Highlights

The view from Heron Pike

The Tea Shop at Rydal Hall

I started this Hike at Rydal Hall after spending the night at their fantastic campsite (See my review here if you fancy a 'nearly' wild camp). You can also pay to park for the day, which costs £10, where you get a £5 voucher to spend in the tea room, which I highly recommend after this hike. 

Turn right out of the Hall, and take the easy-to-follow path up Nab Scar, where you can get breathtaking scenery over Rydal Water and Windermere and views across to The Langdales. It's pretty steep, but there are reasonable steps that lead the way, and the views make it more than worth it. Once up Nab Scar, there is a lovely area where you can sit and take in the views.

Heading towards Heron Pike seems less steep than getting up Nab Scar. The path is good, and there are cairns every now and then, so you don't need to worry about getting lost. On a clear day, the view up here is sensational; honestly, you may not want to leave. 

You then go straight along Rydal Fell, which takes you to Great Rigg. If you want to tick off another Wainright, Stone Arthur, there is a clear path just before Great Rigg that will take you down to the summit; be warned, you'll have to walk back up, though. 

Moving on from Great Rigg, the last bit of significant elevation will get you to the summit of Fairfield, where you will have 360-degree views. This area is relatively flat, with several places, including an enclosed area where you can sit and have lunch.

Slightly going back on yourself, you head towards Hart Crag, where you do have to go down a bit before you head back up, but nothing too tricky after what you have already done. From here, the path, although still reasonably clear, does get rockier, so watch your step. 

High Pike and Low Pike are a bit more complicated due to their rockiness, but you can avoid the more significant drops on the path and go around them to get back on the main path. Don't let this put you off, as you can miss the more complex bits.

Once you are down the Pikes, the path turns into a farmer's track which you can follow back to the Rydal Hall. 

I will rate this hike as moderate due to its length and ascent, but the tea room at the end makes it all worthwhile.

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Read more of my blog posts here:

How I Stay Safe Solo Hiking and Wild Camping

 My First Solo Wild Camp

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