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- The Fairfield Horseshoe
The Fairfield Horseshoe is a great day out for everyone, although a long walk the pace is steady allowing time to bask in the glory of this stunning part of the Lakes.
The start up Nab Scar from Ambleside is hard and steep but once on the ridge it's relatively easy going.
There is plenty of time to take in the wonderful views of amongst others Helvellyn & Striding Edge, Windermere, Morecambe Bay and the Langdale Pikes.
Our instructors have a detailed knowledge of the Fairfield area so why not join in one of our guided walks.
Summits included on this route:
Nab Scar440 metres / 1444 feet
Heron Pike612 metres / 2008 feet
Great Rigg766 metres / 2513 feet
Fairfield873 metres / 2864 feet
Hart Crag822 metres / 2697 feet
Dove Crag792 metres / 2598 feet
High Pike656 metres / 2152 feet
Low Pike508 metres / 1667 feet
Beginning in the heart of Ambleside, our route follows the Rydal Road a short distance before crossing the fields to Rydal. Passing the historic Rydal Hall we begin a steep ascent onto Nab Scar leading to the start of the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Once elevated we continue a long but easy walk along the ridge over Heron Pike and Great Rigg leading to the summit of Fairfield.
From the summit of Fairfield we continue along the ridge to Hart Crag and Dove Crag before the long descent over High Pike and Low Pike. Descending to High Sweden Bridge we connect to the track back into Ambleside.
Although this is one of our longer routes after the first steep climb it is a fairly easy ridge walk. The initial ascent does however take time and although long is not difficult. This in mind we take it gently after all we have all day to complete the walk.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Postcode: LA22 9AN
Grid Reference: NY 376 046
Directions
The Bridge House is easily found in Ambleside Village, on the A591 Rydal Road, just north of the centre of the village towards the Rydal Road Car Park and the mini roundabout. The Bridge House will be found on the left of the road, opposite the SR Cunninghams / Jack Wolfskin shop.
The Bridge House, a small house built on a bridge over the beck is now a National Trust gift shop, we will meet outside the shop.
Bus Services
Ambleside is well served by buses, the main bus stop in Ambleside is 5 minutes walk away from the meet point.
- The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing through Windermere and Grasmere
- The 599 runs regularly through the summer months from Bowness, Windermere and Grasmere
- The 516 runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley
- The 505 runs between Coniston and Ambleside, via Hawkshead
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:
Summer Events:
(November - March)
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
Winter Events:
(April - October)
- Walking Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
- Snow Goggles
- Gaiters
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
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2 amazing days walking with the lake district walker Review by Lydia Mullen
Overall Experience Just spent 2 amazing days walking with the lake district walker. With the help of the fantastic guide, Neil, I completed 2 spectacular walks, the Fairfield Horseshoe and Scafell Pike from Seathwaite. Neil was extremely skilled, knowledgeable and friendly which made the walks even more interesting, fun and safe. I would highly recommend walking with the lake district walker and I will definitely be booking on again soon!! (Posted on 09/02/2020)
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Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside Review by Jane, from London
Overall Experience Dear Lyanda
We just wanted to formally acknowledge the excellent service we received from Lake District Walker this week. Both John and you were friendly and efficient and the joining instructions clear and helpful.
Rob Glaze was outstanding. As he may have let you know it was a very poor day weather-wise but he offered us options and we collectively took the decision to carry on around the route using it as a map reading and navigation challenge, as this was an area I was keen to improve in. Without a guide we would have returned to the car park I think as visibility was 20m!
The day was a masterclass in use of compass, map and other navigation techniques. Rob was instructive but never patronising and made it such an interesting day, at all times displaying professionalism, common sense and good humour. Even about finishing at 6pm!
It was the hardest walk my husband had undertaken yet he enjoyed the challenge, this is in large part due to Rob. I enjoyed every minute too.
(Posted on 03/10/2017) -
Fantastic Day - 9th September Review by Matt
Overall Experience Ed was a brilliant guide, very knowledgeable and set the pace perfectly for the whole group. Long walk with amazing views; we'd definitely use The Lake District Walker again. (Posted on 15/09/2017)
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Great day Review by Jennifer
Overall Experience Thanks to Ross and the rest of the group for a great, relaxing day of walking peaks. Couldn't have asked for more. Already looking for the next walk with you. (Posted on 22/08/2017)
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Neil is a lovely guide Review by Alicia
Overall Experience I did the hike this past weekend and we have a great time. Neil is a lovely guide, very involved, has a lot of information and knowledge. Thanks Neil! :)
We really enjoyed it. The hike is not easy, but it is worth every minute. (Posted on 04/07/2017) -
The Fairfield Horseshoe: Saturday 13th May 2017 Review by Yvonne
Overall Experience Hi John
Just like to say what a great time I had on Saturday, Rachel was a really good guide, very enthusiastic, engaging with all the group and managing the pace.
