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Kat | Summits & Skies went for a hike
April 18, 2026
Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside (+ Stone Arthur)
06:02
20.5km
3.4km/h
1,020m
1,060m
Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the most well-known ridge walks in the Lake District, and is worth saving for a clear day with good conditions.
Starting from bustling Ambleside, the route circles around 7 Wainwrights - the highest of which being Fairfield itself.
With wide ridges and mostly well-trodden paths, this makes for a great introduction to longer day hikes in the Lakes and is one I’d recommend to anyone wanting a flavour of classic Lakeland views.
The loop can be walked in either direction - this one goes anti-clockwise, ending with stunning views of Windermere on your way back.
For those who have time and energy, the detour to Stone Arthur is a relatively straightforward addition, but adds extra elevation and 2.5km to the hike. If your goal is to visit all Wainwrights, it’s a more practical way to cover Stone Arthur vs a short and steep ascent from Grasmere to cover it on its own.
Terrain is mostly gravel/ grassy paths with some rocky sections between Low Pike and Fairfield.
Wainwrights on this route:
Low Pike (508m)
High Pike (656m)
Dove Crag (792m)
Hart Crag (822m)
Fairfield (873m)
Great Rigg (766m)
Heron Pike (612m)
( Optional - Stone Arthur (503m) )
Waypoints
Route Details
Elevation
Highest point (860 m)
Lowest point (60 m)
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