Fairfield: Height, Walks and Views in the Eastern Fells

Fairfield has two quite different faces: the broad, grassy heights familiar to walkers on the Fairfield Horseshoe, and the steep, craggy northern slopes above Deepdale and Grisedale. At 873.3 metres, it is one of the highest fells in the eastern Lakes, yet its summit feels more like an upland plateau than a peak. Its appeal lies in that contrast, and in the long ridges that connect it to its neighbours.

A broad summit with a rougher northern face

Fairfield stands between the Rydal valley to the south and the heads of Grisedale and Deepdale to the north. Its southern slopes are comparatively smooth and grassy, while the northern side breaks into crags and steep ground. Seen from the south, it can appear a rounded, accommodating fell; from Deepdale, its more rugged character is unmistakable.

The summit is broad, stony and not sharply defined. At 873.3 metres (2,865 feet), it gives an extensive outlook in clear weather, taking in the Helvellyn range, the central Lakeland fells and distant higher ground to the west. The spacious top is also a place where mist can make orientation difficult. Several ridges leave the summit area, and the craggy ground to the north makes sound navigation important.

Fairfield among the Eastern Fells

Fairfield appears in The Eastern Fells, the first volume of Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. It ranks thirteenth in height among the 214 Wainwrights. Within this group of eastern summits, it is a substantial meeting point of ridges rather than an isolated top.

Great Rigg lies along its southern ridge, with Hart Crag to the south-east. To the north-east, the ridge over Cofa Pike connects Fairfield with St Sunday Crag, above the valleys of Deepdale and Grisedale. Seat Sandal stands to the west, across Grisedale Hause. These connections help explain why Fairfield features in several substantial fell walks rather than belonging to just one familiar circuit.

Grisedale Tarn sits below Fairfield’s western side, beneath the surrounding heights of Fairfield, Seat Sandal and Dollywaggon Pike. Tarn, pass and connecting ridges give this side of the fell a distinctly different setting from the open slopes above Rydal.

The Fairfield Horseshoe

Fairfield is best known for the Fairfield Horseshoe, the classic ridge circuit enclosing the Rydal Beck valley above Ambleside. Its eight Wainwright summits are Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike. Fairfield is the highest point and the turning point at the head of the valley.

The circuit’s appeal is its continuity: long stretches of ridge walking, a succession of distinct summits and changing views across the southern Lakes. It is nevertheless a substantial mountain day, with exposed high ground and considerable ascent. Dedicated walking guides provide route details; weather, daylight and navigation deserve as much attention as the summit list.

Where Fairfield stands

Summit at grid reference NY358117 · open full map

The real Fairfield

Walking Fairfield

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Lake District Walk: The Fairfield Horseshoe - Ambleside (walklakes.co.uk)
• The Fairfield Horseshoe Guide - Lake District Walks (roamwithross.com)
• Fairfield Horseshoe via Stone Arthur, Cumbria, England (alltrails.com)

Weather on Fairfield

Conditions estimated at summit height (873 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Fairfield on your wall

A painting of Fairfield can bring back more than the summit: the long approach over Great Rigg, the rough edge above Deepdale, or cloud lifting from the ridges. A print or canvas gives those familiar shapes a lasting place at home, between days on the fells.

Own “Sunlit Snow on Fairfield Ridge” — our painting of Fairfield → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Eastern Fells

• Great Rigg 766 m
• Hart Crag 823 m
• St Sunday Crag 841 m
• Seat Sandal 737 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.