Fairfield Horseshoe Hike Guide - The Lake District
Kate- May 7
- 3 min read
Distance: Approx. 10 miles (16 km) circular
Time Required: 5.5–7 hours
Elevation Gain: ~1,059 metres
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Facilities: Limited (tea room at Rydal Hall); no public toilets on the route
Best For: Classic ridge walking, panoramic Lake District views, and ticking off multiple Wainwrights
Weather Note: The summit of Fairfield is flat and can be disorienting in poor visibility. Always bring a map, compass, waterproofs, and layers.
Starting Point: Rydal Hall, near Ambleside (Postcode: LA22 9LX)
If you're looking for a rewarding and scenic ridge walk in the heart of the Lake District, the Fairfield Horseshoe is an iconic choice. This circular route links eight Wainwright summits in a horseshoe-shaped ridgeline surrounding the Rydal Valley. With commanding views, varied terrain, and a satisfying loop, it’s a top-tier hike for seasoned walkers.
Getting There and Facilities
The walk begins at Rydal Hall, located just north of Ambleside. Paid parking is available on-site (around £10 per day, but please call first), and the Rydal Hall tea room provides refreshments before or after your hike. Ambleside, a short drive away, offers additional accommodation, eateries, and gear shops.
More Hiking Blog Posts:
Hiking the Fairfield Horseshoe – Overview and Directions
Starting the Walk: Rydal Hall to Nab Scar
The hike starts behind Rydal Hall and ascends steeply up Nab Scar via a stone-pitched path. This first climb quickly rewards with sweeping views of Rydal Water, Grasmere, and Windermere.
Ridge Section: Nab Scar to Great Rigg
Continue along the broad grassy ridge to Heron Pike and then to Great Rigg. The walking here is relatively gentle and ideal for enjoying the unfolding views. Before reaching Fairfield, an optional detour to Stone Arthur can be taken.
Summit Plateau: Climbing Fairfield
From Great Rigg, the path steepens to reach Fairfield, the walk's highest point (873m). The summit is broad and flat, with cairns marking the top. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Helvellyn, the Langdales, and the Coniston range.
Important: If visibility drops, this plateau can be disorienting in the cloud—use a compass or GPS.
Descent Route: Fairfield to Low Pike
The return leg follows the ridgeline over Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, and Low Pike. The terrain becomes rockier and requires sure-footedness, especially after rain. Take care here, especially during the descent.
Completing the Loop: Back to Rydal
The trail gently descends through farmland and woodland before returning to Rydal Hall. This final section is much easier underfoot and a pleasant wind-down to finish the circuit.
Final Thoughts
The Fairfield Horseshoe is a classic Lake District hike that packs in dramatic scenery, varied terrain, and multiple peaks. While the route is well-trodden and straightforward in good weather, poor visibility at the summit and exposed ridges require good navigation and preparation. For experienced walkers, it offers one of the most satisfying full-day outings in the region.
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If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Ordnance Survey App. It lets you import GPX routes directly and mirrors the paper maps you should always carry as a backup. I use this app to plan all my hikes, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the great outdoors.
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