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A Fairfield Horseshoe [E] GradeGradeGrade
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REX    Jun 21, 2026 Rydal, Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike, Rydal Beck     
Distance 9.59 miles, Time 6.00 h, Total Ascent 3,520 ft     Imperial | Metric
Paw REX SAYS: This was a good walk on a warm sunny day. After Nab Scar the going was quite easy. Lovely views - no water until near the end

It promises to be a lovely and clear, with warmth increasing throughout the day. We make an early start and come 'off' the Horseshoe after Low Pike so that we can enjoy the waters of Rydal Beck.

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 2, Jun 21, 2026

We arrive here before 7am, only one other car. It's going to be a long day...

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 3, Jun 21, 2026

Crossing the Rothay

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 4, Jun 21, 2026

The new bollards to stop roadside parking by the church

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 5, Jun 21, 2026

A ladder stile here, with a handy (low) gap for dogs to crawl through

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 6, Jun 21, 2026

Rex says 'Come On!'

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 7, Jun 21, 2026

Looking back to Grasmere (an excuse to stop on the steep ascent of Nab Scar)

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 8, Jun 21, 2026

Coming off the summit of Nab Scar, we found no alternative to this stone stile.
It would be a bit of a clamber for a smaller or less agile dog

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 9, Jun 21, 2026

This little chap is unperturbed

En route to Fairfield via Gibson Knott on this bright sunny day walking the Fairfield Horseshoe, Jun 21, 2026

Rex is doing his sliding manouevre. The col that we can see front right is in between Fairfield and Hart Crag

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 10, Jun 21, 2026

An easy wide route from here to Fairfield via Heron Pike and Great Rigg

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 11, Jun 21, 2026

Looking back over our route so far to Nab Scar and Windermere beyond

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 12, Jun 21, 2026

Here we are at Gibson Knott, the time is around 09:15

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 13, Jun 21, 2026

The path to Fairfield is an easy one. A group of runners is at Fairfield summit

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 14, Jun 21, 2026

So we stop briefly at this sheepfold

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 15, Jun 21, 2026

and look back over our route so far

The visibility from Fairfield is considerably better than the last time we were here!

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 16, Jun 21, 2026

We make our way to Hart Crag

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 17, Jun 21, 2026

where we stop for our first break of a small snack

...and a lot of water

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 18, Jun 21, 2026
A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 19, Jun 21, 2026

Excellent clarity today, the views are superb

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 20, Jun 21, 2026

Can you identify the fell in the centre distance?

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 21, Jun 21, 2026

We are at Dove Crag

Panorama. Click on the image to start / stop rotation.

360° from near Dove Crag summit

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 22, Jun 21, 2026

The walk alongside this wall takes us to High Pike and Low Pike

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 23, Jun 21, 2026

Low Pike, our last summit today, in view

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 24, Jun 21, 2026

Rex manages this ladder stile quite well

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 25, Jun 21, 2026

Coming off Low Pike, the waters of Rydal Beck beckon

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 26, Jun 21, 2026

We stop at 'Buckstones Jump' for a splash and a cooldown

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 27, Jun 21, 2026

Another inviting pool further downstream

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 28, Jun 21, 2026

perhaps for another day...

A Fairfield Horseshoe - Image 29, Jun 21, 2026

Pelter Bridge is now completely full with a queue to enter


Start: Rydal

1. Pelter Bridge Car Park [NY 36458 05985]
2. Larger Car Parks at White Moss, or start from Ambleside for a slighly longer circuit
Note that is is no longer possible to park at Rydal Church. There is a small car park just past Rydal church called Rydal Mount. RingGo only.

Route

Rydal, Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike, Rydal Beck
Distance 9.59 miles, Time 6.00 h, Total Ascent 3,520 ft
Wainwright Pictorial Guide: The Eastern Fells

Obstacle

There are a couple of difficult stiles on this walk. Depending on the agility of your dog they should be OK to get over, but note that we did not find alternatives. They are highlighted in the text (Jun 21, 2026)

Please do your own research to verify current routes and information on car parking, bus services and so on
Route maps from Ordnance Survey are scaled 1:25000 unless otherwise indicated.
Distance, Hike Time and Total Ascent as supplied by OS. Image shows planned route.

Distance 9.59 miles, Time 6.00 h, Total Ascent 3,520 ft
Route Map and Details


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