Fairfield Horseshoe: Lake District August 22nd 2026
Regular price
£45.00
Beautiful Wainwright Bagging!
The Fairfield Horseshoe is one continuous circuit from Ambleside and one of the Lake District's finest routes, offering great views over Cumbria's mountains and lakes.
There is a particular elegance in being able to climb a succession of peaks and taking advantage of high-level links to do it efficiently. This is the base theory behind most horseshoe walks and applying it has generated a huge number of superb routes.
Summits on Route:
Heron Pike - 612m
Great Rigg - 766m
Fairfield - 873m
Hart Crag - 822m
Dove Crag - 792m
Low Pike - 508m
Distance: 10.5 miles (12.2 miles flat equivalent)
Total Climb: 3,281ft
Target Time: 8 hours
Important info:
-
Accommodation & Transport are not included as part of the event booking. So please book accommodation and make travel arrangement at your earliest convenience, as this is a very popular area to visit. If you would like to join forces with other participants and stay in shared houses and/or lift share, this is likely to provide better value for money. So please reply to your confirmation email to request a joining link to the event WhatsApp group to discuss with the group.
- A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
- Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such sign up information is shared with that nominated charity for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose.
- Dogs are not permitted on this event, due to accommodation restrictions.
- Please note you may need to pay for parking.
- Please keep to the indicated public rights of way and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
- There are often stiles to negotiate on this type of walk.
- Countryside walking can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
- Please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part.
- Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing up.
Required Form:
We need a few more details from everyone, so we know how best to look after you. Once you have booked your walk above, please follow this link and complete some simple questions ASAP: Applicant Information Form
Mountain Kit List:
Tried and tested clothing only
Only pack items needed for walking
- Rucksack - min 25 litres with cover.
- Walking boots; broken in; NO trainers
- Double layer walking socks.
- Waterproof jacket & trousers.
- Base layer top – breathable.
- Warm fleece and spare fleece.
- Walking trousers - NO jeans!
- Multiple thin tops for temp regulation.
- Post-challenge clothes.
- 3 litres of fluid per peak.
- Basic First Aid kit & Sun cream.
- Warm gloves, hat/balaclava.
- Head torch with spare batteries.
- Whistle for sounding the alarm.
- Toiletries, towel.
- Mobile phone & waterproof case
- FULL LIST HERE
Weather:
Hill and mountain walking can be hazardous! Not being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions can lead to over exposure or heat stroke. Layers are key, allowing you to easily adjust your level of warmth. We are likely to experience some nasty weather, so for your safe enjoyment please bring the items specified on the kit list.
Training & Fitness:
The level of training needed depends totally on where you are starting from. Completion of the challenge is dependent on a mixture of fitness, stamina and determination.
As a rough guide we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as you can prior to the event. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Improve your stamina by including a long weekly walk, building up to 15 miles or more. Improve your cardio by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can.
Jogging uphill is a really good way to replicate the cardiovascular strain of walking up a steep mountain and a great way to pack in some intense last-minute training if you are feeling a bit behind.
Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength.
You can't truly replicate the relentlessness of a steep mountain incline, so we fully recommend actually visiting some as part of your training! Great places to train with decent inclines include: The Lake District with 214 Wainwrights; Snowdonia has 14 Peaks over 3,000ft; The Dark Peak District with Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout; the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains with Pen y Fan and Sugar Loaf Mountains.
Finally and most importantly, make sure you take it easy during the last week running up to the event. All top athletes do it - 'Tapering off' is your opportunity to exercise lightly and make sure you do not arrive with a build up of lactic acid in your legs that will slow you down during the challenge.
Food & Drink:
Please pack a substantial lunch as you will be walking for a long day. Also plenty of snacks and a minimum of 3 litres of water.
As with kit, make sure you have tried and tested anything you eat during the challenge - you do not know how your body might react to anything new. The last thing you want to do is test the unknown during the trip. E.g. BEWARE energy gels if you have not used them before!