Classic Coledale Circular Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6-8.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
15.3 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,202 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Classic Coledale Circular Walk

The Classic Coledale Circular Walk is a spectacular Lake District adventure that will take you up a string of well-known fells for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along this trail, you will climb uphill to traverse the summits of Grisedale Pike, Hobcarton Crag, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, and Sail before descending along some minor hills to enjoy views overlooking the valley. This route is exposed to the elements, so make sure to check weather conditions before setting out on your journey.

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Route Description for Classic Coledale Circular Walk

Although parts of the Classic Coledale Circular Walk may be a bit challenging, the breathtaking Lake District scenery along this route should be more than enough of a reason to add this to your to-do list of walks in the region. The day begins just outside of Braithwaite and climbs uphill to the southwest, overlooking a hidden valley that is dissected by Coldeale Beck below. This route takes the approach of conquering the most challenging terrain at the beginning of the walk, which you will definitely appreciate after summiting a number of rugged peaks in short order. After slogging your way uphill, you will traverse the summits of Grisedale Pike, Hobcarton Crag, and Hopegill Head before turning to the south. Here, the trail will dip briefly before climbing back uphill to reach the highest point of the walk along the summit of Crag Hill. Enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding mountain peaks before following the trail east as it descends along the tops of Sail, Outerside, Stile End, and Barrow. From here, a brief downhill walk will take you through the village of Braithwaite to return to the car park where you started.

Getting to the Classic Coledale Circular Walk Trailhead

To reach the car park for the Classic Coledale Circular Walk from Keswick, drive northwest on Main Street for 0.5 km and continue straight onto High Hill/A5271. Follow this for 1.3 km and turn left onto the A66, continuing on for 1.6 km. Make a slight left on B5292 and follow it for 1.1 km to find the car park on the left.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Hope Memorial Camp

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Classic Coledale Circular Walk Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Classic Coledale Circular Walk Reviews

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