Fairfield
Walking Guide and Walks

Fairfield (873 metres) is a popular mountain summit usually included in a horseshoe route starting and ending in Ambleside and including Hart Crag. The southern flank of the fell is characterised by grassy ridges and relatively easy walking with views south to Windermere . In complete contrast, the northern aspect of the fell is dominated by scree slopes, rocky precipices and deep valleys with Grisedale Tarn adding another scenic dimension. From the summit, there are excellent views with Helvellyn, the fells of High Street, St Sunday Crag, the Old Man of Coniston, Scafell Pike and Grasmoor all in view. Other summits in the group include St Sunday Crag with is lovely long ridge and solitary Red Screes.

Although not reaching mountain status, other fells in this group include Dove Crag and Great Rigg both of which are crossed when completing the Fairfield Horseshoe, the scenic ridge of Hartsop above How and Little Hart Crag with its north-eastern ridge extending to the wonderful viewpoint of High Hartsop Dodd.

List of walks

★ GPS file available ☩ Route profile

Walk	Description	Grade	Miles
1170★☩	Fairfield Horseshoe (short route)	mod/hard	9.50
3423★☩	Dove Crag & Red Screes - Scandale Horseshoe	mod/hard	9.50
3034★☩	Red Screes & Other Fells from Ambleside	mod/hard	10.00
1002★☩	The Fairfield Horseshoe	mod/hard	11.00
1710★☩	Glenridding, St. Sunday Crag & Helvellyn	hard	11.50
1520★☩	Helvellyn & Fairfield Horseshoe from Patterdale	very hard	13.00
1823★☩	Fairfield Horseshoe & Loughrigg from High Close	mod/hard	14.00

Table of summits in the Fairfield Group

Rank	Mountain	Metres/Feet	Location
32	Fairfield	873 / 2864	Lake District
46	St Sunday Crag	841 / 2759	Lake District
53	Hart Crag	822 / 2697	Lake District
80	Red Screes	776 / 2546	Lake District

What is a mountain?

The accepted standard for a mountain in England & Wales is that its summit is 610 metres (2000 feet) or more above sea level. In addition, rules are in place on the height difference above intervening cols with adjacent summits to determine whether a summit is a separate mountain or a subsidiary 'top'. This is not the place to discuss the technicalities of this issue but the list has been checked against reliable tables. With simplicity in mind separate tops have been excluded from the list as these would normally be discussed in relation to their main summits. The list includes 258 summits and these will all be added in due course starting from the highest and working down.

Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.

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FairfieldWalking Guide and Walks

List of walks

Table of summits in the Fairfield Group

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Mountain Weather

Fairfield
Walking Guide and Walks