Description
About The Fairfield Horseshoe – A Lake District Classic!
Situated just North of Ambleside, the beautiful Rydal valley is surrounded by several peaks which together form a large U-shaped ridge. At the head of the valley is Fairfield (mountain) which is highest point on the route at 873m (2,864ft).
The 11 mile circular walk around this valley, along the tops is known as The Fairfield Horseshoe and is an absolute Lake District classic! With stunning views on all sides (weather permitting) on both ascent and descent, including spectacular views from the summit of Fairfield towards Helvellyn and the Grisedale & Deepdale Valleys.
You’ll also get to pass over the summits of 8 Wainwrights too on this route, so if you’re bagging the Wainwrights, or would like to get started ticking the Wainwrights off this is a great route to get a good number of them in one go!
You’ll get to meet other like-minded people, make new friends and above all have an unforgettable and fun day out in one of Britain’s most beautiful locations.
Route Facts – The Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside
Route Name: The Fairfield Horseshoe
Distance: 11 miles (17.7km)
Total Ascent:Â 3,519ft (1,073m)
Time to Complete: 7-9 hours.
Summits Covered: Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike
Wainwrights: 8
Start point: Ambleside Town Centre. (OS grid ref NY 37588 04682)
Route Type:Â Circular
Dates don’t suit? Book me privately to guide you, or your group.
If you don’t want to join a group, would like a private guide, or the date above simply doesn’t suit you, then you can hire me privately for the day to guide you or your group on any date you choose (as long as I’m free). Please click Book Me for a Private Guided Walk. Or simply contact me with any enquiries.
What to Expect / Previous Experience
Most of the walks I offer are suitable for beginners with no hillwalking experience, although you should be reasonably fit, be able to walk up to 11 to 12 miles on rough terrain and expect a physically demanding day in the hills. The Fairfield Horseshoe is a mountain route with a mixture of grassy paths and rough, rocky terrain and has over 1,000m of ascent (height gain).. If you’re already an active person who’s used to walking a few miles at the weekends or you have done mountain routes before without issue – or are pretty fit and healthy then you should be fine. Please let me/us know if there are any physical or medical conditions beforehand and we will proceed accordingly.
It is also worth remembering that the weather can also play a big factor in the day with wind, rain and poor visibility (ie. not many views). The temperature can be considerably colder higher up on the hills than it is down in the valley. Despite poor weather we will still have a fab fun day out. I can honestly say I’ve never not enjoyed a day in the hills, even when its been chucking it down with rain (it can even actually make it more fun sometimes).
What You Will Need to Bring
When you book with us, you will be sent a full kit list of what you will need to bring on the day. It is your responsibility to make sure you have these things or you won’t be able to go up the mountain. The weather can turn extremely quickly and it’s important that each member of the group is sufficiently prepared for this, as well as has enough food and water for themselves for the walk.
A typical kit list for a day hike would include:
• 35 Litre (ish) Backpack.
• Lunch (eg sandwiches).
• Snacks to eat along the way for energy.
• Water (1.5 litre recommended, no less).
• Warm Hat & Gloves.
• Midlayer (eg. Fleece) & a spare.
• Waterproof Jacket.
• Suitable trousers for hiking in the rain (not jeans, joggers or similar).
• Waterproof overtrousers (to wear if needed over your hiking trousers).
• Suitable hiking boots for rough / mountainous terrain (not trainers).
• Warm jacket (in case we stop) – a down jacket or something similar.
• We recommend wearing Merino wool hiking socks for comfort.
• Sun protection (suncream & sunglasses).
• Any medication you may need.
Optional:
• Walking Poles (some people find they help, others don’t).
• Head Torch.
• Camera
Your Mountain Leader / Guide will carry a group First Aid kit, navigational equipment, maps and emergency group shelter.
About Me, Your Guide
Adrian Conchie – Mountain Leader
Extremely passionate about being outdoors, I offer guided walks in the Mountains and hills of the Lake District, Snowdonia, Peak District & Yorkshire Dales, as well as other low level hiking trails. I spend nearly every moment of my spare time either in the mountains, or hiking various trails in the UK. I like to set myself challenges and I am currently climbing all 446 mountains of England & Wales (currently I have done 362). I have also completed several other challenges, like completing all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District, doing the 47 mile Windermere Way in 1 day, the 77 mile Cumbria Way in 2 days, the West Highland Way in 3 days and more!
I believe the outdoors provides an unbeatable way of keeping healthy, both physically & mentally. It is the perfect way to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life and being outdoors amongst nature is personally my ultimate therapy. I love being able to inspire others and to show them the benefits that the Outdoors can bring, which is one of the reasons I became a Mountain Leader.
Will you still go in bad weather?
In most cases, we will still go out and proceed with the route if there is rain, poor visibility and moderate wind. However, the safety of the group is my main priority and as I’m sure you can understand if I/your guide deems the weather conditions to be dangerous, (very strong winds / thunderstorms for example) – then I will make the decision to cancel that particular route and offer an alternative. I always like to have a plan B and in most areas, we can still have a fabulous, fun and memorable day out doing a lower-level route whereby the weather would be less of a concern.
Any Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the Fairfield Horseshoe, or any other route. I’d be happy to help – Click Here to get in touch.
Book Me Privately For The Fairfield Horseshoe
(If the hike is for more people than what is offered in the booking form, please contact me first for a quote).
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