Seat Sandal & Fairfield from Grasmere

Lake District Walk

Fell Walk + Exceptional Views

Walk Route Description

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An energetic walk combining Seat Sandal and Fairfield from near Grasmere. Seat Sandal, in contrast to Fairfield, sees few walkers and the paths have suffered little erosion. The views during the ascent are superb and include many of the Lake District peaks. A steep descent to Grisedale Tarn is followed by a longer steep climb onto Fairfield. Return to Grasmere is across Great Rigg and down to Stone Arthur.

The walk starts from a layby on the west side of the A591 north of Grasmere village (grid ref. NY338085). From here Seat Sandal is in view. Walk up the A591, pass the Traveller's Rest Inn and turn right onto a signed bridleway just past a post box in the wall. This path leads up to Grisedale Hause. Continue for about 500 metres and turn left through a wooden gate. The path then heads uphill through a gap in the top right corner of the field. The onward route maintains direction up to a gate and beyond that another gate which leads onto open fell. The grassy path follows the south ridge of Seat Sandal in an arc that leads to the summit cairn. During the ascent take time to enjoy the view behind which includes amongst other fells the Scafells, Bow Fell and Great Gable plus many more.

From the summit head north down beside the broken wall with Dollywaggon Pike ahead. Reaching the foot of the steep slope, turn right and briefly walk towards Grisedale Tarn and fork right and walk above Grisedale Tarn which is down on your left. Reaching Grisedale Hause (grid ref. NY349117) cross the bridleway and start the steep ascent onto Fairfield. The path leads onto Fairfield's broad summit area where the highest point is marked by a cairn. Again, the view is superb and includes much of the Lake District. As the name suggests, this mountain is a grassy plateau, so it is worth exploring the rim of the plateau.

Having reached the highest point of the walk it is downhill almost all the way back to Grasmere. In poor visibility do be careful to take the correct path off Fairfield as it can be a confusing place in low cloud. Keeping on the main path roughly south continue to Great Rigg. You will find it easy to keep a good pace with an excellent Lakeland panorama ahead. Reaching the cairn on Great Rigg, start the descent but fork right off the main Heron Pike path along the subsidiary ridge leading to Stone Arthur.

Not nearly as busy as the main path, you descend gently to the rocky outcrop named Stone Arthur. The views to Grasmere and Easedale are particularly good and after a little scrambling the path descends more abruptly before levelling off again. The route is waymarked and soon you reach a lane (grid ref. NY341084). Turn right and follow the lane back to the A591 and the start of the walk.

Walk GradingMore Lake District Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 3769	Alcock Tarn & Great Rigg from Grasmere	moderate	6.2 miles
Walk 2254	Grisedale Tarn from Grasmere	moderate	5.5 miles
Walk 2841	Seat Sandal via Grisedale Tarn from Grasmere	moderate	5.0 miles
Walk 2932	Green Burn horseshoe from Grasmere	moderate	7.0 miles
Walk 1111	High Raise & Helm Crag from Grasmere	mod/hard	9.5 miles