Fairfield

About Fairfield

Fairfield is the highest of a group of hills in the Eastern Fells standing to the south of the Helvellyn range, at an elevation of 873 m (2,864 ft) and prominence of 299 m (981 ft). It is a satellite of Helvellyn and is listed as a Hewitt, a Nuttall, a Marilyn and a Wainwright. It is situated at the head of the valley of Deepdale.

The grassy slopes on the south side of the mountain form a striking contrast to the dark precipices, scree, combes and deep valleys on the north side. At the flat summit, a rough stony plateau strewn with many cairns, the highest point stands at the western end above Cawk Cove. There are a couple of large windbreaks near the highest point. From here, the walker is rewarded with spectacular views of Helvellyn and Striding Edge, Nethermost Pike, St Sunday Crag and Cofa Pike. Windermere and Coniston Water are in sight, along with all other major fell groups.

Climbing Fairfield

These impressive views make Fairfield a popular climb with walkers. It is most commonly ascended as part of the Fairfield Horseshoe, which starts and ends in either Rydal or Ambleside and traditionally takes in seven other Wainwright peaks (Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield itself, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike). An alternative to this is the Deepdale Horseshoe, covering six Wainwright fells in one circular walk. Beginning and ending in Patterdale, this route visits Arnison Crag, Birks, St Sunday Crag, Fairfield, Hart Crag and Hartsop Above How.