JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
3-4 hours
9-10 miles
All levels
Fairfield Horseshoe similar to Kenterme Horseshoe takes in eight Wainwrights. The stunning scenery and dramatic views from the tops of the fells provide an unrivaled experience with the opportunity to experience the best of the Lake District fells. The Wainwright summits you can potentially 'bag' are Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, Great Rigg, High Pike, Heron Pike, Low Pike, and Stone Arthur.
There is a lot of parking which can be found in and around Ambleside. There is a large pay and display car park found next to the fire station just after a small roundabout. On the other hand, there is a closer parking location at Rydal Hall where there is a car park over a bridge opposite the hall as well as parking alongside the hall. From wherever your park you want to make your way to the base of Rydal Hall and make your way up the lane alongside the Hall....
As you make your way up the lane you want to keep to the right as the lane steepens. The lane will then veer to the left and pass through a small kissing gate on the side of a building. When you pass through you will join a rocky path and instantly start to climb. This path will snake for a mile to two before passing over a stile and continue to climb and snake up the crag till you reach a further stile in the wall.
As you pass through the wall the path remains made of loose rock and trial with some patches of bogs and grass. The path does undulate along the remaining tops. Make sure to stay on the main ridge tops of the fells, as paths that divert from the main path may take you off course into another valley. As you pass between the summits and pass over Great Rigg you will see the long sloping path towards the summit of Fairfield.
The top of Fairfield is very stoney and quite featureless so be careful in poor conditions as it may be hard to navigate from the summit. However, from the top, you can see the ridge you have just climbed over as well as the ridge you will descend down. As you follow the horseshoe round to the east and towards Hart Crag. You will pass through some large rocks before a small descent before climbing onto Hart Crag itself.
The descent from Hart Crag is the main crux of the hike as the rocks are rather large and can be slippery in wet/damp conditions. So be careful when descending and take your time. Once you have passed through this section the best approach is to follow the wall on the left. It will make you rise once more and you will see a pile of stones that marks the summit.
From here it's an easy-to-navigate descent, following the wall, this time keeping it on your left. So, once you have summit Dove Crag you will need to pass over which is easy to do as it is fallen in most places. This descent does have some small amounts of scrambling but following the wall will take all the way to Low Sweden Coppice.
From here you can take a right and follow the path back into Ambleside or take a wooden gate just off the main path on your right which will join a larger path that guides you back to the start point at Rydal Hall.
Read more ⌄
Kentmere Horseshoe
Helvellyn
Red Screes
Caution should be taken at all times when running or hiking in the Lake District fells. Only undertake a route if you are adequately prepared and fully equipped for the conditions you might face, ensuring to carry all emergency equipment. Headtorch with spare batteries, a full set of waterproofs, emergency blankets, and whistle. Please also ensure you are confident in the use of a map and compass.
Check mountain weather forecasts before setting off (the weather can change very quickly in the fells, especially higher up) and always let someone else know the route you are planning to take.
Stay on the designated paths, respect the countryside, leave gates as you find them, take all your litter home, and no leave nothing but footprints.
For more advice on safety in the Lake District fells we thoroughly recommend you read these two pages by Mountain Rescue and Lake District National Park.
Kit advice: The highest peaks in England are prone to unpredictable and inhospitable weather, so for this walk, we recommend the Thermoshell Pro Insulated Jacket for extra warmth if the temperate plummets and the Stormshell Waterproof Jacket for maximum waterproofing.
