Trail Running the Coledale Horseshoe
Coledale Horseshoe Lake District Trail Run ā 27 August 2025
This morning's 10k run turned into 17.65km around Coledale Horseshoe, collecting 8 Wainwrights including Grisedale Pike, Crag Hill, Hopegill Head, Sail, Scar Crags, Causey Pike, Outerside and Barrow.
Starting at 7:00am from Braithwaite, we beat the rain and made the most of a tight weather window. A steep 5km climb set the tone, but once on the ridge, it opened up into a stunning sweep across 8 Wainwrights:
Grisedale Pike - 791m
Hopegill Head - 770m
Crag Hill - 839m
Sail - 773m
Scar Crags - 672m
Causey Pike - 637m
Outerside - 568m
Barrow - 455m
It was an enjoyable hike up and running the flat and downhill sections. Once the first 5 km main uphill section to get to the top was done, it was a very enjoyable wander along the tops. Though it was time windowed with wind and rain due (and arrived) at 11:30, so a 7:00 set off from Braithwaite was due.
The clouds were looking ominous all day, in places it felt that there was a ceiling on the hills. The heather outside was incredibly vibrant, coating the hill in a purple hue. Plus, the views from Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill and Causey Pike were spectacular.
The terrain was perfect for hiking the climbs, running the flats, and descending. Views from Grisedale Pike, Crag Hill and Causey Pike were phenomenal, despite a heavy ceiling of cloud and intense wind in places.
Trail Running the Coledale Horseshoe | 8 Wainwrights | Lake District Hike
The wind in places was intense, and feeling the temperature drop as descending from Sail, a usual sign of rain coming, made up my mind to skip Ard Crags and Knott Rigg, which will mean another visit to these amazing hills, a sacrifice Iām very willing to make.
With a total elevation of 1357m it felt like a good training session for Kilimanjaro, taking 3 hours 53 minutes and 57 seconds. A perfect blend of endurance, awareness and adaptation. Another solid step towards Kilimanjaro in September.
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