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Fairfield Horseshoe
Type:Walking Route
Ambleside, Cumbria
About
The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this classic walk takes in all the peaks that surround Rydal. The enclosing ridges are linked together with an ascent of Fairfeld and provide fine high level walking with only the minimum up and down once their crests have been gained. The views are good all round but are best of all from the summit plateau of Fairfield. For this reason and for the trickiness of locating the correct line of descent off the summit it's best doing this walk in clear conditions (if visibility closes in whilst you are on top take a compass bearing as the summit area is featureless and can be disorientating). Most of the Lake District peaks are visible from the top and it's about the best place to view Helvellyn. Close at hand it's worth having a look over the edge of Fairfields north face down into the complex of corries at the head of Deepdale. The ascent route takes in the eastern ridge crossing Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag and Hart Crag whilst the descent is down the western ridge over Great Rigg, Heron Pike and Nab Scar (fine views of Rydal and Grasmere) with a return to Ambleside via Rydal Hall.The terrain is fell side lanes, woodland, steep ridges, high mountain ridges and stony summit plateau.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Routes
- Length of route (miles) - 11
- Typical duration of route - 5 - 6 hours
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