The Fairfield Horseshoe.

A justly popular walk that includes eight of Wainwright's 214 Lakeland tops. Starting from Ambleside it can be done either clockwise or anticlockwise and has the advantage of places of refreshment if needed at both ends. At the Rydal end by Rydal Hall is the Old Schoolhouse Teashop whilst almost at the the end of Nook Lane in Ambleside you will find the Golden Rule. Perhaps the anticlockwise route that passes by Nook End and follows the Eastern Arm of the horseshoe has the advantage of a wall that can be followed as far as the col between Dove Crag and Hart Crag so that if the weather really closes in the wall can be followed back to safety. In mist the top of Fairfield is fairly featureless and can be confusing. Even a number of people who know the top well have sometimes taken a route that they did not intend to follow in misty conditions, including me! No problems today though. Anyway, for those who have not enjoyed this fine walk the circuit starting from Ambleside is a little over ten miles and involves slightly more than 3000fet of ascent.

Approx 9.10am. A short distance up the path to the eastern arm of the Horseshoe a view of Ambleside and Windermere.

And a little higher looking towards Wansfell with signs of approaching sunrise.

On the more gently rising section between High Pike and Dove Crag.

And from close to the top of Dove Crag looking across Patterdale towards the strangely snow free Place Fell.

From the last easy slopes to the top of Fairfield big mist banks rolling over the Helvellyn Range.

And from almost the same point looking back to Hart Crag. Descent from Hart Crag to the col of Link Hause quite tricky on hard packed snow. The line of footprints can just be seen. In the distance the two pointed peaks are Froswick and Ill Bell.Approx 12.15pm.

Hutaple crag and Deepdale from the top of Fairfield.

From the slopes of Great Rigg looking back to Fairfield.Plenty of folk on their way up.

And swinging the camera a little to the left to look past the flank of Fairfield towards the Dollywagon zigzag path and the crags of the Helvellyn range.

On the way to Heron Pike looking back to Great Rigg and Fairfield.

Just below Heron Pike a view westwards to the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell. Easedale Tarn almost in the centre of the picture.

And finally......Approx 1.50pm From just below Heron Pike on the way to Nab Scar, Ambleside and a foreshortened Windermere. There was a winter series sailing race in progress on the lake and the sails could be seen clearly from the top of Fairfield. Unfortunately they do not show up well in this shot. .

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