Fairfield Horseshoe
Ambleside, United Kingdom • 9 May 2026
Fairfield Horseshoe
The Fairfield Horseshoe is a fell race that starts and finishes at Rydal Hall near Ambleside. This event follows a clockwise route around the horseshoe formation, covering a distance of 14.5 km (9 miles). Participants must navigate a course that includes 914 meters (2,999 feet) of climbing.
The route is marked with flags from the start to the fell gate at the bottom of the Nab Scar climb, and again on the final descent to the track. Runners must stay on the east side of the wall when descending from Dove Crag. The race finish is located on the track. There are five specific checkpoints:
- 14.5 km course with checkpoints at Nab Scar, Great Rigg, Fairfield summit, Dove Crag, and Low Sweden Bridge.
A cut-off time is enforced at the second checkpoint, Great Rigg, where participants must arrive within 1 hour and 30 minutes. Participants are required to carry the kit specified by Fell Runners Association (FRA) rules. Failure to have the required kit results in disqualification from the start. Water may be an additional mandatory kit requirement.
Parking is available in a designated race car park signed from the A591 for a fee. No parking is permitted at Rydal Hall or in the lane leading to the Hall. Post-race refreshments, including hot drinks and flapjack, are provided in the registration room where prizes are awarded. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.