Sunday, 2nd September 2012

 

Walk: Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike, Rydal Park
Start Point: Rydal Road Grid Ref: NY 364 062
Distance: 10.5 miles Time: 6.5 hours
Weather: Sunny and warm for most of the day
Comments: Approaching the Fairfield Horseshoe in a clockwise direction most of the climbing was completed in the first half of the walk. The steep(ish) climb to Nab Scar was followed by a more gentle ascent to Fairfield via Heron Pike and Great Rigg. It was unusually quiet at the summit and we took time to enjoy the views in all directions. Continuing on our way we made short work of the rocky descents from Fairfield and Hart Crag. It was then a grassy walk beside the wall to reach High Pike and Low Pike, followed by the final descent and a walk through Rydal Park.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

This chair would be welcome at the top of the climb

 

The northern reaches of Windermere

 

From left the horizon comprises of: Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags,

Bow Fell, Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark and Sergeant Crag

 

The group gathers on Nab Scar

 

Loughrigg in the foreground with Coniston Water in the distance

 

Time for elevenses on Heron Crag with views to Fairfield . . .

 

and Windermere in the opposite direction

 

From higher up Grasmere and Lingmoor Fell come into view

 

Great Rigg provides the background for another photo

 

From Fairfield the ridges of the Far Eastern fells stand out clearly . . .

 

and panning round St Sunday Crag, Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike appear in the foreground . . .

 

while further to the left Helvellyn sports a cloudy hat

 

Making our way to Hart Crag we can see our route up the western arm of the horseshoe . . .

 

and a cairn marks the summit . . .

 

as we stop for lunch . . .

 

before gathering for a group photo

 

Tony proudly conquers the summit of Dove Crag as Robb looks on . . .

 

and Christine has a tale to tell

 

It's all downhill from here (well, nearly)

 

By the time we reach High Pike we have decided that this has been the best day of the summer . . .

 

and I take it easy on Low Pike

 

Almost down and we can see our initial climb to Nab Scar

 

Scandale Beck

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