Fairfield Horseshoe


In keeping with tradition, all the walkers managed to identify some free parking to avoid the exorbitant fees charged by the local council.

A number of cryoffs had reduced the numbers but we set off bang on time on the first of our extra loops. Mark had obviously realised that putting loops on the end of a walk would just mean a shorter walk and he was determined to make a full day of it. A scorcher had been forecast.

Loughrigg Fell was our first objective and from the top it felt like you could see the entire Lake District. Back down to the road and on to the route proper - the start of the climb up Fairfield - the first time I had tackled the route in a clockwise direction. Even though midweek there were plenty of folk walking this classic route.

Lunch taken at the summit whilst Anne tried to fathom out her GPS. Unfortunately, none of the rest of us are very technically minded, so we couldn't help.

Shortly after Hart Crag we leave the 'horseshoe' and head off on a path towards Dovedale in search of Priest's Hole Cave our second loop. As this was a steep descent I had reservations as I knew we have to regain the height after our detour. After a little bit of clambering over rocks we eventually discovered the cave - an ideal overnight location with excellent views.

Back in Ambleside by 4.30pm and all of us had exhausted our water supplies. No alternative but to adjourn to a local hostelry to rehydrate.

Super weather, great views, good walking. Approx 17 miles and 5000' ascent


 

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