Classic ridge walk with panoramic views across almost all of the major Lake District fells. This walk takes you to the top of the following: Nab Scar, Low Pike, High Pike (Scandale), Heron Pike North Top, Heron Pike (Redial), Hart Crag, Great Rigg, Fairfield and Dove Crag.
Meet time: 9.15am
Start time: 9.30am
Estimated finish time: 3:00pm to 3.30pm Distance: 16.40 km
Ascent: 1080 m
Ramblers walk grading: A (Strenuous)
Start point: Rydal Road Car Park LA22 9AN Postcode: LA22 9AN
Car parking: Rydal Road Car Park LA22 9AN
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
Description:
Leaving Rydal Road car park turn right, at the mini-roundabout bear left into the Kirkstone Road. In just 50m (55 yards) turn left and bear left again into Nook Lane. Follow the lane to Nook End Farm. Go through the farm yard and the gate the other side.
On the track bear left, and left again to drop down and cross Low Sweden Bridge. Follow the track back round to the right and up the hillside. Reaching the next gateway go through and bear left keeping on the track which then bears right.
Keeping close to the wall is quite undulating: you will have to negotiate the ‘bad step’ on Low Brock Crags which is a short scramble, and you have a number of ladder stiles to climb. Bear left off the main path if this is your wish.
Continue on the main track and later path to take the easier ‘middle ground’ and minimise the number of ladder stiles. Skirting Low Brock Crag the path finds an easy grass ramp to climb.
Above the crags is the “Deep Bog” as mentioned in the introduction above. Pick a line across, keeping clear of the hole. Testing each step with a walking pole helps. Alternatively, crossing to the west side via a ladder stile may be better, or take a wide sweep to the east to avoid this hollow.
Low Pike can be tackled head on with a short scramble. An easier path lies round the other side.
At High Pike the wall has fallen down and is easily crossed: you may want a change of scenery after all the boggy bits.
Follow the wall on to Dove Crag, bear left to rocky Hart Crag where the wall gradually disappears. Drop down to Link Hause and then on to the east ridge of Fairfield, before finally bearing right to the summit.
From the summit of Fairfield turn south, this is a sharp left but it is best to use a compass. Pick up the cairned path heading along the ridge to Great Rigg. Continue over Great Rigg, and bear left at the cairn to follow the ridge to Heron Pike. Carry on to, and down, Nab Scar.
At the bottom of Nab Scar turn left just above Rydal Hall on to the footpath signposted “Ambleside”. Weave through the buildings, there are a few public footpath signs to help you, and bear left onto the track again signposted to Ambleside. Reaching the road at Scandale Bridge bear left and cross the road to the pavement. It’s now barely 1.0km (0.6 miles) back to the town, and car park.
Please contact Mat on number removed by 6pm on Friday 8 September if you are coming on this walk (text or phone, or message on Facebook (Mat Hodgson)). This walk is suitable for dogs as there are not many sheep found around these mountains.
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
Car sharing is now possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.