Fairfield Horseshoe has to rate as the most popular horseshoe walks in the Lake District, walked in either direction it's most definitely an exhilarating, exciting high level outing with fantastic views unfolding in every direction, most people start in Ambleside, I chose to begin my day in Rydal ascending the steep slopes of Nab Scar first. I'm lucky I can see the lakeland fells from the top of my garden, they were covered in white stuff lots of it, this was going to be a walk through a winter wonderland.

I parked opposite St Mary's Church in Rydal to begin the steep slippery ascent of Nab Scar, most of the climb was made on the path edge, the pitch path was far too slippery to set foot on, as I climbed higher the snow condition improved. Walking in soft snow saps the strength, I was soon dragging burning legs over the summits of Nab Scar and Heron Pike, through deep snow into strong winds en route to Great Rigg, conditions improved as I ascended to the summit of Fairfield. My route back took me over Hart Crag via Rydal Head before reaching the summit of Dove Crag, all down hill from here. On reaching High Pike I crossed the wall to descend the Rydal side, the descent on this side is far less technical especially in snow and ice. I was soon crossing Low Pike and High Sweden Crag before walking through Low Sweden Coppice, from the northwest corner of the field a permissive path follows the waters of Scandale Beck into Rydal Park, I followed this, on reaching the lane a right turn saw me strolling past Rydal Hall before reaching St Mary's Church and the waiting car.

Fairfield Horseshoe under Winter Snow.	back to list view route map
	Early morning over Windermere seen from the steep slopes of Nab Scar.
	Ascending Nab Scar with stunning views to Dove Crag and High Pike.
	The golden glow of morning, looking to the Coniston massif.
	The spectacular unfolding panorama as I near the summit of Nab Scar.
	Who needs summer when winter brings views like this one, from the summit of Heron Pike, Fairfield.
	Looking to the Rydal face of Hart Crag.
	The mouth-watering scene at the head of Rydal, Fairfield, to the left Great Rigg, and the right Hart Crag.
	Stunning conditions on the final ascent to Fairfield, looking back along the ridge, Great Rigg, Heron Pike, the silvery waters of Windermere Lake, on the far horizon Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea coast.
	On the summit Fairfield looking to St Sunday Crag.
	Wonderful winter scenery across the summit of Fairfield, here's a view to Helvellyn and Striding Edge.
	Most definitely a winter wonderland as I look to the Kentmere range, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke.
	The magical view from Rydal Head, Heron Pike leading to Great Rigg and the long ascent to Fairfield.
	Descending from Hart Crag looking to the arctic scene across the summit of Dove Crag.
	A striking view across the head of Patterdale, Hartsop Dodd backed by Gray Crag topped off by the long ridge of High Street.
	Jaw-dropping views from the head of Houndshope Cove, in the foreground Great Rigg looking to a distant Great Gable.
	Fairfield carrying the eye to Hart Crag seen from the arctic slopes of Dove Crag.
	Viewing the Coniston massif from the deep snow slopes of Dove Crag.
	Descending to High Pike with Windermere Lake guiding me down.
	Looking to the high ground between Rydal and Scandale, my descent followed the wall from Dove Crag on the horizon, over High Crag then Low Crag.
	Descending from Low Brock Crags with views to the stoney summit of Wansfell Pike.
	On the edge of Low Sweden Coppice looking to hills climbed earlier in the day, Nab Scar leading to Heron Pike, further along the ridge Great Rigg with Fairfield just disappearing out of shot.
	The snow covered slopes of Silver How seen across Rydal Park, with Nab Scar rising to the right.
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