I'll be booking again shortly.
Thanks Yvonne (Posted on 21/05/2017) -
Great day out Review by Mark
Overall Experience Having done various peaks of the Fairfield Horseshoe but not the entire circuit,decided to book.Glad I did,great walking,very good guide Neil and the weather was beautiful(9th May).The scenery was amazing,will be booking again for next week,thanks to you all (Posted on 11/05/2017)
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Would happily have done it again the next day Review by Simon
Overall Experience Fabulous walk - great views and a lovely way to pass the day. A lot of ascent to start with but thereafter a gentle hike with views in all directions. Thank you (Posted on 27/04/2017)
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Fairfield Horshoe Review by David and Tracy
Overall Experience What a great day out! Many thanks to Richard (the guide), and nice to meet his dad too! We were lucky with the weather thank goodness, and a small group is always great! It was good to meet Brenda and David who have obviously done a lot of walking before. Tracy is pretty new to this kind of walk, but embraced it well and is keen to do more!
This is a 'big day out' though. So whilst it is lovely and well worthwile, you will need to be reasonably fit to complete it. We are still massaging sore muscles!
All in all, a lovely satisfying achievement. Many thanks and best wishes to all.
Dave and Tracy. (Posted on 07/10/2016) -
Fantastic Review by Lesley
Overall Experience A Fantastic walk on a beautiful day! Thanks (Posted on 20/09/2016)
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Great Walk along the Fairfield Horseshoe Review by Rlunicomb
Overall Experience Didn't feel confident doing this walk on our own - so we joined a scheduled day tour with The Lake District Walker. Glad we did! We ended up having the tour guide, Steve, to ourselves in the end, as no one else joined. It was a tough walk, but Steve was very patient and stayed with me (the slow one of the group) and encouraged me to keep going. He was very knowledgeable about the area and an interesting guy as well! We had a great day. Highly recommend a walk with these guys! (Posted on 19/09/2016)
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Fairfield Horseshoe walk this weekend Review by kirstie whyatt
Overall Experience Big thank you to Paul who took us on the Fairfield Horseshoe walk this weekend. Very knowledgeable and a really nice guy. Lovely walk, didn't expect the sunshine as everyone we usually do rains so had a lot of coats in the rucksack. I'm booked in for hellvelyn and striding edge on the 20th Oct, hopefully I will see Paul again then. Thank you x (Posted on 19/09/2016)
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Fairfield Horseshoe Review by Nicola Brown
Overall Experience Had a fantastic walk this weekend (on the Fairfield Horseshoe), led by Paul ,who was very friendly and knowledgeable. The sun shone all day, hardly any wind and the views were spectacular. Will definitely be back for more! (Posted on 19/09/2016)
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Great day on the hill Review by Angela
Overall Experience Another great day out. Didn't do the whole horseshoe as the weather was wild when we got to Fairfield. We dropped back down to Rydal after lunch. Still a very enjoyable day in the hills. Third day of walking with lake district walker and would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to do a guided walk. (Posted on 30/08/2016)
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Excellent! Review by Beanygirl
Overall Experience A wonderful day, guided by John, who's knowledge and experience were both evident in his interesting narrative. Will definitely be booking again and would highly recommend this to all. (Posted on 31/12/2015)
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A perfect day round Fairfield Horseshoe Review by David - The Country Gardener
Overall Experience A brilliant day around Fairfield Horseshoe where we enjoyed "Alpine" conditions with snow in bright sunshine with extensive views and clear visibility to Scotland ,Wales , Isle of Man , Pendle Hill and Blackpool Tower !
I enjoyed the company of a friendly group of walkers led by John who provide us with interesting narrative along the route.
Thanks to John and the rest of the group for a great day and hope to see you all again soon
David (Posted on 23/11/2015)
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Questions:
Question:
What is the minimum age for children on this event?
Answers:
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Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.
As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Question:
What happens if the weather is bad?
Answers:
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Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.
Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund
Question:
Are dogs allowed on this walk?
Answers:
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Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 September 2017
Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.
However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.
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