Kentmere although snacks can be found in the Green Quarter. Staveley is 3 1/2 miles down the valley
Similar Walks Nearby:	Twin Peaks of Longsleddale Wansfell from Troutbeck Kentmere and Troutbeck Low Level
Places to Stay: