fairfield

The Fairfield Horseshoe

I had intended to do this famous walk two days previously, but had slightly sprained an ankle two days before that, so a delay ensued. Probably a good thing, since the weather improved and we had a great day!

Here are some pictures (click on any picture for a larger version):

We started from the road leading up to Rydal Mount, where Wordsworth lived for many years.
	As you climb, the other side of the Horseshoe comes into view. This is High Pike and Low Pike, where we return to Rydal.
The view back down to Windermere, from near the top of Nab Scar., the first objective of the day.
	After Nab Scar you start the ridge walk towards Fairfield, away in the distance. This is the top of Heron Pike, Sophie very proud of herself.
Looking down west from the top of Heron Pike. You can see Easedale Tarn and, on the left, the Langdale Pikes in front of the high central fells.
	At this point we made a diversion (Stuart Marshall's idea, to include a Wainwright just a mile or so off the track). Heron Pike is up on the left, and we are dropping down, across, up and down again to Stone Arthur. This view is southwards down Greenhead Gill, and you can see Grasmere, with the Coniston fells in the distance,
There you can see Heron Pike and Nab Scar, from the ridge between Stone Arthur, which is out of sight down on the right, and Great Rigg, up on the left.
	Looking down on Grasmere from the top of Stone Arthur.
And, from almost the same place, here is Helm Crag and Far Easedale.
	And even further round north. Helm Crag on the left, Steel Fell on the right. In the distance is Ullscarf, with High Raise on the left
Some few minutes later, when we had climbed up from Stone Arthur along the ridge to Great Rigg
	Looking back down towards Heron Pike and Nab Scar. Stone Arthur is down on the right.
Further round left, you can see Lake Windermere.
	The view north: Dollywaggon Pike, with its great scar of a path, is visible across Grisedale Hause. Seat Sandal rises up to the left, Fairfield to the right.
Seat Sandal, from Great Rigg. Rather better weather than the previous day, when we climbed it!
	At the high point of the walk - Fairfield, so the dogs pose as usual...
Looking across at the Helvellyn range, with Striding Edge silhouetted against the sky on the right.
	This is St Sunday Crag. Samba is standing at the top of the steep way to climb Fairfield, via Cofa Pike.
Looking east from Fairfield, down Deepdale.
	St Sunday Crag, from near the top of Hart Crag, our next stop.
Looking back at Helvellyn, in the distance, from near Hart Crag.
	The view south from the top of Hart Crag.
Looking down the ridge to Hartsop above How, with Deepdale on the left.
	Dovedale, as seen from Hart Crag.
Looking back towards Helvellyn.
	From Dove Crag, the view over towards Brothers Water.
The path from the top of Dove Crag south towards Windermere.
	Where we started this morning. The valley between the two sides of the horseshoe appears to have no name, which is curious...
From near Dove Crag down to the valley you follow this massive wall - much of which has collapsed over the years. It must have taken years to build! Either they had nothing better to do, or they didn't introduce hefted sheep until much later...
	The path from High Pike to Low Pike.
Low Pike.
	High Pike, from Low Pike.
The path down from Low Pike.
	The little road from Rydal to Ambleside, a short-cut back to Rydal from Low Sweden Bridge.
Rydal Park.
	Not a bad place for a café! At Rydal Hall, 100 yards from the car...

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