We decided to make the most of being able to walk from our cottage in Ambleside and headed out to do the Fairfield horseshoe. The weather when we set off was fairly marginal, but thankfully other than a few spots of rain we stayed dry.

We decided to do the route clockwise, which meant a flat walk along the valley to Rydal at the start with before the steep ascent up to Nab Scar and onto Heron Pike.

After Nab Scar the views were brilliant all day, with excellent views in every direction. There was even a surprising amount of sun. We made good time to the summit of Fairfield, where we enjoyed a quick lunch before descending.

The descent was very warm as we were protected from the wind by a beautiful dry stone wall which snaked it’s way all the way down the ridge.

After an enjoyable day out, and in a respectable time of 5hrs10mins we were back at the cottage in time to enjoy some champagne before heading out to dinner.

Looking over Grasmere towards the Old Man of Coniston
Becky in front of Fairfield
Looking over Grasmere towards the Old Man of Coniston
Becky on Heron Pike
Becky on Great Rigg
Becky on Fairfield
Us on Fairfield
Descending from Fairfield
Beautiful U shaped valley looking towards Ambleside
Descending towards Ambleside
Becky on Hart Crag
Walking along the fantastic dry stone wall
Descending towards Windermere
Becky on High Pike
More descent and the wall keeps going
Almost back in Ambleside
Total distance: 17.06 km
Max elevation: 880 m
Min elevation: 53 m
Total climbing: 1023 m
Total descent: -1040 m