Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
One of Lakeland`s classic horseshoe walks with easy access from Ambleside Town
centre. The walk described here is done in an anti clockwise direction, thus avoiding
the very steep pull up Nab Scar at the start. Either way however this is a magnificent
full day`s walk
The car park at the Northern end of Town on Rydal Road is the start point for this
walk. From the car park, cross the main road and head for Sweden Bridge Lane.
The shot here is Nab Scar from from the Lane
Heading towards the bridge crossing, and the ridge line of Low and High Pike
that form one side of the Scandale valley
Approaching Sweden Bridge. From here the path veers left towards the lower slopes
of Low Pike. It`s just a case of following it to start on the obvious climb alongside
the wall leading upwards
After the initial height is gained, the route forward becomes apparent. The line of
the wall leads unerringly towards High Pike
From High Pike the wall breaks up a little. However it can still be relied upon to
guide you to the summit of Dove Crag. The horseshoe becomes more apparent
when you see Fairfield at the head of the valley
Looking over the Scandale valley towards Kidsty Pike
Looking across to Heron Pike and Great Rigg
Looking back to Windermere from the top of Hart Crag
Approaching the top of Fairfield and looking North down the Grisedale valley
On the summit of Fairfield looking towards Windermere
After lunch on Fairfield, I head off towards Great Rigg on the return leg of
the horseshoe. This is excellent walking
Looking back towards Fairfield at the head of the valley
Dropping down from Great Rigg to Heron Pike
Looking West towards Easdale Tarn
Rydal Water from the path to Heron Crag
Rydal Water and Grasmere
From the top of Nab Scar, a view down to Rydal Water which gives an indication
of the steepness. The path down to Rydal Hall is easy to follow. It`s then just a case
of walking along the A591 back to Ambleside
