The Coledale Round

The Coledale Round is 17.67 km with 1,209 m of climbing, so it is a full-day mountain outing rather than a short walk. Most hikers should expect a long day on the fells, especially with the steep ascents and descents around the Coledale ridge and the route’s Extra Difficult rating.

The Coledale Round is commonly started and finished in Braithwaite, just west of Keswick. Braithwaite is closely associated with the route, and the classic round links the skyline above the village before descending back toward Braithwaite Lodge and the village.

The classic Coledale Round usually takes in a chain of North Western Fells above Coledale, with Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags, and Causey Pike commonly named on the round. Some versions also include nearby summits such as Outerside, Barrow, Grasmoor, Whiteless Pike, or Wandope, depending on the line chosen.

Yes. The Coledale Round is rated Extra Difficult and packs 1,209 m of ascent into 17.67 km, which makes it a demanding mountain circuit. The route is known for sustained climbing, exposed high-level ridge walking, and a long descent back toward Braithwaite, so it is best suited to strong, experienced hikers.

Yes. Braithwaite is served by the X4 and X5 bus routes linking Workington, Cockermouth, Keswick, and Penrith, and many walks into the surrounding fells start from the village. That makes the usual start for The Coledale Round reachable from Keswick by public transport.

The Coledale Round is a high-level horseshoe over steep Lake District fells rather than a low valley trail. Expect long climbs from Braithwaite, narrow ridge sections, rough mountain paths, and a big cumulative ascent as the route circles above Coledale Beck and Coledale Hause.