Warm sunshine accompanied the seven who left White Moss quarry under the guidance of leader Tony who had looked at most of the route the previous day. The humid conditions required lots of water though a welcoming cooling breeze on the ridge gave some relief.

Alcock Tarn was the first objective reached by an attractive ledge route above Grasmere. The Fairfield Horseshoe ridge was then easily reached at Nab Scar along an ascending traverse. Further progress along the ridge was halted after Heron Pike as a diversion was made to pick up the Wainwright of Stone Arthur.

The leader studiously ignored comments about height loss and tussocky pathless terrain as the main path was regained at Great Rigg. Fairfield itself soon arrived and with most of the climbing done the rest of the Horseshoe was enjoyed at a relaxed pace with a pleasant lunch stop on Hart Crag.

After the final Wainwright summit of Low Pike the ridge was abandoned for the last time as a beeline was made for a cooling dip for some in a fine pool in Rydal Beck. Leaving the Ambleside hordes behind the group divided into two taking separate routes into the grounds of Rydal Hall.

It was then just a short mile or so along the Coffin Route back to the start and a welcome ice cream to finish the day. 14 miles and 4,000 ft of ascent seemed sufficient for such a splendid Lakeland summer day.