10 miles (16.1km) with 3350ft (1021.1m) Total Ascent.
Today's walk the "Fairfield Horseshoe" is one of my favourites - a hard but rewarding walk with 6 Wainwrights.
Starting from Ambleside we head towards Sweden Bridge and gradually climb towards Fairfield via Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag and Hart Crag. After pausing on Fairfield to take in the glorious views we carry on walking to Grasmere via Great Rigg and the magical Stone Arthur. Pictures of my recent recce for this walk can be seen in "Members Links".
8¼ miles (13.3km) with 2000ft (610m) Ascent.
Today, hopefully, we will climb three of Albert Wainwright's fells. (3 Wainwrights to tick off, that is if you are bagging Albert's fells). No 1: Helm Crag 1,299ft/396m. No 2: Gibson Knott 1,379ft/420m. No 3: Calf Crag 1,762ft/537m.
We start our walk today from Grasmere and climb our first fell, Helm Crag, (known as the Lion and the Lamb as well as the Howitzer). You have to use your imagination here! From the summit we continue along the ridge for 2½ miles climbing the other two summits, Gibson Knott and Calf Crag. From the summit of Calf Crag we make our descent via the Far Easedale path and back to Grasmere, hopefully in time for a brew.
8½ miles (13.7km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.
From Grasmere village car park we head towards the main centre passing the church on the right. We take the road on the left and follow round until we reach the footpath which climbs up then goes off to the left into Redbank Woods. We come out onto the road, turn left and drop down steeply to take the lower footpath on the right beside Grasmere.
We follow this path round the edge of Rydal Water climbing slightly up to a gate and a path through woods to a metalled road which leads down to Pelter Bridge and the main road. We turn left then cross over the road, following the signpost to Rydal Hall and Rydal Mount. Just past Rydal Hall we climb steeply to follow the Coffin Trail past Dove Cottage and down to Grasmere and the coaches.
6 miles (9.7km) with 353ft (108m) Ascent.
A tried and well trodden route. Setting off from Waterhead we make our way to Hayes Garden Centre. Plenty of time for a browse and a coffee! Leaving the Garden Centre we pass through Ambleside via the churchyard and then along the River Rothay to Pelter Bridge on a limited access road. Here we turn left and climb gently until we reach Rydal Water.
We will take the upper permissive path past Rydal Caves, the only real climb of the day. There may still be a detour around some path works in which case there will be mud. After the caves we follow more or less downward paths until we reach Grasmere. We take the shore path for about half the lake before a final road walk brings us to Grasmere village, the coaches, the shops and the cafes. Weather permitting it will be a good start to Christmas.