Map & Elevation
About this Route
This Fairfield Horseshoe GPX is a 16.0 km point-to-point ridge walk from Rydal to Ambleside, with 959 m of ascent from TrailTrack's elevation analysis. It climbs the western arm first—Nab Scar, Heron Pike and Great Rigg—crosses Fairfield, then descends the eastern arm over Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike.
The GPX is not a closed circuit: it starts at Rydal Mount and ends in Ambleside, so plan transport or add a separate low-level link if you need to return to Rydal. The ridges are broad but exposed, and Fairfield's stony summit plateau is confusing in cloud; carry a map and compass and identify the correct east-south-east line towards Hart Crag.
Hart Crag is the first top after Fairfield and deserves its own check in poor visibility: the eastern arm bends south from there, while other trods run towards Deepdale. Water is scarce once you are on the ridge, and there is no shelter beyond occasional walls and summit cairns. Start with enough food and drink for the whole horseshoe, and expect the descent from Low Pike through High Sweden Bridge to take longer than it appears from above.
"The Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds."
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Route Waypoints
Start at the foot of Nab Scar near Rydal Mount, grid reference NY 364 062. Follow the GPX north-west onto the steep pitched ascent; this file does not begin in Ambleside.
Reach the first top above Rydal Water, then continue north on the western ridge. The route passes close to the summit before climbing towards Heron Pike.
Continue north over the ridge and its higher north top, with the horseshoe visible ahead. Stay on the GPX towards the broader climb to Great Rigg.
From Great Rigg, follow the broad stony ridge north to Fairfield. In deteriorating weather this is the last major top before the most navigationally confusing ground.
The broad summit has multiple cairns and paths. This GPX leaves east-south-east towards Link Hause and Hart Crag; confirm the line with map and compass before moving.
The route crosses Hart Crag at about 7.9 km, then continues over Dove Crag. Turn south on the eastern arm, following the ridge and wall towards High Pike.
Pass High Pike at about 10.7 km before reaching Low Pike. Continue south on rough ground and rock steps, then descend towards Low Sweden Bridge.
Finish in Ambleside after the descent via Low Sweden Bridge and Nook Lane. The GPX ends here, roughly 2 km from its Rydal start by the low-level road and paths.
Essential Tips
Fairfield is broad and featureless in poor visibility, with several ridges leaving the summit. For this GPX, verify the east-south-east line towards Hart Crag rather than following the most obvious cairn or path.
This file starts at Rydal Mount and finishes in Ambleside. Arrange a bus, walk the low-level link separately, or begin with that link from Ambleside; do not expect the GPX itself to close the circuit.
The route spends many kilometres above 600 m and has limited easy escape options. Check the mountain forecast and carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, a head torch and independent navigation.
The descent over High Pike and Low Pike includes rough path, wet grass and rock steps. Slow down on tired legs and keep to the GPX and established line to reduce erosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Fairfield Horseshoe GPX a closed circuit?
No. This GPX starts at Rydal Mount and ends in Ambleside. Arrange transport or add a separate low-level link of roughly 2 km if you need to return to Rydal.
How long is this Fairfield Horseshoe route?
The GPX is 16.0 km with 959 m of ascent. Its Naismith planning estimate is 4 hr 48 min; allow longer for breaks, navigation, weather and the rough descent.
Which summits does this Fairfield Horseshoe GPX cross?
In order: Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike, before the descent to Ambleside.