Fairfield Horseshoe Hike: Route & 8 Wainwrights
Updated: 3 days ago
Location: Rydal, near Ambleside, Lake District
Route type: Circular fell walk
Distance: Approximately 16 km (10 miles)
Ascent: Approximately 1,034 metres
Time: The route information estimates 5.5–7 hours; allow a full day with stops
Difficulty: Challenging
Wainwrights: Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike
Start and finish: Rydal Hall area, LA22 9LX (Parking can be limited here, so ring up in advance; they can book you in, or alternatively there is Pelter Bridge parking, Ambleside LA22 9LW)
Terrain: Steep climbs, exposed high ground, rocky paths and a long descent
Facilities: Rydal Hall café; no public toilets on the fell route
The Fairfield Horseshoe hike is amazing, but it’s tough. It takes in eight Wainwrights on a long circular route above Rydal, and you'll need a full day. I found it hard work, particularly because the route keeps going long after you’ve reached Fairfield summit. You still have several fells to cross before the descent.
This is the route I followed, along with the practical details I’d want before setting off.
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Parking, Facilities and Where to Stay
Rydal Hall has limited visitor parking. Check with reception before travelling for availability, current charges and parking permits; don’t assume there will be a space.
There’s a café at Rydal Hall, but check opening times before relying on it before or after your walk. There are no public toilets on the fell route.
If you want to stay nearby, read my Rydal Hall Campsite review. The tent pitches are spread through the woodland, giving the site a more spacious feel than a closely packed campsite. It’s a tent-camping option, not a place for car camping.
Planning a few days out? Join the National Trust for free parking at most National Trust car parks, which could work out better than paying each time separately. - See here!
Route and Navigation for the Fairfield Horseshoe Hike
Download my Fairfield Horseshoe GPX above or open the route in OS Maps. Check that the route you save matches the start point and direction you intend to walk, as Fairfield Horseshoe routes can vary slightly.
Download it for offline use before travelling. A GPX is helpful, but carry a paper map and compass as well, and know how to use them. Get OS Maps here.
Starting the Hike: Rydal and Nab Scar
My route starts in the Rydal Hall area and climbs towards Nab Scar. The ascent is steep, so set a steady pace from the start rather than rushing the first climb.
Nab Scar is the first Wainwright on this version of the circuit. From there, the route continues along the ridge over Heron Pike and Great Rigg. You’re already committed to a substantial day by this point, so keep eating and drinking rather than waiting until you feel tired.
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Across the Ridge to Fairfield
From Great Rigg, the route climbs to Fairfield, at 873 metres. The summit is broad and relatively flat. It can be difficult to judge your direction in cloud, so check your position carefully and don’t rely on seeing the next path.
The views are a big part of what makes this walk special, but the high ground is exposed. Check the mountain forecast before you leave, and be prepared for ridge conditions to feel different from those in the valley.
The Return over Hart Crag and Low Pike
Reaching Fairfield doesn’t mean the hard part is over. The route returns over Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike. The ground is rocky in places, and the descent comes after a lot of climbing and walking.
That long return is one of the things I’d make sure people understand before choosing this route. The Fairfield Horseshoe is a full circuit, not a short walk up to one summit and back down. Leave enough time to finish without rushing, and take care on the rougher sections, especially when they’re wet.
From Low Pike, the route descends towards the valley and loops back to the Rydal starting area. Follow the GPX for the exact line of the return section.
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How Difficult is the Fairfield Horseshoe?
I found this a tough, full-day hike. The distance is around 16 km, but the ascent and number of summits make it feel like a substantial mountain walk. The long return over the eastern fells is easy to underestimate when you’re planning from the map.
I’d recommend it to walkers who are comfortable with long days on uneven, exposed terrain. I wouldn’t choose it in poor visibility without strong navigation skills, especially because Fairfield’s summit can be confusing in cloud.
Walking the Fairfield Horseshoe Solo
This is a long fell walk, so plan it as a full day rather than relying on a quick estimate from a mapping app. Tell someone your route and expected return time, check the mountain forecast, and carry a map and compass that you know how to use.
Download the GPX or OS Maps route before you set off, but don’t rely on your phone as your only navigation plan. Take enough food, water and warm layers for the whole walk, and be willing to change your plans if the conditions aren’t right.
My Experience of the Fairfield Horseshoe
I found the Fairfield Horseshoe both tough and amazing. It’s a proper full-day circular hike, and the effort doesn’t stop when you reach Fairfield: there’s still a long way to go over the fells on the return.
That’s what I’d tell someone thinking about doing it. Go because you want a big day in the hills and the challenge of completing the whole horseshoe. Give yourself the time it needs, and don’t underestimate the descent just because you’ve already passed the highest summit.
Fairfield Horseshoe FAQs
How long does the Fairfield Horseshoe take?
The route information estimates 5.5–7 hours. I’d set aside a full day so you have time for stops and don’t need to rush the return.
How many Wainwrights are on the route?
This version includes eight: Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike.
Is Fairfield summit difficult to navigate?
It can be, especially in cloud. The broad summit area can make it harder to judge your direction, so carry a map and compass and check your position.
Where can I stay near the Fairfield Horseshoe?
Read my review of Rydal Hall Campsite. Check directly with the campsite for current availability, facilities and rules.
More Lake District hiking routes
If you’re planning another walk in the Lakes, check out my guides to the Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn without the ridges.
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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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