Fairfield (1:25 000 map NY31)

Abstract

There are many ways to climb Fairfield and many thousands do so each year. It can be approached from Patterdale and St. Sunday Crag, from Brother’s Water and Deepdale, from Dovedale, from Kirkstone Pass or from the Grasmere side of the ridge — all equally attractive routes. At 860 metres it is one of the higher Lake District summits and in summer it can be benign; I have seen many family parties ambling across the flat summit area. However, beware! Even in summer, conditions can change rapidly and the bright sunshine of one hour can become the cold wind and rain-laden clouds of the next. Mist is the deceiver; a compass and adequate clothing in a rucksack break the spell, and will also save Mountain Rescue teams a lot of bother. In winter, conditions can be Alpine with cornices overlapping the north-facing precipices, and suitable gear for these conditions is necessary.