Duddon Horseshoe

Summary

The Duddon Horseshoe is a challenging mountain walk set in and around the fells of the Duddon Valley in the southwestern area of the Lake District National Park. The horseshoe, which follows an undulating route, is designed for experienced walkers. From the start in the small hamlet of Seathwaite — which is not to be confused with Seathwaite in Borrowdale — the route heads clockwise, crosses the River Duddon, and climbs to Wallowbarrow Crag. Continuing upland, the route goes via Rowantree How to follow Grassguards Gill upstream before cutting off from the watercourse to climb to the summit of Harter Fell. Next, the route descends the mountain via Horsehow Crags to cross the Hardknott Pass before ascending to High Knott and descending to Mossdale, then making a steep, onerous ascent of Little Stand. The route crosses an undulating upland plateau to Cold Pike before descending to the Wrynose Pass at Three Shire Stone. The route then climbs once more to Hell Gill Pike via Wet Side Edge before a breathtaking upland walk around the high ridge of Little Carrs, Great Carrs, and Swirl How can be enjoyed. Views are immense on this section of the walk. After Swirl How, the way continues to Levers Hawse before the saddle of Goats Hawse is taken to reach Dow Crag. Buck Pike, Brown Pike, White Maiden, White Pike, and Caw are next bagged before descending from the high fells via Old Park Beck back to Seathwaite.