The Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the Lake District's great mountain days and a true classic of the Eastern Fells. This long, challenging walk starts and finishes in Ambleside, following a magnificent horseshoe-shaped ridge around the valley of Rydal Beck. It offers mile after mile of superb high-level walking, taking in eight Wainwright summits and providing constant panoramic views across the Lake District.
The Walk at a Glance
6 - 8 Hours
A Full Day Out
11 Miles / 18 km
From Ambleside
Hard
Long & Strenuous
Navigation Skills
Essential in Mist
Step-by-Step Guide
1. The Ascent from Ambleside
Begin in Ambleside. Head out past the famous Bridge House and follow Nook Lane, which steadily climbs out of the town and onto the open fells. The long, grassy ascent begins here, heading towards Low Pike and then High Pike.
2. The Eastern Ridge: Dove Crag & Hart Crag
From High Pike, the ridge walk proper begins. Continue northwards along the broad ridge, tackling the summits of Dove Crag and Hart Crag. The views to your left down into the Dovedale and Scandale valleys are fantastic.
3. Fairfield Summit (873m)
The path leads on to the broad, stony plateau of Fairfield, the highest point on the walk. On a clear day, the views are immense, stretching from the Helvellyn range to the Scafell massif and across to Morecambe Bay.
4. The Western Ridge: Great Rigg & Heron Pike
From the summit, care is needed to find the correct path south-west off the plateau. The descent begins over Great Rigg, and the glorious ridge walk continues over Heron Pike, with stunning views of Grasmere and Rydal Water opening up ahead.
5. Descent to Rydal and Return
The ridge narrows as you descend over Nab Scar. A steep path then drops down through bracken and woodland to Rydal Mount. From Rydal, a pleasant low-level walk through Rydal Park takes you back to Ambleside.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Navigation Warning: Fairfield's summit plateau is notoriously confusing in mist and low cloud, with steep drops on several sides. Do not attempt this walk without a map, a compass, and the skills to navigate accurately in poor visibility.
- A Long Day: This is a strenuous walk with a lot of ascent and descent. Start early, pack plenty of food and water, and be prepared for a full day on the fells.
- Weather: As with any high-level walk, check the weather forecast before you go. The ridges are very exposed, and conditions can change rapidly.
- Parking in Ambleside: Ambleside has several large pay-and-display car parks. It's a busy town, so finding a space can be tricky at peak times.
More to Explore Nearby
Ambleside
After your walk, explore the bustling town of Ambleside. It's packed with outdoor shops, cinemas, great pubs, and restaurants, making it the perfect base for a walking holiday.
Rydal Mount and Gardens
Your descent brings you right to Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth's best-loved family home. The house and its beautiful gardens, designed by the poet himself, are open to the public.
Lake Windermere Cruises
From Waterhead Pier in Ambleside, you can catch a cruise on England's largest lake, Windermere. It's a relaxing way to see the scenery after a tough day on the fells.