The Fairfield Horseshoe
A classic Lake District round of eight fells, high above Rydal and Ambleside.
- Distance
- 15.1 km
- Ascent
- 910 m
- Time
- 5–7 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 873 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Fairfield Horseshoe is a hard 15.1 km circular walk with 910 m of ascent, taking 5 to 7 hours. It starts at Rydal (grid reference NY 365 061). It climbs 5 listed hills, the highest Fairfield at 873 m. The start can be reached by public transport.
The Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the best-loved fell walks in the Lake District, a high ridge round the head of Rydal Beck. From Rydal, the route climbs Nab Scar and follows the western arm over Heron Pike and Great Rigg to Fairfield.
It returns by the eastern arm over Hart Crag and Dove Crag, with a long, gentle descent towards Ambleside. Fairfield's broad summit is confusing in mist, with crags close by.
Route
-
1
The western arm
Climb Nab Scar and follow the ridge over Heron Pike and Great Rigg.
-
2
Fairfield
Climb to Fairfield's broad summit.
-
3
The eastern arm
Return over Hart Crag and Dove Crag towards Ambleside.
Summits
612 m
766 m
873 m
823 m
792 m
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Fairfield Horseshoe take?
- Most walkers take 5–7 hours for the 15.1 km route, which has 910 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Rydal (grid reference NY 365 061). Car park at Rydal (charge) or in Ambleside.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses between Ambleside and Grasmere stop at Rydal. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Steep start, then grassy and stony ridge paths; a broad, rocky summit.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Fairfield (873 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); Hart Crag (823 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); Dove Crag (792 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); Great Rigg (766 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); High Pike (Scandale) (657 m, Wainwright); Heron Pike (Rydal) (612 m, Wainwright); Low Pike (508 m, Wainwright); Nab Scar (450 m, Wainwright).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the fells and moors: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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Walks nearby
All walks near Ambleside
Middle Dodd, Little Hart Crag, Hartsop Above How and High Pike (Scandale)
Ambleside
19.2 km · 1200 m · 6.5–9 h
